Review Summary: Fast paced groove metal in the vein of Fear Factory, with a twist.
Fear Factory master mind Dino Cazares returns to the metal fold with a new band, a new lineup and a new sound although traces of Fear Factory can be found throughout the music as Dino's signature style is more present than ever. Rounded out by drummer extraordinaire Tim Yeung, known for participating in death metal powerhouse's Vital Remains and Hate Eternal adds his speed driven abilities to Dino's onslaught. Rounding out the trio is unknown muscle head Tommy Vext. Together, they form a tight unit squeezing as much talent from their abilities and create pounding music tailor made for the 90's metal scene as well as the ever growing metal core scene.
Divine Heresy incorporate a wide variety of styles of extreme music into their music such as hardcore, brutal death metal, metal core, and Fear Factory’s exoskeleton outlining the music being played. Right away you hear the pounding blast beat's and lightning speed double bass that recall some of the death metal legends. Dino Cazares plays Fear Factory influenced riffing while bolstering his sound with more technicality then shown in Fear Factory, while incorporating new elements to his style of old. Solos are to be found throughout, balancing the brutality with the melody. Now, some people might be put off by Tommy's vocal style. With the death metal influences creating the mood of the music, it is rare to hear the 90's flavored hardcore growl being incorporated into the music. The screaming isn't very impressive after the first couple of listens but later it feels like it blends in seamlessly. When Tommy introduces his clean vocals to the mix, you realize that he has a strong voice that many can find listenable upon first listen. Tommy's clean vocals have a mainstream hard rock vibe that could be used in rock acts like Crossfade or Soil. Bass lines are heavy and deep when heard thanks to Joe Payne. Although not sure if he has become a full member, he plays his part well as the rest of the instrument’s begin to rage.
Divine Heresy can't really be pigeonholed into one genre as many styles are immediately heard upon first listen. Dino has always been the strength of Fear Factory, with his hard hitting guitar tones and groove oriented attack, cementing him as one of metal's great guitarists of the 90's. Here, Dino refines his musical assault slightly with adding solos and untold technicality to the mix. This CD is balanced on a more technical groove attack, heavier and harder than Fear Factory, while adding new melodies to the mix as Tommy changes vocal tones. Tommy's clean vocals are the standout on the CD, as a particular strong outing is shown by Tommy. Trading off hardcore growls with hard rock vocals merges perfectly. Anyone familiar with Yeung should expect his high intensified performance to shine on this debut. Standout "Failed Creation" opens up with hardcore vocals and fast drumming patterns as Dino's guitar hit's it's first groove. Tommy's harsh vocals dominate until he beckons’ in the chorus with his strong vocals, adding much needed diversity to the music being played.
Fans of Fear Factory or metal in general should find something to enjoy on this CD, as aspects of rock and metal are merged perfectly. Divine Heresy is an up and coming band complete with tight playing, great songwriting skills, and a strong outing showing potential to become big in the dying metal scene consisting of the likes of Chimaira and Machine Head.
Pros:
-Some diversity is shown throughout, many sub genres blended well.
- Solos add new elements to Fear Factory style riffing
-Strong clean vocals.
Cons:
-Bit repetitive
-Harsh vocals might turn some off.
-More diversity could make this band a house hold name.
- Lyrics are at times immature, and usually just pout in anger.
