That consideration aside, this album does not sound like a logical follow-up to its predecessor, "Let Us Prey." No, this sounds like a step into the "Dopethrone" (musically) and even "Supercoven" era (voaclly) of Electric Wizard but with something new. The Electric Wizard have shed the almost experimental sounds found on "Let Us Prey" (remember the piano-led, horror movie soundtrack piece?) for a stripped down vibe akin to the mighty Grief -- on downers. The monumental riffs of Jus Osborn are necessarily omnipresent, but allowed to breathe with some very thick and sludge-filled rhythm guitar work, each song becomes almost epic -– 6 of 'em fill almost 56 minutes. This issue of length is expected, nay, glorified among fans of this genre. If the songs did not build in intensity, if feedback did not abound, if the drums did not pulse and pulverize, if there was not a feeling of oppression or even depression, this would not be true Doom.

While some may ponder the difference between Doom Metal and Stoner Rock, suffice to say that The Electric Wizard will play on regardless. The ultra-heavy riffs, the pounding percussion, the eerie atmospherics, the palpable darkness and hopelessness in the vocal chanting, the aforementioned feedback and buzz, the less than subtle worship of the original Black Sabbath –- yes, faithful reader, they are all here in heaping portions. While original drummer Mark Greening and bassist Tim Bagshaw left Electric Wizard for any number of reasons forming Ramesses to mixed reviews, Jus Osborn has soldiered on and truly crushed with "We Live." If you have ever liked Electric Wizard, check out The Electric Wizard. Everything you loved about this brand of pure, unadulterated Doom is here in spades. However, do not be surprised when those spades shovel dirt on your awaiting grave. DOOOM!

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 55.41