Believe it or not, I was actually a huge OVERCOME (the band) fan growing up. I do actually attribute a lot to their lyrics, and music that heavily influenced my faith in Christianity. Needless to say, my flesh and sinning took precedence, and I failed in my walk.
All of that aside, in terms of the musical pedigree of Overcome’s music it is what I would consider metalcore music. Which is essentially hardcore, with metal elements. Jason the vocalist was and is what I call the mastermind behind this band. And so it was was with great surprise and expectation to see him getting into creating more traditional straightforward death metal music.
In the case of Indwelling, their first official album, “and my eyes shall weep”. They delivered something that was actually a raw and authentic, even in todays world of hard music. This is less interested in gimmicks and formulas that all revolve around simplistic approaches. But more along the lines of what Overcome started and what Indwelling finished.
The vocals might very well be the most different approach, and its more on the guttural end. But don’t worry if you enjoyed Jason’s vocals, you will on occasion here him on here screaming, in his trademark approach. The music is as mentioned, a lot in line with Overcome. But it is of course maybe faster, and harder in sound. All the while maintaining a melodic and groove orientation.
Something that music has started to do is become less raw and organic and more digital. And I do not necessarily even mean in the instrumentation. I mean in the engineering and mastering. Its exactly why, in some cases I prefer a live rendition of songs versus a mastered and polished album version.
This album does have a raw way about it, which is what I love. This is great death metal. And what is so fascinating and refreshing to me, is the fact that the lyrics has not at all taken a back peddle or tired look. No, its still very creative and downright impressive to read and learn the message behind a lot of these tracks.
This is one of those staples in the christian death metal universe. For me, death metal and christianity. Quality and “good” stuff, is like an needle in the haystack. And this album is exactly that. One that doesn’t get enough respect or recognition.
