Divinefire - Glory Thy Name
Rivel Records - RRCD020 - 2005
By Patrick Walsh
A blend of Scandinavian melo-death and sugary Euro-metal are the order of the day with Divinefire. Featuring Christian Rivel (of Narnia fame) on vocals, Glory Thy Name is sure to appeal to those who enjoy European power metal and have no objections to being bombarded with overt themes about how great being a Christian is. Seriously. So Jesus-phobes need not apply then, but if you think you might be leaning more towards the 'phile' end of the Jesusness scale, then Glory Thy Name will probably be your album of the year. With song-titles such as 'The Way to Eternity' you know what to expect, although even those of a tolerant nature are guaranteed to be irked by the needless insertion of bible passages in nearly every song. Still though, if Akercocke can prance around in suits ranting about the other guy, then why can't these speedy fellows 'blast for Jesus'?
Theological transgressions aside, Divinefire have their moments, and the band must be commended for at least putting a bit of emotion and agression into their material. Opener 'From Death till Life' even has a brief moment of growled vox that juxtaposes Rivel's high-pitched wail nicely. A shame then that the rest of the album fails to pursue this option further, and Glory thy Name becomes tiresome rather quickly. The constant barrage of 'epic' keyboards, singalong choruses and speedy arrangements have edge, but a lack of variety lets this recording down no end. The godawful ballad 'Pay it Forward' does not equate to 'variety' by the way. Decent but it really isn't essential to any power metal afficionado's collection.
5.5/10
Divinefire's Official Website
Rivel Records Official Website
Rivel Records - RRCD020 - 2005
By Patrick Walsh
A blend of Scandinavian melo-death and sugary Euro-metal are the order of the day with Divinefire. Featuring Christian Rivel (of Narnia fame) on vocals, Glory Thy Name is sure to appeal to those who enjoy European power metal and have no objections to being bombarded with overt themes about how great being a Christian is. Seriously. So Jesus-phobes need not apply then, but if you think you might be leaning more towards the 'phile' end of the Jesusness scale, then Glory Thy Name will probably be your album of the year. With song-titles such as 'The Way to Eternity' you know what to expect, although even those of a tolerant nature are guaranteed to be irked by the needless insertion of bible passages in nearly every song. Still though, if Akercocke can prance around in suits ranting about the other guy, then why can't these speedy fellows 'blast for Jesus'?
Theological transgressions aside, Divinefire have their moments, and the band must be commended for at least putting a bit of emotion and agression into their material. Opener 'From Death till Life' even has a brief moment of growled vox that juxtaposes Rivel's high-pitched wail nicely. A shame then that the rest of the album fails to pursue this option further, and Glory thy Name becomes tiresome rather quickly. The constant barrage of 'epic' keyboards, singalong choruses and speedy arrangements have edge, but a lack of variety lets this recording down no end. The godawful ballad 'Pay it Forward' does not equate to 'variety' by the way. Decent but it really isn't essential to any power metal afficionado's collection.
5.5/10
Divinefire's Official Website
Rivel Records Official Website
