Customer Reviews

Mirror of Souls

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!!

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.

Epic. Face Melting. Spine Tingling. Volcanic. Dog-shaving. Choose your positive adjective, and it likely applies.

The music is great. Matt Smith has PIPES and can sing. The drummer has a double kick and he uses it. The guitar is loud and shred-tastic!

It's ACTUAL metal: European-style POWER metal, not the "Angry Justin Beiber meets a bulldog with tourettes" junk we've been forced to endure for so long. POWER metal means it's melodic, heavy, driving, and actually involves musicianship and song writing. Theocracy is the hot sauce in the mayonnaise isle of Christian metal.

It's about FREAKING time. I'm SO sick of "metal" being a bus load of ugly bearded dudes doing their best to look homeless, posing with their idiotic collar bone tatoos showing through their low cut metrosexual v-neck shirts, and putting out albumns that sound like an experiment in seeing how many songes can be written with 6 power chords and seeing how much abuse the human throat can take.

Theocracy is kung fu where other bands are simply clog dancing.

But, that's actually not why I love this album more than being forced to eat chocolate cream pie for a good cause.

Honestly, it's the lyrics.

This is, for the first time in a LONG while, a Christian band who sings about Christ and isn't hopelessly shallow. I don't follow the Christian scene much anymore because it's almost been entirely overrun by people who apparently slept through Sunday school.

I get frustrated reading lyrics that are so vague that they could be about processed cheese spread, or lyrics that suggest that the author thinks "theology" is the study of definite articles.

Before Theocracy, the only musical groups I knew of that had anything remotely close to edifying lyrics were bands like Majestic Vanguard, Narnia, Audiovision and Veni Domine. They're basically 'positive' and occasionally good, but nothing that's much better than bands like Ayreon, Angra or After Forever (i.e. stupid or maybe funny).

Theocracy though, is AMAZING lyrically. They sing about overcoming sin ("Lay the Demon to Rest"), the atonement of Christ ("Absolution Day"), the glory of God in suffering ("On Eagles Wings"), etc. If Grace Community Church EVER had a metal worship service (that thought in itself is hilarious), Pastor Matt Smith would be leading the congregational head-banging.

Theocracy brings back memories of Tourniquet and Whitecross, where I used to look up the lyrics in the liner notes and actually have the music turn my thoughts to Christ. That music actually edified me. Theocracy is the same. It is face meltingly awesome, but it's amazingly rare; it turns my thoughts to the Lord and is actually edifying.

If you're a Christian and love metal, you should have a bake sale and buy "Mirror of Souls". You won't regret it.

Thanks Matt.

First off, I would like to say that I believe 5 star ratings should only be given rarely; they are reserved for albums that are completely perfect and wonderful in every way. Concordantly, it seems I am in the minority, because I see many 5 star ratings for so much sub-par music all over Amazon.com. If some not-too-objective person just likes the fact that a particular metal or rock album has crunchy and/or downtuned guitars and sounds "edgy" or "heavy", they'll not hesitate to give it the highest possible rating. Many times this will only be the 2nd or 3rd album this person has ever heard. One example of why you can't trust a 5 star rating is that Papa Roach has inexplicably gotten several of them.

So, with that glimpse into my nitpicky, arrogant musical elitism, I would like to unapologetically say that this album deserves at least 4 ½ stars. At least. I'm serious. I am utterly blown away by Mirror of Souls. The talent is undeniable: some of the most powerful vocals I've ever heard, with an incredible range; reminiscent of Michael Sweet and Bruce Dickinson - chunky, thrashing, unrelenting guitars - skull-cracking drums, which could create a heart arrhythmia after extended listening - outstanding production quality. I'm kind of flabbergasted as to why these guys are an obscure, independent metal band I just happened to come across online, and listened to some samples just from being intrigued by their name; why aren't they on the cover of Metal Hammer or something? Theocracy would be a gold mine for whatever label, Christian or secular, is lucky enough to sign them. I have a feeling they won't be obscure for long. The guitar riffs and vocal melodies are likeable right away. There is a nice diversity of styles throughout the album, from thrash and death metal (intro to "Laying the Demons to Rest", "Retribution day"), to epic power metal ("Tower of Ashes"), to acoustic ballads ("Bethlehem"), to prog-metal madness ("Mirror of Souls"), and of course, anthemic choruses in just about every song. One might be puzzled by the apparent lack of guitar solos, but it is certainly not for lack of skills (see the pre-chorus section of "On Eagles' Wings"). Theocracy rightly realizes that you don't need to go Petrucci all the time to hold peoples' attention. Creating engrossing musical nuances/themes/melodies is more than enough. If you are any kind of metal fan, especially one who is burnt out from the hoards of metal pretenders that all sound the same, this album is a breath of fresh air and will blow you away.

