I've got to tell you, it took me a while to get into this full-length follow-up to the band's rather awesome thrash-packed e.p. Socially Unacceptable. Mainly because Jesus Freaks is not thrash. No, this first (and regrettably last) full-length release is more in vein of the heavier stuff Alice In Chains put out (think Dirt)- down-tuned, plod-along groove metal. And speaking of "down-tuned", I think the guy who produced this CD forgot to utilize the mid-range equalizers during the mix session. There are times where I can't distinguish between chord changes, and at times the vocals seem lost in the mud. Ah, well.
Lyrically, Jesus Freaks touch on more self-reflective themes, rather than the evangelical onslaught that was Socially Unacceptable. Still quite Christ-centered, mind you, but if we're talking theological comparisons, if Socially Unacceptable was Billy Graham, then Jesus Freaks would be The Pilgrim's Progress. "Human Decline", for instance, is something of a reflection of, well, humankind's decline down the great sewers that is modern society, great parallel to the first chapter of Romans. "The Mystery" is probably my favorite cut on the whole CD, with the chorus stating "You want a piece of me? Call my name. You want a piece of me? Get on your knees and pray, boy...". Great down-tuned, slow burning groovetacular metal cut (did I just say "groovetacular?" Yeesh). "PS 55" is based on Psalm 55, whereas "Testimony" is just that. Anyway, despite rather muddled production, and the obvious backlash of releasing Jesus Freaks one year after that other band released a CD with a similar title (bringing up discussions as to whether or not Jesus Freaks should've titled the CD DC Talk just as a joke), this CD showed growth in both music and lyrical style, just before the band called it quits. It's worth a listen.
7/10
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…Critical Mass #0Reviewed by Tom EdmondsonIt 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…Similar sounding releases
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