Believer is back, with a project that has received more attention from college radio than any other Christian metal band of late. Dimensions is the Pennsylvania-based band's third thrashing effort with music somewhat reminiscent of their last album, Sanity Obscure, characterized by the guitars and vocals of Kurt Bachman and the heavy rhythm section of Joey Daub (drums) and Jim Winters (bass). Musically, the album is full-on progressive metal, complete with melodic guitar leads, double-bass blast beats, and even an electric violin. Many samples and effects are used, which makes the sound even more interesting. But the strongest aspect of this group is in their totally on-target lyrics. The album deals entirely with apologetics and Christian truth.
The highlight of the album is probably "No Apology," which tells the listener to "expect no apology" for their faith in Christ. "Dimentia" confronts Freudism and atheism: an eerie voice recites the notions of Freud and Sartre over an equally eerie guitar and bass, then the full rhythm kicks in, with Bachman's voice shouting, "Where is the wise man? Scholar of this age/Their dementia calls, leading men to the grave." Newcomer Scott Laird contributes his electric violin talent in "What Is But Cannot Not Be," combining it with the heavy lead guitar for an awesome effect.
The last three songs ("movements") comprise the operatic "Trilogy of Knowledge." "The Lie," "The Truth," and "The Key" address the fall of man, Jesus' temptation, and the path of righteousness, respectively. Here, Bachman shares the vocals with a female opera voice, joined by the ominous electric violin. The combination of these elements with the heavy thrash beat is most effective in "The Key," but is otherwise used a bit much.
With its spiritually-explicit lyrics, solid music, and tight production, this is a welcome addition to any Christian metal collection, as well as an effective witnessing tool.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Tom MacMillanThrash is a captivating genre. Emotionally speaking, it conveys feelings of sadness, anger, and death. What better atmosphere could bands like Believer minister in? The now-defunct group formed in 1986, local to Colebrook, Pennsylvania, and after releasing their first album quickly became recognized as one of Christian metal's leading groups. Believer released two albums -- Extraction from…Heaven's Metal #44Reviewed by Doug Van PeltOkay, the longest wait for a Christian thrash album is finally over - Dimensions is here. This seven-song album shows a progression from the Sanity Obscure sound. Of course, the addition of a violinist to the band spells a musical change, but those of us who have eaten up Believer's tight and progressive thrash have plenty here to feast on. One would think that the departure of a rhythm guitarist…Similar sounding releases
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