


Album Reviews

Human Code
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Break the Silence
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Girder/Pakaderm
It's been years in the making, and I remember driving around with George as he treated me to the infantile beginnings of what would eventually become Human Code. I have to say that early on there were some things I heard that I loved and some not so much. Guitarist extraordinaire George Ochoa (Deliverance/Worldview), is a perfectionist and, when you add vocalist Michael Drive (Barren Cross) to the talent pool who is equally a perfectionist, you can expect an album nothing short of miraculous.
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The debut effort, titled Break the Silence by this supergroup whose ranks are rounded out by ex-Holy Soldier drummer Terry Russell and Worldview bassist Todd Libby is quite possibly one of the most important releases of our day. The band pulls no punches with this one and is sure to stir some controversy.
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The title track leads this frontal assault and is an anthem call to form, where we are encouraged to stand our ground and not fall for the atrocities within our current societal landscape. This idea sets the pace for all that follows. I have to praise the guys for their insistent pursuit of embracing a modern and relative musical directive, rather than the dated material many of their peers have rehashed throughout their careers. I get nostalgic too but a fresh influx of creative perspective is always welcome.
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"Say What You Mean" kicks in with a nasty bass groove followed by a wicked riff that is a headbangers invitation to endure the pain that is sure to follow from a raucous temperament of exercising one's neck muscles in the associative fashion that is common among those of the community who enjoy such things propelled by this music. Phew! This one is a warning to those with lying tongues.
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Now, whether you consider this Metal or merely Hard Rock is debatable. It is relative terminology after all. That being said, the next tune, "Rain" takes on a very different feel and is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. I remember hearing this one a couple of years ago at the inaugural Immortal Fest with only Libby on piano and Drive on vocals. It moved me then and it moves me now. The studio arrangement gives new meaning to the power ballad. Lyrically this is a very personable song of salvation, but it can easily be attributed to any who have experienced the love God has for us in our shame and his glory.
Another in the line of controversies that Break the Silence sets forth is "Genetic Dysfunfunction," a gritty little ditty that has a marching aptitude about its delivery and sends a clear message that we are more than just science, biology, or genetic makeup. We are not merely programmed robotics and have choices.
I'll take a moment here to address a couple of things about the member's skill set. First, I believe George Ochoa to be one of the most well-equipped composers of the last thirty years. His guitar playing has never been better either. It is so good to finally have something new from Terry Russell. I've always found him to be nothing short of "an animal," pun intended when it comes to pounding the skins. Ever since I witnessed him beating the drums with giant plastic baseball bats back in the Holy Soldier days. Todd Libby has chops! Nuff said! This brings me to Michael Drive, aka Mike Lee. It's no secret that his time with the legendary Barren Cross has always painted him as having a big Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) vibe vocally. This album may be the first time I've ever heard his true voice. After repeated listens, I don't hear any similarities from his previous comparisons. Kudos Mike!
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Continuing with the next tune, we have "Don't Kill the Messenger," a song with a definite swing to it. This one kinda sits apart from the majority of the material on BTS. I like it! At first, it didn't hit me, but it has grown on me quite nicely. I also relate to the song's message as there have been many times in my life when I was hated for speaking the truth in love. "Evermore" might be my favorite track of the entire album. Melodic throughout but with a wallop of distorted guitar riffage, and the thump of the preceding bass line, there is a formula that mixes exceedingly well. The fact that this story is straight-up Biblically based doesn't hurt either.
A melancholic offering, "40 Seconds" does a precise job of making one feel loss and loneliness in one fell swoop. The idea of going to space and not returning isn't necessarily a new one. Ziggy Stardust had "Space Oddity," and Elton John had "Rocketman," but those were pleasantry songs. This is not. Perhaps the most controversial song on the album is the heavy rocker called "Socially Incorrect." with lines like, "My sex is not neutral," "I don't kill my young," and "Forcing the potion," several issues are falling under the umbrella of going against the grain of today's liberally woke generation. Gender preference, abortion, mandatory vaccines, etc. All leading up to making a stand for freedom while escaping tyranny.
"Blame Me," is a very radio-friendly addition that again engages the listener with words that speak to the soul and music that transcends the spiritual aptitude of life's plight. The album is brought to a close with "Lying Whispers." Having much in common with its immediate predecessor, this one is a heartfelt dive into the psyche of the human condition and the struggle to maintain in a world that is not home while contending to live life according to the guidance of God almighty.
There have been some pretty good albums released in 2024 and more to come. Human Code has most assuredly raised the bar with this epic debut. I wouldn't expect anything less from these seasoned vets. Many are heralding Break the Silence as album of the year and I'm inclined to start agreeing with them.
-Priest
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