Reviewed by Jonathan Langley

Christian metal can sometimes be a little too in love with the apocalyptic images from the book of Revelation. And fair enough. Images of destruction, death and darkness that will go down well with deacons and elders suspicious of a heavier aesthetic are not all that plentiful. But while end-times prophesies might be legitimate sources of guidance, they can make Christian lyrics as single-issue and repetitive as much black metal. That is why Pittsburgh's Demise Of Eros are so refreshing. With lyrics that deal cathartically with sin and disillusionment and reverently and honestly with dependence on God, DOE are singularly real and uncheesy for a metal band. Musically, 'Neither Storm Nor Quake Nor Fire' is pure metalcore, marrying the blistering intensity and brevity of hardcore with the guitar flourishes and love of riffs in classic thrash, death and black metal. Vocals lean more towards the latter but not too much. "Of Ages Past (Salaxative)" provides one of several nods to 'Puppets' era Metallica, while "Scream For Me, Brazil!" demonstrates the technical proficiency and sensitivity easy to miss on most of the heavier tracks. This is muscle-rippling, hair-swinging stuff that's lyrically and musically free of cringe moments for both Christian and non-Christian audiences.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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