... As the World Bleeds

Where do you find a metal album that has soaring vocals, pounding drums, chunky riffs, smoking guitar solo's and hooks that will catch a whale. Add symphonic passages that will stir your spirit, complex time signatures, classical and choral arrangements, and lyrics that are challenging, socially aware, comforting, and honest. All this on one disc and yet it does not come off as weak or disjointed, but bold and with enough aggression to sonically flatten eardrums. Theocracy have written, recorded, produced, and released an album that is brilliant.

Hailing from Athens, GA, Matt Smith recorded Theocracy's first album, writing and recording all the instruments himself with programmed drums. On their second album, Mirror of Souls, Matt recruited Guitarist Jon Hinds and drummer Shawn Benson. Between Mirror of Souls  in 2008, and As the World Bleeds in 2011, Theocracy added Jared Oldham on bass, and Val Allen Wood on lead guitar. One listen thru, and the results speak for themselves, pure aural excellence. After living with this album for awhile now, I must proclaim that it is without a doubt, the best album of 2011. That claim does not even begin do this album justice.


Lyrically, this album is a balance of dark and light emotions and everything in between. It jumps between desperation, and praise, the ugliness of humanity and the purity of Jesus. The title track is brutal in its statements that the United States has become "...a land of filth and money, no longer a land of milk and honey", and the people responsible are the ones whom have let their lights hide in shadows or simply go out. The song ends with chorus singing "please forgive us, we are only drowning in the mess we've made." Hide in the Fairytale tackles delusion and destroys the idea that people are basically good with logic and examples from everyday life. Altar to the Unknown God removes the blindness that the God people mock is the same one that they cry out to for deliverance in the midst of crisis. The basis for this idea is that in the book of Acts, Paul visits Athens, and in the temple is an altar that is labeled "To the Unknown God."

I AM opens the album, and explores the numerous different character traits of God from the basis of the statement that Jesus made, saying simply "I AM." This song is pure worship of the deity of God, and all that he is. The Master Storyteller is another song about crisis and that no matter what, God is in control of all that will or has happened and all we have to do is look around to see the evidence of God's hand in this world. The touch of God is everywhere. This song also shows how the gospel and biblical prophecy has unfolded throughout time. Nailed is from the perspective of a man who has finally found freedom and peace through salvation after years of following different religions and trying to work his way to heaven. Drown is a screaming plea of desperation from a man facing his own humanity and doubt and asking for salvation.The lyrics are written by a man that has been given the gift of poetic creativity along with wisdom, spiritual clarity, and an uncompromising burning desire to light his world for Jesus, and bring salvation to the lost, yet the album does not come off as preachy or  the in-your-face, with the turn-or-burn variety of lyrics.

Matt Smith has said on The Anvil and the Hammer Podcast that he does not have any formal musical training, yet one listen and you would have no idea that this is the case. Each and every song is unique and has its own mood, attitude, tone, delivery and execution. He mixes multilayered choruses, symphonic breaks, breakdowns, blastbeats, and choral passages that are nothing short of brilliant. Matt uses the range of his voice much more effectively than on previous albums, and the outcome is fantastic. Jon and Val absolutely shred. They are the riff masters, and while Val is credited with most of the solo's and lead breaks, Jon has some credited to him as well and is no slouch. Val's solo's tend towards the fast, technical tapping and finger-picking style, while Jon's solo's are slower and more melodic and mood oriented. There are several different passages throughout the album where both guys are soloing in tandem, in different octaves, and they pull it off flawlessly. Jon is also credited with some keyboard work showing that his talent is absolutely beneficial to the sound that this band has achieved. The timing, as well as timing and tempo changes are held down by the cornerstone of the band, Shawn Benson. This man is blessed with talent! The pace that he sets behind the kit, the different beats, and fills, are a testament to his skill, and mastery of his craft. Jared Oldham, is one very talented bassist as well. The rhythm communication that Shawn and Jared have pulled off perfectly, is jaw dropping! Jared has several runs and fills, that I did not catch the first few listens through, and they are tastefully sprinkled throughout the album. There are a ton of prog style elements throughout the album, and none are stale, or repetitive, rather they keep the listener coming back for more, because of how well executed and layered this album is.

Matt Smith said in a podcast after the release of Mirror of Souls that his desire is to make 5 albums that are spiritually, musically and socially relevant. So far he is 3 out of 5. I cannot wait to hear whats next. I cannot say "Thanks" enough to Matt, Jon, Val, Jared, and Shawn, for your ministry, passion, and sharing your gift. I pray that you are blessed for your efforts and continue on. Final Thoughts... BUY-OR-DIE!