This is the first of a new (hopefully) series of reviews done on a pair of one particular group's recordings, comparing and contrasting what worked, what did not, as well as why the band is significant and should command your attention in the current era. --Tony Belcher, American Editor

God Forbid

What a long strange trip from the shores of New Jersey to the hinterland of Sweden and back again. That is a sort of description of the geographical and audio sensibilities of this group. Clearly an American band, their sound invokes as much Melodic Death Metal as it does good ol' fashioned Hardcore with heaps of Thrash to fill out the balance. Part of the crowd that proudly waves the banner that has been dubbed the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, along with Lamb of God (perhaps the founders of this moniker), Shadows Fall, and Killswitch Engage among others, God Forbid have earned their fanbase and current fanfare by constant touring and solid releases. After a few independent releases Century Media signed the band to a worldwide deal. "Determination" would prove to be their first major tour de force while "Gone Forever" would serve to cement their status in the scene.

Rewind

The year 2001 saw the unleashing of God Forbid's "Determination," a record that garnered high praise from the international Metal press. These accolades accompanied the album:

"God Forbid have just made every other melodic death metal band look rather foolish. God Forbid officially rule." -- Kerrang!

"God Forbid have set forth to establish a new musical standard." -- Metal Maniacs

"Technical yet memorable, catchy yet complex, piledriving yet dynamic." -- Terrorizer

Back then one might have asked "But should we believe the hype?" The answer necessarily would have been a formidable and hearty "Yes!" after seeing the band live. In that setting, God Forbid were positively abusive. Their combination of neck-snapping Thrash, Hardcore breakdowns, and dual harmonies a la those of their Swedish brethren playing Melodic Death Metal proved more than enough to make a believer out of this writer. Byron Davis, vocalist, was primal as he stalked the stage alternatively shouting and singing to the crowd. The duo of twin brothers Doc and Dallas on guitars was nothing less than lethal. The rhythm section of John and Corey (bass and drums, respectively) was more than competent, invoking Vader and Anthrax at once.

So I was sold on the live show, but how would the record sound? I would find out a mere few weeks after that concert. It was killer as expected. Truth be told, it might have been a bit more brutal and technical than I had anticipated but what an outstanding album it was. And is. "Determination" starts with a synthesizer introduction that gives way to an undercurrent of pummeling drums and guitar riffing that makes way for harmonized leads that are punctuated by percussive start-stop riffing not unlike Meshuggah. The entirety of this 88 seconds would not have been out of place as an introduction to a Hypocrisy album, or even one by The Haunted or (current era) Dimmu Borgir. It leads right into a Hardcore/Thrash stomp entitled "Nothing" that, with its alternating vocalizations and musical dynamics, reminds one of what Skinlab could have become if they did not go all Nü.

The rest of the album is populated with riffs, breakdowns, and leads that would make any Metalhead proud. Subharmonies owed to Testament are melded with molten Megadeth leads that are blended with drum passages familiar to Grip, Inc. which are then blind-sided by palm-muted riffs straight out of Gothenburg that are accompanied by vocals and lyrics akin to those of Hatebreed. What a fantastic combination of sounds and styles! "Determination" could be considered quite derivative with the band's perhaps apparent influences being shown clearly on each tattooed sleeve, but God Forbid's ability to run virtually the entire gamut of Metal on one album is noteworthy and memorable in and of itself. That it was done so well is a testament to this band's musicianship and technical excellence. Parting shot: a pair of instrumental tracks preceding the final track are just amazing, hearkening back to the greatness of "Orion" -- by that band who shall not be named. [Easily 8.5 outta 10.]

Fast Forward

So, you've made it this far. This isn't so bad, is it? In fact, maybe you think it's kind of fun. Well, that goes for me, too. Not terrible for a first go at such a thing, huh? Now we Fast Forward to 2004 and the follow-up release entitled "Gone Forever." [An EP entitled "Better Days" was released in between the two proper albums and contains 1 new song from the then forthcoming album, 1 altogether new song exclusive to the EP, a demo of a track that appeared on "Determination," and one track each from the band's two independent releases.] Would God Forbid prove that they were still a potent force in Metal in 2004? Yes, but for different reasons than one might expect.

Whereas on the previous album(s) melodies were mainly reserved for the guitars, they could now be found in the vocal department, too. Where the use of dynamics for the vocals formerly involved a switch from screams and shouts to whispers and spoken words, there is now the inclusion of actual honest-to-Satan singing. This would clearly indicate that they have borrowed a page or two from 'constant' touring partners and 'scene mates' Killswitch Engage and Shadows Fall. Whereas "Determination" was a record chock full of Metal elements they knew 'Heads out there wanted to hear, this one appears to conform somewhat to the latest Metal trend. "Gone Forever" is still a great record, mind you, and some have even called it mandatory.

Other cues borrowed from their mates include an aping of Randy Blythe's (from Lamb of God) vocals in parts of the band's second single, "Force Fed," a song which finds guitar leads that might be argued to belong on a mid-80s Thrash record. On this very same song are some "stuttering" groove riffs that plainly emulate Killswitch Engage. In fact, the intro to the next song also sounds very much like KsE. Could it be that the band has found a new inspiration in its contemporaries and peers? This would appear to be true though this stylistic shift is still rife with God Forbid's Hardcore, mosh-inducing prowess and several nods to the old school, most notably in the leads. On "Antihero" the dual harmonies bring to mind Iron Maiden -- turned up to 11 -- with some Randy Rhoads and Marty Friedman styled leads. "Soul Engraved" even boasts a chorus that conjures Life of Agony and Type O Negative.

If "Force Fed" is the band's second single, the third track "Better Days" has to be the first, having been released on the EP bearing its name. For the most part this is the God Forbid from "Determination" but with choruses that are half sung as if Sevendust were in the studio. I will admit to not caring for Sevendust's brand of 'Rock' but this song is solid from start to finish. It is varied in its execution and shows the band stretching its boundaries a bit. This song is followed by "Precious Lie" which again invokes KsE with its guitar work and sung choruses. The rest of this album is full of catchy hooks making for a more memorable and perhaps listenable experience when compared to its predecessor. 'Tis as if the road has taught these gentlemen a thing or three about writing songs. Like a fine wine, perhaps so, too, will God Forbid age gracefully. [9 outta 10.]

Conclusion

All of the above entails why you need to listen to God Forbid. If you consider yourself Metal, anyway. Well, you Hardcore kids would like it, too. So would you Melodic Death Metal addicts. Hell, even you Emo douchebags would probably find something to your liking. Nah, it ain't a fashionista statement mired in mascara and fishnets so you should pass. Some of you old school or classic Heavy Metalheads might not get this batch of aggression, but then again, maybe you would. Is there enough melody to balance the madness? Decide for yourself. This kind of thing has also been called "Metalcore" but it clearly has more Metal than 'Core. There is definitely a reason God Forbid are so highly regarded. See 'em live and you will understand. Oh, and for those of you keeping score at home, four of five members are black. Or African American for you sensitive types. However, they are satisfied just to be known as Metal musicians. HAIL! \m/