Ordained Fate
[demo]
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Here's a very cool female-fronted thrash band that used to be known as Cryptic Axe before each member got saved and became a Christian band. (If they had a girl drummer, it'd be an all-female band.) There's tons of heavy riffs akin to Iron Maiden/early Dio-Rainbow Egyptian/medieval rhythms, as well as tight speedy, choppy, 90-mile-an-hour rhythms. "Let's Make A Deal" introduces the excellent low-range vocals of rhythm guitarist/lead vocalist Pam Scott. The chorus features some really cool vocal trade-off using a stereo mix. "Call me (echo)..." These girls (and one guy) rock! It is a unique novelty to have all girls at the front of the stage thrashing it up, but these artists can hold their own musically as well. No slouches here! Lyrically, "Let's Make A Deal" talks about the false promises some people hear from preachers asking for money. "My name is Bob (Tilton--it's gotta be), And if the price is right/ You could have success in life...Bow your heads, and say your prayers/ I've got five more minutes, before I'm off the air...Show your faith by how much you pay." Good expose' of creepy practices. An authoritative reading of John 3:16 begins the heavy "No Death", which deftly shows off the band's ability to fly. A scream in every chorus sounds like Lary Dean let his pipes, but no mention is made in the credits to verify this. The leads at the end of the song and in "The Hunted" show off lead guitarist Annette Stupar's strong abilities. Both guitarists have good tones. Check out the instrumental "Temptation 2" for verification. "Wonderful Love" is a great song about fallin' in love with God. To order this 7-song tape, send $6 ($8 anywhere outside U.S) to: Ordained Fate, PO Box 923, Zion IL 60099.