I should've known that the debut album (EP) by Jesus Freaks would be a good product. I mean, the only other really metal band that Narrowpath ever signed was an unknown band called The Crucified. The Jesus Freaks, though young, have put out a very credible thrash record. Narrowpath has done what is sure to become a trend in our current economy: short EP releases of new bands that give the public a good taste of a band without a big recording budget. Sonically, these tunes sound good. The drums aren't monstrous, but they're adequate at backing up the rhythm section, which rounds out with pretty good guitar tones and solid bass. The best thing about Jesus Freaks' music is their songwriting. They've developed some cool riffs and fitted them together tightly with attitude vocals. It's pretty easy to spot the Metallica influence in this trio's music--especially in Eric Peterson's vocals. The guitar leads by Zach Martinez are fast, difficult and adequate, but not as outstanding as his tight rhythms. You could say they're expected, versus creative surprises. In Die With Me, he shows good concentration and speed as the band plays several measures in a row. The hottest song, in my opinion, is Hypocrite, a tension-building tune that basically erupts in choruses of "Hypocrite!" It's got power. Eric sounds a lot like James Hetfield of Metallica, but it sounds good. Jesus Freaks are a credible thrash band. If they get any decent distribution, I predict they'll be very popular. The biggest drawback to this album? It's too short!
Other coverage for this album
Dead Zine 2002Reviewed by NecRoSarXSub-Train in its original format, before going through singers and music styles like a coffee shop goes through filters. This was hyped up as the "Christian Metallica," and I must say, this six-song e.p. lives up to the hype. Definite Ride the Lightning flavor, what with the raw speed-metal and dead-on James Hetfield growl. And with the name comes the blatant Jesus-centric message in the lyrics,…Critical Mass #0Reviewed by Tom EdmondsonListening to this E.P. from Jesus Freaks is like taking a trip down memory lane. For one thing it is three years old. Another reason is that it hearkens back to a day gone by in heavy metal. It is noticeably similar to many of the early greats in thrash, i.e. Metallica, Megadeth, and T.T. Quick. Other comparisons, for you youngsters, early Deliverance and Saint. I believe that if this disc had…Similar sounding releases
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