The Pillars of Humanity

Description

The Pillars of Humanity is the sophomore album by the American metal band The Crucified, released on Ocean Records in 1991, a division of Ocean Entertainment, manufactured and distributed by Word. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Chris Morris and the band at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio in North Hollywood, California.

A few years ago, several bands began creating a hybrid which fused the reckless abandon of punk with the fuller, more musical sound of metal. Secular bands like Suicidal Tendencies may be experiencing the greatest success in this young genre, but The Crucified can be labeled as the best. The combination of Greg Minier’s guitar prowess, the drumming tenacity of Jim Chaffin, the solid bass line of Jeff Belew, and the raw, passionate vocal exclamations of Mark Salomon give this band an edge that commands attention.

Speed metallers who want to hear a high-speed crunch are going to overdose on this record, from the thick and beefy intro all the way to the album ending and bone crunching title track. With time changes galore, this tight band shifts gear from plodding mosh material to break-neck snare smashing, and back again several times – in almost every song! «Mindbender» highlights the band’s affinity for a good crunchin’ anthem (a la «United»), with a great gang chorus that utilizes everyone’s vocal chords at high speed.

The band, at home with a high speed groove, pulls off an authentic representation of what is does live. The guitar tones are great (nice ‘n’ thick), and the drum sounds are just right. What’s great about a ministry like The Crucified is it’s utter lack of pretense, and, like its music and onstage presence, the lyrics take an up-front approach to the truth. For example, «Focus» states that “we’er here to do the Father’s will,” and «The Strength» gives lyricist Mark Salomon a chance to identify himself: “Not a patriot, revolutionist/ not a left or right wing voice/ don’t need a liberal or conservative to tell me about freedom of choice/ My freedom comes from God above.”

Christian music can be pleased with the contribution The Crucified makes in its genre, because it’s done with integrity in every area. [Doug Van Pelt, CCM, February 1992]

> iTunes

CD tracklist:

01. Intro / Hateworld – 5:20
02. It’s All About Fear – 2:29
03. The Wrong One – 3:41
04. Mindbender – 3:53
05. Path To Sorrow – 4:02
06. Fellowship Of Thieves – 3:12
07. Focus – 2:32
08. The Strength – 3:53
09. Blackstone / So-Called Living, 1991 – 4:16
10. The Pillars Of Humanity – 2:57

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Ocean Records.

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