THE SACRIFICED - III

The latest album by The Sacrificed has arrived in my hot little hands and it delivers the proverbial goods. Entitled III, this is a more developed and mature band, the addition of Mike Phillips on lead guitar has helped take this band of Florida metal maniacs to the next level. Soaring into 2012 like a rocket into orbit.

The songs are heavy and strong with a few left turns along the way. Much has been speculated about the direction this album would take musically after influences such as ‘Progressive Metal’ and the band name ‘Symphony X’ came to light. Can I put some misconceptions to rest as this album by no means strikes me as a prog metal album. Heck only two songs clock in over 5 minutes! The rest are in the 3-4 minute range.

III is definitely a heavier album than the previous two Sacrificed releases. Songs like Ark of the Covenant is a total bone crusher for sure as is Behold the Power of God. This is full on power metal with many prog metal elements. Album opener Falling will get the ole hair swaying, the arranging is stellar with a wide swath of musical elements and time changes. The Nephilim Agenda hits like a Kenworth at 100 mph, crushing. Don't despair as their is still plenty of melody throught out this 11 song release.

A cover of Queensryche’s Before the Storm appears as well. A track that harkens all the way back to their Warning album of 1984. Earlier era Queensryche influences appear in spots. Words on the Gin causes The Sacrifice to power down a little, but the underlying current of power is quite evident. Its acoustic styling brings a sudden change of pace.

You won’t find a lot of simple melodies that immediately hook in, but you will find songs that demand a second and third listen. It’s one of those things; you realize this is top drawer material, but perhaps that first listen is over before you have a chance to digest it all. With that thought in mind prepare to be engaged, and make sure you have a lyric sheet in front of you as the topics are thoughtful and deep.

With production sounds much akin to their previous 2012, the biggest change is the guitar sound and playing that Mike Phillips has brought. Eli’s vocal is tremendous hitting those higher notes with ease, however a little more clarity in the mixing department would be of benefit. The drumming of Jay Williams is vicious and locks in with new comer bass player Daniel Cordova exceptionally well.

III is a full on metal assault that starts of 2012 in fine fashion. Grab a copy and bang your head right into the New Year in fine fashion. T-shirts anyone??????

8 axes.

THE SACRIFICED - 2012

Roxx Records has delivered up another offering of metal mayhem, The Sacrificed. This trio from Florida has just unleashed their first album for Roxx, entitled 2012. Some have described their music in comparison to Sacred Warrior and Queensryche.

Not really hearing those comparisons myself, aside from vocalist Eli Prinsen, I hear them more akin to a strong mix of classic and modern metal, which at times has an alternative structure with brutal guitar. Heavy Metal ala Switchfoot??? Listen to such tracks as ‘Believe’ or ‘Saved’ and you tell me. It goes from the very heavy to slightly more commercial, without loosing its passionate metal footing.

2012 gets things into high gear with the blistering title track. High energy metal with crushing power and soaring vocals, you’ll be screaming along by the end or spinning your own windmills. The advance single ‘No Promise for Tomorrow’ explodes with loud power chords and bombastic rhythm section. Songs such as ‘The Path of Righteousness’ and ‘The Return’ follow in the metal footsteps of those who’ve tread the metal path in earlier years.

Eli Prinsen, Jay Williams and Johnny Bowder have developed, in some regards, a rather unique sound; dependent on tones an atmosphere, not just bombast. Melodies abound amidst the tapestry of musical tones, the landscape is varied and in depth. Lyrically many familiar concepts are covered but again with a slightly different perspective in how ideas are presented.

The production is solid, yet the guitar is a little to enamored with reverb. It took a little getting used to, as sometimes a ‘big sound’ can leave things cluttered or obscured, there is a lot going on and I like to hear it all. Guitar solos appear on various tracks but not on all, which I found to be effective.

If you were one of the lucky 100 to pre-order you were also treated to The Sacrificeds previous material, The Davinci Hoax as well as two demo releases, The Davinci Hoax in particular is another spectacular assortment of metallic bombast.

The Sacrificed have created a niche, by taking modern sensibility combining it with a classic metal assault that will leave one simply stunned. The variety of tempos and arrangements mixed with Eli’s fantastic vocal performance deliver on many levels.

Grab your leather or denim jacket, bring your own neck brace and prepare to be driven to a musical land of metal wonder. This album has earned its 8 axes which is to say 2012 is a very good album. Don’t miss this one especially if you love something a tad different, with plenty of classic moorings. Prepare to be stretched musically, but you’ll think you’re in familiar territory.

8 axes