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Divine Empire's 4th full length platter has been released and yet the press sheet still advertises the band as "Featuring Ex-Members Of Malevolent Creation." One could imagine, as do I, that Jason Blachowicz and crew might have enough of a name to stand on their own by now, but perhaps not. Maybe Crash Music just wants to plug another of their properties. About that ex-band, I always preferred Blachowicz on vocals to Brett Hoffman, so sue me. Back to the current band, what about the ex-Broken Hope member (Duane Timlin on drums)? Just kidding, folks. With Method of Execution, the Divine Empire boys -- all 3 of 'em! -- have matured a great deal beyond anything that Malevolent Creation were ever about. Oh, sure, there are still whirlwind drums, blistering riffs, rumbling bass, and guttural vocals but this time around some new weapons are in the arsenal. Even Black Metal rears its ugly, malformed head in more than a few places, most notably the keyboards on the album opener and then the riffing of "Storm of Hatred." The aptly titled "Prelude to the Storm" (and even the "storm" itself) contains some clean guitar work and acoustic picking more commonly associated with Classical Guitar -- and it works! Very well, I might add. J.P. Soars is fantastic. Let's hope that Divine Empire can finally shed that bit about who used to be in what band. They've definitely arrived and can undoubtedly stand on their own merits, as well they should. If you must, think Malevolent Creation sprinkled with some Goatwhore and Soilent Green. Oh, the brutality!
| Tracklist |
| 1. Vowed Revenge |
| 2. The Mauler |
| 3. Surgical Strike |
| 4. Dungeon Mask |
| 5. Shadow Of Violence |
| 6. Prelude To The Storm |
| 7. Storm Of Hatred |
| 8. Random Beheadings |
| 9. Incarcarated |
| 10. Judge, Jury & Executioner |
| 11. Terror Zone |
| 12. Sanctioned Homicide |
| 13. Impervious Deception |
| 14. Kill The King |
| 15. Murderous |
| 16. Reduced To Ashes |
: 58.08
| Buy other Divine Empire albums |
