Heaven's Metal doesn't usually have a ratings system, but I have to give this debut album by Precious Death a 4-square rating. That's because it's so good I need to carry four squares of toilet paper with me whenever I hear it. It's that good! The first thing you notice is the pulsating "Southpaw," which can dazzle you with one of several ways: the attitude-saturated lead vocals, the killer BGV's, the monster crunch, the beefy low end, the drum sonics, the choice wah-wah leads, or the sheer power of the thing. When vocalist Chris Scott gets trotting at full speed, he sounds like Living Colour's Cory Glover. The demented 'n' funky first radio single--"Shine"--comes next, showing off the amazing commercial-ability these guys possess. They're heavy enough to please the Pantera or Galactic Cowboys fan, and clean enough vocally to lure the prog rock fan into their musical trap--Once you're in, you're stuck forever! "Hello" is the third perfect song in a row here. It starts off with a passionate vocal delivery that's held back intentionally before the band throws it into overdrive. You'll get a rush (pun intended) hearing the frenetic percussion in "King of Siam." In order to keep from frothing over every song, let's cut to the lyrics. "Strange to Me" covers the overlooked subject of two brothers getting in an argument. The solution? Agree to disagree over the non-essentials. "Talk About the Weather" reminds us, in a finger-snapping way, that we can let down our guard sometimes and reveal what's really going on inside, instead of small talk about the weather. Lastly, this perfect album ends with a ballad. Yes--this band pulls it off! It's a (dare I say) sweet tune about not having to work for our righteousness, but just resting in God and receiving His gift of righteousness to us. Where did these hot BGV's come from? This band is blessed with loads of talent! Unlike their demo, which showed a band majoring on funk metal, P.D. has found an approach that's deeper and wider than that one style alone. "Force Fed," the sole song taken from the "Our Stinkin' Demo," is re-recorded with crunchy sonics that'll crush your skull! Producer Dino M. II is to be saluted for an excellent mix. There's only one problem with this debut album: You need to give it up now, guys, 'cause I don't know how you're gonna top this one! For ordering info, see ad this issue.