Believer "Sanity Obscure" (1990 Rex Records)
Right up front, it is probably necessary to clarify that Believer is indeed a "Christian" band. However, religious and political preference is irrelevant to me musically, particularly in metal. Despite the Christian element, Believer's lyrics are often at least more philosophical in nature rather than pure preaching. But, this is about music. And Believer is excellent, better than any of the other Christian bands of the late eighties/early nineties. Musically, you can detect influences such as Voivod, early Athiest, and Human-era Death in their sound. We are talking technical thrash that is both agressive and impressive in its scope. Some of the musical ideas presented on this album are very much ahead of their time. Though Dimensions (their one release on Roadrunner Records in 1992) is most often heralded as their greatest achievement, particularly with the incorporation of classical music elements such as a soprano, a string quartet, et al., this album is easily the best balance between quality thrash riffing and technical elements. Included is their first real flirtation with classical music arrangements in the form of Dies Irae (Day of Wrath). It takes some time to build, but unlike most modern bands incorporating classical elements, it does diminish either the metallic or classical aspects, nor does it sound cheesy. Anyone who likes the aforementioned bands and fondly recalls the experimentation of thrash in the late eighties and early nineties is encouraged to check out all the releases of Believer.
Tracklisting
1. Sanity Obscure
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=729DB91A5A594A5A
2. Wisdon's Call
3. Nonpoint
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=74CFC4AC08740E68
4. Idols of Ignorance
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=E915213E124516D5
5. Stop the Madness
6. Dies Irae (Day of Wrath)
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=5EF5AA17325C1096
7. Dust to Dust
8. Like A Song (U2 Cover)
I own all three Believer albums, though "Dimensions" is my favorite.
I still have yet to come up with a new copy of Extraction from Mortality, but they were quite an excellent band. I think I have to vote Dimensions for my overall favorite, but this one is my most listened to Believer album (likely because it was the first one I bought and it kicks ass).
