This two-hour and thirty-minute video acts as a good history of the band Lightforce, showing the highlights and evolution that metamorphisized the band into what is today known as Mortification. As Steve Rowe introduces the video and begins telling viewers about the validity of Christian heavy metal ministry, I thought, "Oh no! This is going to be another weak attempt at re-hashing the old argument, making for boring material.' As I watched Steve intelligently articulate what his band has been doing for the last several years, I heard a man after God simply share openly what was on his heart. It is a very good documentary that would be a good tool in the hands of pastors and parents. We get a thorough and interesting history of one of Australia's premiere Christian metal bands, including press coverage and concert footage of various stages of the band's career. Although the live footage was shot on a cheesy home video camera, the camera work was not bad at all (meaning no bouncing, out-focus clips, or shots of the drummer during a guitar solo). The sound quality is decent, although the material or the performance was not always up to snuff (especially in the early days). It is interesting to see the band playing on several large stages in front of decent crowds. It helps broaden your focus of God's mission on the earth of saving people from every nation. The video was edited nicely, and features lots of graphics, including some animation of the menacing new logo for Mortification. The video ends with two videos from the new album: "Destroyer Beholds", which includes much war footage superimposed under the band playing live to good effect; and "Until The End", which has flickering flames superimposed over more live footage. Not totally innovative, but downright effective and well representative of the death metal genre. To order this video, send an International Draft in Australian dollars for A$39 (surface mail delivery) or A$45 (Air mail) to: Christian Music Product, PO Box 261, Dandenong, Vic 3175, Australia.
More from Mortification
1996EnVideon
1995Primitive Rhythm Machine
1996The Best Of... Five Years
1994Grind Planets (Video)
1992Scrolls of the Megilloth
2001The Silver Cord Is Severed
