Album Reviews
Motivik
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Renouncement
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Roxx Records
I happened to be one of the few privileged souls given the opportunity to hear the latest masterpiece by Atlanta Thrashers Motivik, before its official release. I have spent countless hours spinning this album ever since, and have boasted repeatedly that it will undoubtedly be hailed as album of the year. Here is why.
Renouncement is an album that from start to finish holds no fillers and is a sonic landscape of mass proportions. The production is outstandingly clean, and the writing is well-rounded, with much thought put into the musical and lyrical content. It is one of the finest pieces of artistic prowess I've experienced. Even the cover art is brilliantly portrayed.
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As the opening intro begins to unfold, there is a sense that this album is truly epic. The subtleness of classical elements is prevalent throughout the entire album but is first felt in this just over-a-minute sneak peek. The calm before the storm if you will. Without warning there is a crack of lightning as the band quickly shifts gears and explodes into a hematitic thunderstorm at breakneck speed called "Dethroned." The next tune is the title track, "Renouncement." This tune is a wonder within itself as it is not just the title of the album, but a cover and tribute to one of the founding fathers of Christian Thrash Metal known as Betrayal. The guys did a superb job in reimagining this song. The modern take on it is pure genius, and if that alone isn't quite enough to tantalize you, there is also a guest vocal by former Betrayal frontman himself Mr. Chris Ackerman!
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"Break the Walls" presents a more melodic approach than we've experienced thus far on this album. Textured vocals with actual singing lead the way here amid a somewhat gothic theme. This tune is not without surprises either, as the anger that is subconsciously felt works its way to the surface when another guest vocalist emerges via the guttural blasts of Jason Wisdom (Becoming the Archetype). Next is the dark and haunting "Septicemia," which offers some beautifully arranged acoustic guitar followed by a delightful move of dual lead. The allegorical lyrical content here is intelligent, it likens the poisoning of the blood by bad bacteria to not accepting the blood of Christ. The chorus reads, "Upon the cross, His blood was shed to cover all the sins of man, but all in vain they raise their cups and drink the toxin of the dead."
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Six singles were released from this album before its release so I have been familiar with much of the material. However, that being said, the final mix found here pales in comparison to what came before. Of those singles, the one that stood out to me perhaps more than all the others was "This Man I Am," Here is a very introspective tune. Even so, it is presented in such a way that nearly anyone can identify with its message. Another killer single is "Harbinger of Demise," a call to lay down one's pride. This one is perhaps the song that most reflects one of the band's early influences of the legendary Tourniquet. Not to say that others in their repertoire don't show this influence but this one stands out. Don't fear, however, Motivik are no clones and bring something unique to the table.
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"Final Hour" might be the one song that sits just out of place compared to the rest of the material found amid Renouncement. Somewhat of a ballad, it comes across as a breath of fresh air. The band's debut release, Death of the Gunman also had some songs that didn't quite go with the flow. This is not to say that they don't belong or are no good. Quite the contrary! This merely shows another side of the band's artistic expression.
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As the album progresses, another one that caught me off guard was the rap/rock inclusion of "Lord of Death," with words and voice provided by artist Jason Weaver. The organ overlay and solo interlude were also a nice touch, and what a beautiful guitar solo; ultra-melodic! As we move to the next song, "The Storm Within," the thrash attack is back, and baby is it good! The band's penchant for progressiveness is made apparent throughout, it is this one right here that stands out in my book. I love the near-medieval acoustic-laden breakdown and haunting voice that sings in King James English. This is followed through with another killer dual lead that fades to a close.
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"The Head Collector" is an esoteric song lyrically. Poised with a straightforward Metal persona musically, it's yet another stellar tune of solid craftsmanship that falls in line here. The amazing talent of Mr. Andre Chiang of Malaysia's Death Metal sensation Shamash can be heard via "Dead By Daylight." This song represents the only Death Metal incursion in an otherwise tone-focused vocal onslaught of Thrash Metal might that permeates Renouncement.
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The album's closer leads off with a melancholic call before settling into a medium-paced rock swagger with soaring vocals and guitar riffs galore. Topped with another round of melodic lead it stands as the second-longest song of the album and is an epic end to an epic album. It doesn't get any better than this my friends. Motivik are masters at what they do and Renouncement will stand up against any album in Metal today as one of the greatest achievements possible.
-Priest
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