Review Summary: Reborn brings new innovative material to the table, as they take the road less traveled and create inspiring metal.
Living Sacrifice's extensive history stretches back to the late 80's. Throughout every release, their style has drastically changed, from pure thrash in their self titled to debut, to brutal death metal in their third record, Inhabit. Recently, their material has been extremely difficult to place in a specific genre, as they continue to provide unique and interesting music that breaks from the mediocre metal albums often released by other groups. Their fourth album,
Reborn, delivers musical brilliance as well as deep, thoughtful lyrics.
Although the band had recently lost their founding vocalist, Bruce brought an intensity and ferocity that enriched the album, injecting a certain depth and energy that was not present in their previous releases. Although his vocals have limited range here, the power exerted proved to be more than enough. Beneath the ravaging growling, however, Bruce Fitzhugh's lyrical passion is unveiled. Each of the tracks on Reborn contains thoughtful, deep lyrics that reflect their Christian faith. Each song blasts the listener with unmatched ferocity as well as faithful passion.
Reborn's production is raw. Being released in the late 90's, it does not contain any flashy, polished music, but rather assumes a gritty, abrasive sound that pounds on the listener from beginning to end. The guitarists are both articulate and educated in the writing of music, contributing straight forward, yet technical riffs that engulf you and let the adrenaline flow. Each song is unique, with distinct riffs, licks and solos, and each builds on the intensity of the record, never ceasing to provide powerful, catchy melodies.
Reborn brings new innovative material to the table, as they take the road less traveled and create inspiring metal. Although the band's stance may seem to be a fault in the music, the lyrics concerning their faith does not compromise the record's quality by any means. It also comes as a breath of fresh air in a world full of destructive and negative metal lyrics. This record is their definitive thrash album. I highly recommend this album, Living Sacrifice will not fail to impress.
Each track truly stands out, however, some highlights include:
Reborn Empowered: After a building intro, it blasts off into a fast, crushing riff and proceeds to indulge the listener's craving for intense thrash metal.
Sellout: An acoustic intro lays the foundation for an articulate, intriguing track.
Something More: Pounding, adrenaline fueled track.
Reject: Shows the true brilliance of Living Sacrifice, and proves to be a diverse, complex track with more down tuned ferocity.
