Living Sacrifice Album Review

Living Sacrifice – The Infinite Order

Solid State, 2010

9/10

Christian death metal legends Living Sacrifice released two monumental albums, The Hammering Process (2000) and Conceived In Fire (2002), before calling it quits and the members moving on to other projects. The band quietly reformed and self-released the two-song Death Machine EP in 2008, and now are back in full force with The Infinite Order. While The Hammering Process was a quantum leap forward in the band’s sound, The Infinite Order sees Living Sacrifice continuing their groovy, tribal-infused death metal sound as if the seven years since Conceived In Fire had never passed. “Overkill Exposure” sets the tone for The Infinite Order with a brutal assault of epic proportions. Other standout tracks are “Nietzche’s Madman” with its wicked middle section that leads into the guitar solo and “Organized Lie”, a vicious pummeling of frenetic riffs. Most of the songs are faster, mid-tempo affairs, but the band isn’t afraid to pick up the speed for a few of the 11 songs. Many of the guitar solos sound like they would be at home on earlier releases from Slayer or Exodus, something I never picked up from other Living Sacrifice albums. There’s really not a bad song here, and it’s easy to let yourself get consumed by the sheer intensity of the album while listening to it. Overall, The Infinite Order is a fantastic continuation of the Living Sacrifice legacy. Fans won’t be let down, and let’s just hope that the wait for the next album won’t be so long.

Living Sacrifice will be appearing at The Vault in Buffalo on Sunday, February 14. Support will come from War Of Ages, Shai Hulud, Lionheart, The Commission, and Your Memorial.

Powermad Plans 2010 Activities

Fresh on the heels of Richard Christy's endorsement, Minneapolis power metal legends Powermad have announced that a new album and concerts are in the works for 2010! Radio DJ Paul Weston (WLFE) passed along a detailed update from vocalist/guitarist Joel DuBay as reported on Blabbermouth. Among the key news items: (1) tracks for a new album a already demoed and the band is decided upon a producer, (2) the new album is the band's number one priority for this year, and (3) Powermad is available for shows beginning in Spring 2010. Let's hope that some local shows are also on the agenda! The full statement from Paul Weston can be read here.

Mayhem Minneapolis Concert Announcement

The concert announcements keep rolling in! Controversial Norwegian black metal legends Mayhem have announced a North American tour that will bring them to the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis on Wednesday, April 14. Supports acts will be Ludicra and Tombs.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Fan Club Only Theater Tour

Symphonic hard rock icons Trans-Siberian Orchestra has announced a special non-Christmas tour that will have the touring machine playing theaters. TSO will be only be playing material from their two non-Christmas albums, Beethoven's Last Night in its entirety and alongside selections from 2009's Night Castle. Tickets will only be available to members of the TSO fanclub, and you must currently be a member or register (free) by February 1 to be eligible to purchase tickets for this tour. The trek will be bring TSO to The State Theatre in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 24. To sign up for the TSO fan club, visit www.trans-siberianexpress.com.

Richard Christy Pays Tribute To Powermad

Prolific drummer and Howard Stern sidekick Richard Christy will be paying tribute to Minneapolis legends Powermad with his new band Charred Walls Of The Damned by offering a cover of "Nice Dreams". Although this track was recorded as a Japanese bonus track, it will be available to US fans through iTunes when the self-titled album is released on February 2. Charred Walls Of The Damned also features vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (Judas Priest, Yngwie Malmsteen, Iced Earth, Beyond Fear) and Steve DiGiorgio (Sadus, Testament, Sabastian Bach, many others).

Richard was cool enough to put in some high praise for Powermad, and his reasons for recording "Nice Dreams" in a statement on the Charred Walls Of The Damned Myspace blog:

"I've been a huge fan of Powermad's classic 1989 album ‘Absolute Power' since it came out. I wanted to do a cover song that I loved and at the same time, one that a lot of people probably have not heard. ‘Absolute Power' has been out of print for some time now so I'm sure the song Nice Dreams will be new to a lot of people, but will also bring back some great memories for metalheads like me who love the song and who love Powermad" explains Christy.

Sleaszy Rider Records Signs Cold Colours

Congratulations are in order to Minneapolis-based Cold Colours, who have signed a new record deal with Sleaszy Rider Records. The band's brief announcement can be read on their Myspace blog. Their third album is expected to be released in late 2010.

Cold Colours has two upcoming headlining shows in the area. They will be performing on Saturday, February 27 at The Rock in Maplewood with support from Shadow Craft, Deretia, and Insurrect. Saturday, March 20 will find Cold Colours taking the stage at Station 4 in St. Paul.

Powerman 5000 Returns To Maplewood

As part of an ongoing promotional campaign for Somewhere On The Other Side Of Nowhere, Powerman 5000 has announced a return engagement at The Rock in Maplewood on Thursday, June 10. Support bands have not been announced at this time.

Hypocrisy Announces St. Paul Concert

After having their last tour cancelled due to work visa issues, Swedish Nuclear Blast recording artist Hypocrisy has announced a new North American tour that will bring them to Station 4 in St. Paul on Sunday, May 23. Support acts are Hate, Blackguard, and Swashbuckle.

Epica Keyboardist For North American Tour

Coen Janssen, keyboardist for Epica, has released a statement on his Myspace blog explaining that he will not be joining the band on their North American tour which began last night to focus on commitments related to planning his wedding in April. His replacement for this tour is Oliver Palotai, keyboardist for Kamelot.

Epica will be performing at Station 4 in St. Paul on Saturday, February 6. Support will come from Threat Signal, Blackguard, Echoterra, Gracepoint, and Dread Veil.

Behemoth Concert Tonight Cancelled!

Bad news, indeed - tonight's Behemoth concert at Station 4 in St. Paul has been cancelled due to weather. All bands on the tour, including Septicflesh and Lightning Swords Of Death, are presently stuck in North Dakota. Whiteout snowstorm conditions have forced the closure of I-29, so the bands are unable to travel today. The full statement can be read on Behemoth's Myspace page.