Review Summary: Venture no further than this Conspiracy
A band can make an interesting decision for an album, and the key question is this: was the decision a good one? The decision, of course, is whether to drastically change their sound, or stick on the safer side. These bands want their album to still be enjoyed by fans, of course, so they still implement bits of the sound from their last record, while striking a balance between pleasing former fans and garnering new ones. For Third Day, Conspiracy No. 5 was that record. Though it kept a bit of the southern rock/gospel influence from the band’s first record, Third Day moved much more on their grunge qualities, crafting a superb and heavily enjoyable cross between alternative rock and grunge.
Though this is the hardest album Third Day has put out, it’s not a metal album, or even a heavier grunge record. Indeed, it strikes more of a chord with Creed or early dumbed-down Pearl Jam than Soundgarden or Alice in Chains. As a package, the southern rock has been majorly dumbed down, to the point where if you hadn’t heard the band’s first record, you wouldn’t have ever known they had southern rock qualities. Vocalist Mac still has a slight Georgia edge to his voice, but channels much more of a Scott Stapp/Eddie Vedder tone this time around, and guitarist Brad focuses on palm-muted riffs and power chords rather than southern licks and mini-solos. None of this is negative, however. This harder edge again works for Third Day’s advantage, and it makes their message much more believable and convicting. Never fear, though. Examples “How’s Your Head”, “Have Mercy”, and “My Hope Is You” involve a stronger southern sound, with Mac’s southern glaze becoming more prevalent, and the southern rock licks flooding back in.
“You Make Me Mad” is a noteworthy standout, the Pearl Jam-esque riffs, at the beginning and throughout, and almost-snarls in the chorus show the group’s newfound aggressive grunge edge. Opener “Peace” is considerable also , showcasing a superb pairing of Powell’s quiet vocals, and Avery’s acoustic and electric playing. “Have Mercy” showcases the best riffs of the album, and a passionate southern gospel choir, and “My Hope Is You” is one of Third Day’s strongest mid-tempo songs, and still a staple for identifying the band.
Are there any negatives? Not so much, this is one of the strongest records of the genre. Both bassist and drummer still don’t stand out enough, though tracks “More To This” and “This Song Was Meant For You” show them come out of their shells a little bit. Also, if you are a fan of Third Day’s more CCM/worship material, you won’t enjoy this as much, since it’s intended so much more for a rock listener.
Lyrically, Mac Powell is stronger than ever. Though he still holds fast to his Christian faith and explicit mentions of God, the energetic conviction of tracks “Peace” and “You Make Me Mad” dig into you enough to keep the lyrics from being offensive. And convicting they are: “You Make Me Mad” is the angriest Third Day have ever been, without driving it over the top. They still remain worshipful on tracks like “This Song Was Meant for You” and “My Hope Is In You.”
So, is this stronger than the self-titled? Just barely, considering both are superb releases. The exploration of the grunge elements blended with a slight alt-rock sound and hints of southern rock/gospel is done so cleverly, this is easily one of the strongest Christian rock records of all time. If Third Day’s 1996 record wasn’t edgy enough for you, or you loved the release and want more from the early days of Day, venture no further than this Conspiracy.
