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Worm Gear Magazine
The Christian metal scene continues its long assent out of a murky
past littered with substandard bands more concerned with conveying a
message than actually creating music to get excited over. Along with
other such crushing acts as Training For Utopia, Embodiment and a
select group of others, Northern Michigan's Feast Eternal have
reformed, reorganized and emerged with a passionate album that'll
open some eyes on both sides of the spiritual topic of discussion.
"Prisons of Flesh" is the perfect marriage between melodically
charged death metal and primordial aggression. The twin guitar
attack weaves a tightly knit web of harmony (as on "Dead Eyes" and
Ashes To Dust") which soars with addictive hooks, only to cascade
into bruising "A" chord crunching and a meaty double bass plod.
>From the mood inducing aura of the aforementioned tracks, Feast
mixes up the delivery to keep this CD moving along with aggravated
blast beats as on "Of Service and Suffering" and dissonant riff
structures that empower the track "Into Eternity" with a grating,
tense feeling. Along with interesting drum textures that gives this
material more depth, the monstrously caustic vocals of T.J.
Humlinski add even more tortured variety and ungodly (yuk, yuk)
mayhem to this bands mix. For the most part concentrating on moist,
guttural lows, T.J. effortlessly moves his delivery up into higher
registered screams/phrases where needed within a song, even sounding
a bit like the singer from Blood Feast during the chorus of
"Forgetting God". From rather average brutal death beginnings as was
experienced on the bands 3 song demo several years back, Feast
Eternal have expanded on their influences, incorporated a slight
European characteristic (imagine a unique cross between Bolt Thrower
and In Flames) in with their massively catchy sty le, and for it,
they stand to evolve into a powerhouse of emotive American death.
"Prisons of Flesh" is varied, mighty and solid all the way around…
what more could you ask for?
Marty / Worm Gear Magazine
Eclipse Magazine
From the warrior class of God's creatures comes one of the
most chaotic death metal bands to serve the Lord of the Light. All
preconceptions aside it's time to forget the comical turd offered by
Australia's Mortification. Here's a band with the necessary skills
to prove that Christ and His followers can penetrate the occult
leanings of death metal. While not terribly original, this trio
from Northern Michigan definitely knows how to work the death metal
arena with style and claustrophobic brutality. In fact, there's not
a single demo in the zine that can hold a cross up to the enveloping
sound of Feast Eternal. Those of you able to look past the
religious philosophy are in store for one of the heaviest exports
the mid-west has to offer. By all means contact Feast Eternal at PO
Box 88, Grawn, MI. 49637 USA
Chris Dick
SOD
Those crazy Christians are at it again, torturing guitars,
slaughtering drums and cutting loose with guttural vocal howls sure
to wake the devil, all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Forget
about the lyrics on this eight song torture-fest which weep away
about such things as singing praises on a mountain and finding
comfort beside a babbling brook, Prisons of Flesh is a
gut-wrenching, terror-inducing Death Metal experience of the highest
magnitude, carefully crafted for maximum carnage. Super loud
production brings out the heavy as f**k bass and drum thunder which
sets the stage for the guitar riff aerobatics of John Greenman and
thunderous vocal roars of T.J. Humlinski. Full one Skull deduction
for giving a f**k about salvation, Prisons of Flesh is nonetheless a
tight, powerful, raging beast of a Death Metal album. CD is
available for $12(US), $14(World). Say your prayers!
Unrestrained Magazine
It's pretty cool to see a new death metal band not rip off
their forbears, and create a new dimension as well. Feast Eternal
have the aggression and speed down pat, but what's this; melodic
guitar work. In death metal? How outrageous. Yeah…outrageously
brave and cool. Definitely a band to keep an eye on in the future
cause some label will snap these guys up. 7.5
A. Ristic
Loud Magazine
Many moons ago, I used to be a concert promoter, and a young
band named Feast Eternal used to call a lot to get shows. I only
booked them once or twice a year, and eventually the band passed
away into obscurity. Well folks, the death metal threesome has
returned, and I am glad to report that they bulldoze everything in
sight with this CD. Their music has changed a bit since they
reformed, going after a more melodic form of death metal reminiscent
of In Flames meets Bolt Thrower. "Immersion" and "Flight of the
Fallen" are both killer tunes with several time changes that pummel
all posers yet have enough of a groove to keep the listener's
interest. The best reflection of their talents would have to be
displayed in "Forgetting God," which has the band playing an eight
minute epic that is creative and energetic enough to keep a crowd
interested. Quite a feat. There is not a poor song on the entire
disc, which is also an achievement in itself. The lyrical content
centers its attention on lost souls and the deity of Jesus.
Although fairly typical for this genre, the lyrics are creatively
written and thankfully do not read like a saved version of Cannibal
Corpse (read: no gore or violent imagery). Fans of Extol and Corpse
are sure to embrace the triumphant return of Feast Eternal with
metal flags held high. I'm expecting this band to make a major
splash in the underground metal scene, and for good reason. Metal
fans need to invest in this.
