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So here's a rather unusual album for us metalheads to explore. It's not everyday that you come across an album like this one... written and recorded and financed by one single man. Sidney Allen Johnson is the man behind this act, and he was apparently inspired to write this album by a lecture he once attended on the evils of heavy metal. I still don't quite understand what the material itself is all about, but it seems to me like there is a fair amount of depth here. On a basic level, the concept of the album is an ancient era when Satan used evil music to corrupt humanity. I think that Sidney claimed that there are ancient scriptures supporting this and I am admittedly, more than curious. One of the main reasons I really appreciate this album is the fact that this guy really takes himself seriously. Everything about the album and its production is well done, including the cover and booklet design, the artwork, and the mixing. This is quite a feat for a self-financed effort, but it is all presented in the most professional manner. Big-ups to Sidney for pulling this off! This guy obviously has shitloads of talent. Most of the songs are based around hard rock / classic metal riffs, and the acoustic parts are, in my opinion, far superior to the electric. Sidney's deep voice weaves its way through the songs and only adds to the already deep atmosphere created by the music. Thankfully, Sidney has cited Therion as one of his main influences, which should be apparent to anyone that knows anything about Therion. Many segments, the chorus of "A Celestial Kiss" for example, sound exactly like early Therion. And this is by no means a bad thing! I must admit, that the first time I listened to this I didn't appreciate it nearly as much as I do now. It's certainly an album that grows on you.
My main complaint is the boring drum tracks and the often too simplistic song structures. I generally expect more energy and perhaps a little more going on with the electric guitars in their respective sections. I can understand that the lack of energy is largely due to the general atmosphere of the music, but I still couldn't help but miss it. There are a few instances in the album where I find it a little hard to take seriously however, namely the song "Ravishing Music". I couldn't help but chuckle at the lyrical content of this one, and its rather triumphant sounding chorus. On the flip side, it's one of my preferred tracks on the album, because the verses and bridges are heavy as hell. I actually really liked "Descension" as well. I'm not usually very fond of the common introductory tracks, but this one has a very nice feel and sound. It is perhaps a little too good to lead up to "Semjaza's Song" however. "Descension" builds up a lot, and you expect a really triumphant and energetic reprieve. The beginning of Semjaza's song is wicked heavy, leading you on from "Descension", but then it really falls apart once the vocals come in. For some reason it just didn't all match to me. Once it reaches "Violation" however, everything fits great and sounds remarkably better. All in all, a solid effort, and while perhaps not the most technical piece I've ever heard, it can't be ignored that Sidney did everything himself (as far as I know). A very interesting album that I think everyone should at least give two listens. Two, because if you're like me, the first one won't do much for you, and you won't appreciate the album nearly as much as you should.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Descension |
| 2. Semjaza's Song |
| 3. Violation |
| 4. A Celestial Kiss |
| 5. Receive, Trust And Believe |
| 6. Ravishing Music |
| 7. Bleed |
| 8. War Anthem |
| 9. One Man |
| 10. Heaven Can Wait |
| 11. And The Waters Prevailed |
| 12. Rainbow's End |
| 13. Unrepentant |
: 58.37
| Buy other Babylon Mystery Orchestra albums |
