Extol - Extol (2013)^{Release ID: 10273}

Just when the Christian metal scene seemed to start dying down, with the temporary split-ups of metalcore bands like As I Lay Dying and Underoath, the deathly progressive metal side has boosted it back up with Extol's first comeback! This excellent memorable band reappeared with their first album in 8 years since The Blueprint Dives.

What's noticeable about the band's self-titled album is, the harsh vocals are back in full usage after their singing-dominated previous album, not just the growling side but also the blackened shrieks of the awesome Burial. That and the usual cleans help maintain the deathly progressive balance. Once again, the guitarwork is technical as h*ll, fitting with the drumming speed and tempo changes expected in progressive metal, not to mention the breakdowns having some flavor.

"Betrayal" is the perfect starting track, with a sense of danger and chaos to give you motivation in life. "Open the Gates" opens the deathly progressiveness further in the structure. "Wastelands" follows suit. "A Gift Beyond Human Reach" is a well-done composition of mind-f***ing drumming and riffs.

"Faltering Moves" is almost an extension to the Undeceived instrumental "Where Sleep is Rest", this time with vocals. None of Extol's songs are weak in any way, but "Behold the Sun" comes close. I can't stand the barbershop vocalizing appearing often, and it's because of that this album is a half-star missing from perfection. Following this is "Dawn of Redemption", an acoustic interlude in a similar vein to Synergy's "Aperture", a gentle break from the punishing heaviness.

"Ministers" throws back greatly to the band's earlier style from the late 90s era. The title track can indeed be considered the band's theme song, looking back at all different eras, mostly Undeceived. Enjoyable but slightly predictable. It segues to the twisty "Unveiling the Obscure", in which the Yes-ish vocal harmonies are much better performed.

Once again, Extol knows how to make an extreme progressive journey, as demonstrated in their 2013 album. They certainly sound more mature than they were previously. While it can't beat the perfect glory of their earlier material, there's no doubting the amount of death/progressive metal fans digging this offering. Anyone who thinks metal can't be Christian is dead wrong. As we wait for the band's next album to come after over a decade-long gap, enjoy this progressive adventure I would highly recommend!

Favorites: "Betrayal", "Open the Gates", "A Gift Beyond Human Reach", "Ministers", "Unveiling the Obscure"