Mirror of Souls

Theocracy | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 9, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B001HAS3PG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,640,605 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What it sounds like when all the pieces come together, April 27, 2010

By 

Khyron (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Mirror of Souls (Audio CD)

Mirror of Souls, the follow-up to Theocracy's eponymous debut (which is to say Matt Smith's debut as the record was a one-man show), escapes every trapping of the so-called "Sophomore slump". From the opening synth intro of "Tower of Ashes" to the trailing piano at the end of the album's opus, the record is in every sense a leap forward for this band.

Though they hail from Georgia, Theocracy is often mistaken for one of the myriad of European power metal acts, due largely to the fact that they simply don't sound like an American metal band. Outside of a few chorus shouts reminiscent of old-school hardcore, Smith's archetypal power metal vocals blend seamlessly with heavy guitars, intricate percussion work and synths that Geddy Lee would certainly recognize. While naming influences (and in an effort to infuriate someone for drawing the comparison), Axl Rose's perfectionism and desire to create visuals with music are felt here as well.

"Souls" compels listeners to not simply listen but to absorb the way in which Smith weaves lyrics with sound to pull an otherwise casual listener into the music. This is beautifully illustrated in the startling dichotomy of "Laying the Demon to Rest" which begins with a wall of guitars, double bass and Smith's over-the-top vocals which then abruptly give way to haunting piano and bells that lay the foundation for the rest of this 9 minute long gem.

While other tracks like the uplifting "On Eagles' Wings" or the lyrically charged "Absolution Day" shine, there are no throw-away songs on this record. There is a sense that every track has been laid into place to provide the proper context for the album's culmination: the 22 plus minute title track. Call it a mini-rock opera if you like, if Theocracy never records another song they will be remembered for this one; a poignant and vulnerable tale of selfishness and absolution, helplessness and redemption. The words "movement" or "piece of music" come to mind as song or track simply are insufficient to describe what has been created here. Smith lays out a theme on acoustic guitar to begin the song which he then expands upon and re-interprets as the protagonist begins to see who he truly is in a hall of mirrors. The track is a journey that, if anything, could have been expanded into an album of its own.

Perhaps the band's greatest achievement here is that they've managed to create an album that feels grand in its scope but is essentially a very personal, introspective look at adversity and the power of God to transform lives. The music, some of the most impressive progressive power metal in recent years, is not the least bit compromised for the message. Both are equally powerful and poignant, making this album very much deserving of your attention.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best metal album of 2008!!!!!, September 8, 2009

By 

Richard Davis - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mirror of Souls (Audio CD)

I don't usually gravitate towards Christian metal, because quite frankly, it's usually not very well written. This on the other hand is a heavy metal MASTERPIECE!!! Someone above compared them to Dream Theater, but they are far and away more closely related to the older Symphony X and Shadow Gallery style of metal. Regardless, the songs are unbelievably excellent!! In a genre that has become stale as of late, this is (no pun intended) a blessing!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly impressed!, June 17, 2009

By 

Todd Robertson (Tillamook, Oregon.) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mirror of Souls (Audio CD)

I have been burning up this disc in my car since I got it, I LOVE this band, soaring melodic vocals, great guitar work, all around pretty close to flawless and the lyrics very clearly glorify the Savior. I would compare these guys to the likes of Dream Theatre, mostly Progressive Metal with an edge and very heavy in parts, every song is very good. This is the best Christian Metal Band to come along in a while in my opinion.