Lazurus Magazine
This is death metal in its purest form. It has all the
ingredients: very abrupt Sabbath-ish tempo changes, heavily
distorted bass, grinding baritone vocals, and some very smooth
guitar riffs. One aspect that seems to set this apart from many
other Christian albums is that the message in the songs are
incredibly diverse, a nice change from the traditional "maggots will
eat your body, Lucifer will roast your soul, etc.." While I have a
soft spot in my heart for less-than-pleasant lyrics, it has a
tendency to get old. I also enjoyed how the songs started
immediately, instead of having these boring, mundane fx intros to
every song. All in all, a killer album worth full CD price. 10/10
Erik Parr
David Magazine
Eight songs of melodic death metal with roaring vocals
mixed with some high shrill vocals independently released by a
three piece from Michigan. The great melodic guitar work on this CD
really sets it apart from the other death bands and keeps me
interested listen after listen. I usually get bored listening to
death metal because it's so repetitive and cheesy, but Feast
Eternal bring forth smooth melodic guitar work that matches up well
with the vocals - which have sing along quality. There is tons of
double bass used in each song. Sometimes the double bass goes
forever and I get a cramp in my leg just listening to it. Lyrically
the band whips out some excellent vocabulary and the songs flow
with the truth of Christ. Great music matched with great lyrics
equals one release I'll be listening to for a while.
Dead E-zine
Rising from the ashes of the band INFESTED, I can safely say
this is one of the top death metal LP's of the year (decade?) This
is not the most brutal, intricately technical, or blatantly original
death I have heard. Mainly it reigns because of the substance and
heart that this music carries. "Prisons of Flesh" has all of the
fundamentals of prominence; Both guttural and shrill vocals, doom to
death speed range, melody and insanity, catchy grooves,
dark/non-progressive atmosphere and addictingly memorable. All of
these elements are incorporated at the opportune time leaving this
debut LP mature as something that usually doesn't come to bands
until their 3rd and 4th albums. Though this band is not a rip-off
and remains unique, I must cry BOLT THROWER (the unparalleled
masters they are!) I hear major BOLT THROWER influence all through
this release, especially the abundant tom-fills, abused high-hat,
and raw, slightly muddled double bass that Andy Whale cast on the
"Warmaster" release. The way these two guys tune and play their kits
creates a charging, warfare style and sound. I enjoy this style
equal to the most complex tech-death percussion. Of Service and
Suffering is the only song I can remember with any blast, But Matt
Skrzypczak's style didn't even make me miss them. The riffing as
well are similar to B T, medieval and imperialistic. The guitar
composition is very smooth, listenable, and compliments the other
member's instrumentation. Nothings worse than some guy who decides
to "wank-off the deep end", raping the song of all it's worth.
Despite the U.S. location (Michigan), Prisons of the Flesh comes off
as the raw, early 90's European death style (UNLEASHED, old
ENTOMBED, MORGOTH) on every song, but Into Eternity. I live and die
by American/Floridian style death, but I guess I have been taught a
lesson. After all this...Do I really have to tell you to get a
copy?!!
"I stare into the dead eyes/Vacant of understanding/ A hunger
quenched within/ Until the choice to awaken"
MUCH
Dead E-zine
A brutality level like no other. If I had to convey this album in
one sentence that would be it. Short and to the point. Obviously a
positive sentence, and hopefully inspiring enough to get you to
consider buying a copy of this album.
Fortunately I've got a little for room to work with and hopeful ly I
will convey those things to you still. Yes you need to seriously
consider getting a copy of this album, it's simply amazing. You
read about the band in the article from the last update of Dead so
you know they've been around for awhile now and have adapted their
style of death metal somewhat and you can hear it all over the
place. The guitars play a distinctive European flair, and the vocals
change up from basic growls to higher pitched vocals quite
frequently. Nice.
The drumming is definitely something that needs to be touched upon
here. Now I don't know what this guy is doing in some of the tracks
but it's not blast beats. Yet it's still really freaking fast and
keeping the pace where it needs to be from song to song. Superb. If
I had only one aspect to touch on I would certainly want you to know
the music is simply incredible, however I'd have to talk about the
lyrics of this album. This album is really getting down to the
business of evangelizing! Take the track k "Forgetting God":
Waters of life - Flowing and pure
Quench this deep thirst - restore my soul
Cover in His blood - Reborn in the spirit
Comforter of Promise - Guide my new life
I surrender my will - and open my heart
I receive what you give - with joy I'm filled
This promise is mine - my life now given
My name again written - Eternally to be with thee.
Here on this mountain I stand singing praises
This chosen one
I who changed my life and gave it to God
Rebellious child weary of idol's and sin
Lord heal me again
By you alone I swear my life the living God
Pour out your blood.
Now I feel this song is about a backslidden Christian who reforms
but still there is some power there. Funny thing is this is only one
song of 8 that are this powerful in the lyrics. All the songs have
that typical deathy feel to them too, and with titles like Dead
Eyes, Into Eternity, Ashes to Dust, and Of Service and Suffering you
can only expect to get a death metal feel from the songs. I mention
this because it's sometimes obvious that even death metal bands tend
to get over cushy sometimes and it just doesn't FEEL right as a
death metal song, like is should have been a black metal song with
more atmosphere...none of that here mind you. All in all this is
one album that you can proudly take to any secular friends house
slap in his CD player and expect the music to blow his mine and the
message to blow his heart.
D LISTER
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