Of The Son
At War
5.4
Someone should’ve informed Of the Son that the cover art they chose for At War has already graced 2002’s Incorrigible Bigotry – an album put out by the notorious, unabashed racists Arghoslent. Beliefs aside, from what I’ve heard the latter appears to be a great album – it’s not like anyone could ever confuse Of the Son for Arghoslent since their logos are emblazoned on their respective releases – but it just looks bad when cover art gets reused.
So with that out of the way, perhaps we can move on to discuss the latest effort by self-proclaimed “xPRAISECOREx” unit OtS. At War is predictably similar to other releases that call Facedown/Strike First/Harvest Earth their home: outspoken, Christian metalcore that is competent yet typical in every way imaginable. Unlike a select few of their peers, however, this foursome fail to rise above mediocrity, but aren’t irritating unless one needlessly dwells on the lyrics. Periodically – when the intertwined guitar/drum assault rests during “Kill Your Past” – the minimalist approach seems to work, and though the growls are of an average variety, they suffice whereas the clean singing does not. “Sinless” bears a slight, nearly undetectable resemblance to Mastodon – an assertion arguably proven by the Leviathan shirt that one of the members sports in an official photo. Fellow studio offerings “I Live for the Day I Die” and “Crucify” are likewise inconsequential. Unsurprisingly, the production is adequate all around, as it is on the remainder of At War, which consists of live recordings “Sinless,” “Praise unto Christ,” and “Lion of Judah” – the last two from their full-length The Dead Will Rise.
Nonetheless, despite the redeeming qualities or lack of annoying traits, rather, we’ve heard this all before, and there’s no good reason why anyone should place these guys above myriad, superior acts. It’s almost as if Of the Son learned their instruments solely to praise J.C. And while it’s just a hunch, I bet they aren’t enjoying the new Vader as much as I am.
