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Mehida: The Eminent Storm

Melodic/Progressive Metal/Rock

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Bullroser Records
www.myspace.com/mehida
Review: Craig Hartranft,  03.14.2010

Before writing this review of Mehida's latest release The Eminent Storm, I reread my review of their 2007 title Blood & Water. Surprisingly (or maybe not), nearly everything I said of that work can be applied to The Eminent Storm. As with the previous work, The Eminent Storm is an eclectic, nearly unclassifiable, measure of genres under the rubric of melodic metal. This, of course, fits the meaning of their name which comes froma a Biblical name roughly translated 'a riddle' or 'sharpness of wit.'

Nevertheless, this album has some characteristics of it's own. The overall tone is immensely more dark and brooding. This is clever contrast to it's obvious subject matter, the Christian faith. Imagine Evergrey converting, and you may have audio visual to what I'm speaking. While there are moments of heaviness throughout, many songs abound with a moody and soothing spiritual atmosphere, thanks often to Harkin's keyboards, which enlightens the lyrical spirituality. Otherwise, the versatile arrangements remain as does Thomas Vikstrom mighty vocal performance.

Possibly the most intriguing thing here, and probably the least one that Dangerdog readers wish to hear about, is the solid integration of the Christian faith in the lyrics. Without once mentioning God, his son and savior Jesus Christ, redemption, or the Christian life, Mehida makes them all quite clear. It's like the Old Testament book of Esther which never mentions God but displays his presence and providence throughout. Those theologically obtuse and inane American Christian bands should take note.

While Mehida's rich musical diversity may confound at the start, The Eminent Storm is another brilliant and entertaining album from this band.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

While Mehida's rich musical diversity may confound at the start, The Eminent Storm is another brilliant and entertaining album from this band.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]