Theocracy

Description

The self-titled debut album by American progressive/power metal band Theocracy was released on MetalAges Records in 2003, distributed in the US by Atomic Distribution. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Matt Smith at Theocracized Studios in Athens, Georgia; between January 2002 and May 2003. Theocracy was founded in 2002 by Matt Smith and originally started out as a one-man project and thus all the instruments and vocals done on the debut album were performed by Smith.

Theocracy (Re-issue)

Founding member of this power metal outfit, Matt Smith, originally handled every aspect of this 2003 debut release. After 10 years and a couple of critically acclaimed albums he returned with his band to address some of the issues in what was a promising recording. Production certainly comes across as crisp and full of depth. The addition of a re-recorded drum track gives the overall sound a more organic and less robotic feel. Theocracy certainly live up to their reputation as a technically gifted and progressive metal band. Speed driven tracks such as «Icthus» and «The Serpent’s Kiss» immediately bring to mind the likes of Dragonforce and many other European power metal bands. Layered choruses, bells, synths and catchy melodies are matched with a solid vocal performance that sits more comfortably when belting out tonsil shredding high notes. The overall feel of these cuts however seems a little over polished to me and I felt that the stronger tracks arrived towards the end of the recording. «Twist Of Fate» thunders along with satisfying double peddling and choppy riffing. The Celtic feel of «The Victory Dance» also added variety. This recording is certainly a must for any lover of slick metal. Three of the tracks come in at over 10 minutes each and yet still provide enough variety to keep the listener hooked in to the passionate message that Theocracy have to share. [Ian Webber, Cross Rhythms, March 2014]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/theocracy/1456106243)

CD tracklist:

01. Prelude – 1:36
02. Ichthus – 4:39
03. The Serpent’s Kiss – 11:56
04. Mountain – 4:48
05. Theocracy – 6:00
06. The Healing Hand (The Gift / Restoration / Adulation / Betrayal / Eternity) – 11:36
07. Sinner – 6:08
08. New Jerusalem – 5:10
09. The Victory Dance – 5:02
10. Twist Of Fate (Descent Into The Valley Of The Shadow / Passage Through The Valley / Ascent Unto The Mountain) – 11:30

Note: The album was remastered and re-issued in 2013 consisting of various mixing upgrades performed by Matt Smith and the addition of live drums recorded by Theocracy drummer Shawn Benson. Released on both Ulterium and Nightmare Records.