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This is a really good album. I would say it is a mix of the good stuff from Brand New Sin's s/t and Stone Sour's s/t. I thought on their previous effort they were trying too much to be Nickelback. This is a good comeback.
This record is good, let me get that out of the way first. They sound more gravely or "rough" but the growls here and there bring back the chorus days a little bit.Another thing, the guitars while very good aren't as memorable as on temptation. Tracks like "the beginning" the albums intro, and "back breaker" are great pump up songs for working out. If I could I'd give it 4.5 but 4 is good enough. Some will say its not as heavy and some will want more temptation but I however improve of it. Its not as technical as I would have liked and the lyrics aren't as Christian or spiritual but they aren't one of those "satanic" bands. Its not a bad record. Songs like "we die young" or "I victim" but they still show talent.
They are still Christians writing some positive songs (see song of hope) but I still hope the next record is more like the first when it comes to lyrics cause that album had some very Christian tunes (laid to rest) regardless the music here is like a mix of a chorus, and temptation come my way. The vocal style isn't as radio friendly as temptation but they still aren't as hard core as chorus. The new version of "give us this day" is also very heavy.As is this album will find a good middle ground for fans of previous albums. I'm just hoping they up the Christian themes on album four.
the beginning song on this album prepares you for the second song which is a definite slobberknocker. these guys are more talented than Disturbed. these guys sound like Slayer went for a positive vibe. personally, I would not insult these guys by comparing them to Disturbed or Slipknot. I like the Greek theme these guys have going. Destroy The Runner is another band that has the Greek theme too.
It's awesome. "The Backbreaker" is a call to all Christians not to be conformed to the world and to rise up and stand for your beliefs.If you're a believer in the Lord, most of the lyrics will hit you dead in the face as down right Christian songs but there is alot to like about this album even for nonbelievers. The 1980's rock n'roll elements that were present on their previous albums are nearly gone and The Showdown has stepped more into an early 90's thrash metal style.
It is so freaking awesome that I cannot stop playing it in my car. "The Hammer of the Gods" fits perfectly on track #2 and talks about a man going up against a strong enemy of God and he is murdered for not renouncing his faith in the Lord. What else can I say.
Now also keep in mind that there are also elements from "Temptation" in the album making "Back Breaker" a great mix between their first and second album.Their first song, an interlude called "The Beginning", serves as a strong piece that lets all listeners know that they are in for a heavy ride from beginning to end. God has truly blessed these 4 believers to create perhaps the most intense Christian metal I have ever heard. If you first heard of these guys when they released "Temptation Come My Way" in 2007, you have been missing out big time.The Showdown has returned back to their roots and have brought back all of the screaming, growling vocals, and hardcore metal elements that made their first album "Chorus of Obliteration" an absolute masterpiece.
"The Disillusionaire" is flat-out awesome and deals with a goddess causing a man to fall back into sin and the man chooses to fight back. Definately for fans of Christian metal and for anyone who loves Pantera, Metallica, and Testament.
The Showdown is known for its techical prowess and this album certainly does not let anyone down who is looking for incredibly tight musicians laying down heavy metal. This is one of the best metal albums I have heard all year. The band melds the right mix of growling metal sing, to piercing metal screams to create an incredible experience for the entire album. The concept of the greek gods incorporated into the song titles and lyrics were an added bonus, and to be honest shows me a little biased because of my interest in the material. Well wortth the money I have loaned it out 2x and both have purchased copies for themselves, its just that good.
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