Voluntary Mortification – Suffer to Rise
Voluntary Mortification – Suffer to Rise
Rottweiler Records
Release Date: 22/07/2022
Running Time: 42:11
Review by Alex Swift
7/10
The term “Christian Deathcore” seems to be somewhat of a contradiction. No matter how passionate bands are about it, it seems strange for devout Christians to use their craft to preach the gospel in a medium that is so frequently assumed to be the antithesis of their beliefs. And sure, we can guffaw at Christian rock’s many embarrassing moments – I’ve been known to do that myself, but our beliefs alone shouldn’t let us ignore some of the intriguing work in the genre. Metal details voyages through hell, serving as a rallying cry for all those clawing their way from the shadows – in that sense, applying a frame of reference informed by the teachings of Christ need not be a negative.
With their debut, Voluntary Mortification have accomplished exactly that. A concept album that uses nine tracks of savage cruelty to depict the protagonist Paul’s descent into the torments of hell and their eventual redemption. It’s a solid narrative that supports a fine Deathcore effort. ‘Death Tremors’, a pulsing, groove-laden mass of unashamed metal, kicks “Suffer to Rise” off.
Here, the five-piece skilfully combine traditional death metal with a more aggressive offering for a final result that will drag you kicking and screaming into to the world they’ve created. ‘Vindicator’ contains a part that would rival practically anyone in terms of brutality. Beginning on a thunderclap of guitars and percussion, the piece later slows to an agonising, glacial beat. In the end, a final volley of scorching chords and screamed vocals come in as you struggle to gather your destroyed remnants.
The album’s second half has some excellent tracks, including the punishing ‘Abomination’, and the album’s closing track, ‘Crush the Serpent’s Head’, which ends the record in brilliantly violent fashion. You’ll feel captivated and liberated by this song as they viciously treat each riff like their sharpening a blade, before slowing the piece to a gigantic, lumbering stomp, and leaving us with a long, cathartic roar.
Noticeably though, there are some issues in the vocal delivery. Although the highs of the vocalist Conner are rather impressive, his lows are somewhat weak. The issue becomes less noticeable as the album progresses, such as on ‘The Cull’, which is just an all-around and absolute destroyer. Make no mistake, the ferocity of his highs rattle you to your bones, and his range does save this record to some extent. However, it’s for the weakness in the lower register that I’m taken out of the experience slightly.
“Suffer To Rise”, as a whole, is a compelling narrative that is sufficiently well-told without particularly breaking new musical ground. Regardless of whether you agree with the bands religious beliefs, their music is compelling enough to demand a listen just for how vicious it can be.
‘Death Tremors’ Official Lyric Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Wages Of Sin
02. Death Tremor
03. Vindicator
04. Valley of Slaughter
05. Silence
06. Demoncratic Society
07. The Cull
08. Abomination
09. Suffer to Rise
10. Into Your Hands
11. Crush The Serpent’s Head
LINE-UP:
Conner – Vocals
Eric – Bass
Matt – Guitar
Jacob – Guitar
Johnny – Drums
LINKS:
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