It appears that the 3 years between recording projects have been fertile ones for Eric Peterson and co. One may be inclined to ask the question: Can a band go through changes in personnel and musical style and still maintain their intensity? Well, despite line-up changes Jesus Freaks sound stronger on this full-length album than on their debut E.P. Gone is the thrash style, in is a more post-industrial/new Metallica sound. Fans of Deliverance's Learn album take note, the music here has that same driving feel with some really catchy riffs. You'll be struggling to sit still while listening to this one.
Of the improvements the band has made, most notable is Peterson's vocal style which is much smoother. He has a sort of singing/speaking voice (sprechgesang for you music experts) which sounds really good. It really compliments the music here.
As the artwork suggests, this is sort of a working man's metal album, musically speaking. But lyrically it appears to be a thinking man's album. Here's another area where the guys have made strides.
Finally, I got to see Jesus Freaks in concert about a year ago when they opened for Mortification. I remember being impressed with their sound and wondering why they haven't received more attention. Well, I can't answer that question. But I can tell you this: you'll like them.
Other coverage for this album
Salt #29Reviewed by Roadrunner"Just heavy, not metal", says the ad. That pretty much does sum it up for this disc. Now, whether or not that's a good thing is, of course, up to you. One thing that a bit of metal might have here though, is melody. But hey, if your main concern is how heavy your, uh, rock is, about the only place you'll find it heavier is with a metal band like, say, Entombed. But then, this disc actually…