At this point it is proper to regard Becoming the Archetype as a veteran band in the Solid State guild. Their past performances displayed in Terminate Damnation and The Physics of Fire are nothing short of sensational, and with the approach of the band's 10th anniversary, they present to the world their third bearing: Dichotomy.

The album begins straight forward and heavy with "Mountain of Souls," expressing the hardship of being mortal and the yearning of a Christian to be lifted up. The relatively lengthy song eventually mellows out into a piano laden outro that sets the dynamic for Jason Wisdom's classic roar to arouse the outstanding title track with the introduction of a theme of human separation from God. Alex Kenis, who contributed his guitar skills and clean vocals to the band for the Physics of Fire era (2006 - 2008), is no longer with the group (replaced by original guitarist Jon Star), but a few guests lend their singing ability to this project including Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter in the tame bridge of the song Dichotomy." "Self Existent" reminds the listener of BTA's penchant for varying time signatures throughout the passionate verses about Christ's resurrection until the music fades out with the sound of a thumping heartbeat and gives way to the album's one instrumental. The gentle plucking of "St. Anne's Lullaby" creates the beautiful contrast that has always been a distinctive aspect of the band's sound, but it ends rudely after less than two minutes. The second half of the record reveals what seems to have already become a fan favorite as the words of the beloved old hymn "How Great Thou Art" are adapted to a completely unrestrained metal composition. The expectedly extensive "End of the Age" closes the album magnificently with the fade out of a brilliant guitar solo to warm any metal listener's heart.

In conclusion, this third affair exhibits the level of musical prowess and lyrical sincerity that define Becoming the Archetype, and although they've really already outdone themselves with their previous work, Dichotomy is a welcomed addition to a truly remarkable catalog.

- Review date: 11/26/08, written by Tim Harro of Jesusfreakhideout.com