The record opens up with the comfortably familiar sound of pops and snaps that provide background noise to well-used old vinyl records. I could almost close my eyes and imagine I was sitting in my grandparents' living room listening to the bluesy refrain of "Farther Along The Valley," but this was a short-lived reprieve. Slowly fading into a chaotic blend of distortion and ferocious snarls, you realize you are about to be tossed on an incredible emotional rollercoaster. "god of Hate" blows the doors off with its aggressive deathcore guitar tone and snarled growls that aggressively challenge the unbeliever and the lukewarm alike, "how much do you hate that the God you hate was breathing life and giving breath when He formed your face/You had a place to hang/but He took your place." The title track continues the ferocious onslaught with lyrics that call the enemy of old to task: "Bring me the head of Baphomet/when the dead walk, the wicked lie still/let the devil talk, Christ acted upon the hill."
Sardis continues the attack on the pseudo-religious hypocrisy that begets legalism, whereas the first single that was released turns its righteous anger on the atheist and unbeliever. "Stained Glass Blues" and "Where Does Darkness Dwell When We Open Our Eyes" close out the offering by refocusing on challenging issues within the church. These are both uncomfortable listens from a lyrical standpoint, as evidenced by James's roaring "You shake my hand on Sunday and stab me in the back on Monday/God doesn't love you more than anyone else so that you can go to hell," in "Stained Glass Blues." Still, they address issues that have been swept under the rug by church leadership for years, and seem more relevant to the current regrettable culture of celebrity pastors being found out.
This album is not an easy listen with its mixture of Slam, deathcore, and aggressively angsty lyrics, but that's the point. Too often in Christian music, bands would rather play it safe to broaden their appeal, and Cleansing of the Temple has chosen to do the opposite. From challenging those within our ranks to those outside, the band has positioned itself well within the self-described mission of bringing "Slam for the King." With the marketing strength of having signed Rottweiler at their backs now, Cleansing of the Temple appears poised to unleash its aggressive sound on an unsuspecting fan base, and with its message, it couldn't have come at a better time. Following the record's release, the band has lined up a few shows in Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky. Be sure to catch them if you get the chance.
- Review date: 7/5/24, written by Matt Baldwin of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Record Label: Rottweiler Records
Album length: 7 tracks
Street Date: July 12, 2024
Buy It: Bandcamp
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