Review by Rachel Jablonski
The Passion of Christ, Mel Gibson’s movie illustrating the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, has created much discussion in recent months. The gutsy move by Gibson to portray an event so historically significant has undoubtedly reached a large number of people despite diverse beliefs. Perhaps small scale in comparison, yet significant still, For Whom the Gods Would Destroy, the latest release from New York based Herod, reveals similar associations. Herod, a ruling dynasty in Palestine at the time of Jesus, is a driving force behind The Passion of Christ. Herod, composed of musicians approximately 2000 years after the time of Jesus, is a force driven by musical passion.
The most inspiring element of For Whom the Gods Would Destroy is the dominant guitar present throughout. The use of duel guitars produces a diverse effect with the low rhythm guitar fueling the high of the lead. An abundance of guitar solos throughout the album adds a welcomed dimension. The Herod sound could be compared to the guitar driven, varied tempos produced by Killswitch Engage. Like Killswitch, it is not hard to imagine Herod being exceptional live. Full of guitar frenzy, For Whom the Gods Would Destroy is simply captivating in deed and in word.
“Into the Sky” is a powerful song both vocally and musically. Guitars distribute ultimate energy, breaking into a slower tempo with the chorus. The clean vocals are distinct, forcing the listener to attention. When Judah Nero sings “into the sky she flies home” the listener is captured as he hits the E note at the end of the line. The song is effective and impossible to listen to just once. But spirits uplifted by attractive arrangements are only the beginning.
Religious subtleties are abundant in the Herod album creating curiosity as to the album’s intent. The band name, Herod, combined with an album title using the word “Gods,” implying more than one opposing Christian and other monotheistic religions, and religious references in song titles and lyrics make for interesting combinations.
“We Are Those People” is a song with discrete religious implications underneath heavy guitar work. “Sticking needles [from] your forehead” screams crown of thorns reportedly placed on Jesus’ head during crucifixion. Notions of salvation, revelation, “separate our souls,” “look to the sky there you will find all your answers,” “god fill me up heal my soul,” “my voice is my god,” and so on seem to be subtle symbols through much of the album. Not that any of this implies one thing or another. Yet these commonalities throughout the album seem to be significant still no matter ultimate intent.
Herod is a band with passionate guitar work, clear vocals, purposeful lyrics, and jam-packed energy. Slightly comparable to the concept of The Passion of Christ, discretely anyway, Herod has the potential to create as much discussion as the movie.