It's a great album! Produced excelent. One of ten best album of melodic metal in Germany.

Theocracy's first album was a one man band with Matt Smith handling all vocals, guitars, bass and drum machines. While a strong debut, the vocals were undermixed and the production could have been better. On their Sophomore release, "Mirror of Souls," Theocracy is now a trio with Matt adding a guitarist and drummer to the mix. This has given Theocracy some much needed depth and power to their sound.

The production is much better this time around and so are the songs. Matt covers a wide variety of Christian themes and subject matter in his lyrics like: Martyerdom - "Martyr," spiritual warfare -"Laying the Demon to Rest," praise - "On Eagles Wings," and the birth of Christ - "Betheleham." Lyrically and musically speaking, this album is very good!

Theocracy's style is similar to symphonic/power metal bands like Edguy and Avantasia, 80's thrash/power metal bands like Metal Church and Vicious Rumors also spring to mind. While the rhythm guitar work is very heavy and good, the leads are few and far between and are kind of simple for my tastes. I would have preferred more blistering leads and or shredding solos as found on the albums of comparative bands.

My only other complaint is that once again Matt's vocals are a little undermixed. I like the heavy guitar sound however, and the vocal mix is still better than the last album! With only two cons this album is otherwise very good!!! Fans of symphonic/power metal should check this out as it is among the best in the genre. Christians should be pleased that a good Christian power metal album has hit the market. Non-Christians should still check this out for the music and to see what Christianity is "really" all about! Being both a Christian and a musician I am pleased to have "Mirror of souls" in my collection!!!

Think if you can of a band that can deliver music that is a combination of the very best of Stryper, Metallica, Queensryche and Dream Theater, and all in just 8 songs. That my friend is Theocracy, is without a doubt not only the best new Christian metal in the block, is one of the best bands in any genre of modern rock music. This album is simply amazing, inspirationally written, expertly produced, masterfully perform, is a freaking masterpiece from the very first note.You can only compare it with other mayor works by Symphony X, Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Deliverance, Stryper and Redemption. If you like, well not really like but just love true metal music taken to the level of high art, get this album right now, the future is waiting for you.

In my opinion, much better than the first effort. Matt Smith has definitely become a better singer on this Sophmore effort because he does not have to worry about playing other instruments. I LOVE this CD.

Theocracy's 2nd album is definitely a very good one, lots of catchy and creative melodies on here, great production, very praise-worthy lyrics. This definitely ranks among one of my top Christian albums, but NOT one of my top power metal albums. Any Christian looking for a good dose of power metal will find it here, although there are things they may not like at first, or at least eventually get a little bored of. I also don't think this band will appeal much to power metal fans who are not Christians.
By that I mean, if you're into "darker" or more serious and melodramatic power metal bands like Iced Earth, Human Fortress, Symphony X, Blind Guardian or Kamelot, you may LIKE this album but won't LOVE it like power metal fans of more upbeat bands like Elvenking, Sonata Arctica, Stryper (maybe), or Dragonforce. This is more like Chris Tomlin gone metal than anything else to be honest. Since I personally don't use music as a main medium for worship, I prefer (and sadly miss) Human Fortress, who are the only serious "middle-earth/fantasy" sounding Christian power metal band that's probably ever existed or ever will exist. There is no type of "middle-earthy" sound to Theocracy, but more straight power metal like Sonata Arctica (actually, SA is probably the best band to compare these guys to). The lead singer has a pretty high voice at times which may actually turn some power metal fans off (he tends to overuse it a little), but that's sort of what power metal is all about. Songwise, these are good songs but some tend to elongate themselves too much, Theocracy would've done well to sort of "trim the fat" a little at certain sections.
I know it seems like I've put this album down but I'm not, I'm just telling you what you're buying. This is a good album, no doubt, and the final 20+ minute epic "Mirror Of Souls" is an INCREDIBLE song that seems to (never read the lyrics) tell the story of a young man coming forth to Christ as a new Christian, and it's very uplifting and inspiring.
So since there is a scarcity of Christian power metal out there (at least good power metal) I'd recommend picking this one up if you're a Power metal fan.