Reviewed by David Cranson

  As I listened to this I thought about Roger Martinez – the lead screamer with this lot.  The last I’d heard he had become an atheist – indeed, very anti-Christian.  If that is still the case then it is a sad, sad loss to Christian music and outreach.  Back in ’88 when ‘Human Sacrifice’ was first released, the loudest you could get would’ve been something along the lines of Stryper or REZ.  Great bands, but not a patch on Vengeance – as they were then – in the noise stakes!  No nonsense was a word meant for Vengeance Rising.  “Human Sacrifice”, the title track a case in point – straight-ahead Christian lyrics, quoting Christ – “This is the blood of the New Covenant”.  Or how about this from “Burn” – “Burn Satan Burn…/I’ll be glad when you’re damned”.  You could never accuse them of reticence in putting forward their opinions.  But the best track is “White Throne”.  Two and a half minutes of BRILLIANCE.  “Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide at the WHITE THRONE!! – Are you listening, to what I say!”  Wham, bam, boom – just like that.  ‘Once Dead’ was released in 1990 and carried on the same ideas and power.  “Warfare” is in your face – “We wrestle not with flesh & blood…” – menacingly preceded by the Lord’s Prayer; and with tracks like “Frontal Lobotomy”. “The Wrath To Come” and “Into The Abyss” you know that you’re in for nice quiet easy listening (!).  Without this lot leading the way there would be no Mortification and others today.  One thing, I got a review copy, with no lyrics printed, and I (really) struggled with some of the words due to Roger’s ‘unique’ vocal style.  Not to everyone’s taste, but a very good example of the genre.  Finally, why did they cover “Space Truckin’”?  Yes, THAT one… (Pray for Roger).

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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