WEAPONS OF GOD: The War Within Us
Weapons of God returns with a brand new release on Roxx Records entitled The War Within Us. One will immediately notice in comparing this release to their previous self-titled album an upgrade in production quality. The album feels heavier because of the stronger production values, instrumental elements are no longer wandering in a morass of the undefined.
This four piece from the American Midwest are a group of seasoned musical veterans who are quite proficient with their instruments. Steve McGowan and Leon Black deliver a solid twin guitar attack with the bone crunching tones to match. Bass player Ed Girard (formerly of Four Star Revival!! completely underrated) cements the bottom end with his solid bass playing. Greg Alan drives the train with his pummeling drum performance.
While many previous articles and reviews seem to describe the band as an amalgam of classic metal and hard rock I’ve never heard anyone mention Pantera or Black Label Society as influences. The groove influences here and certain song structures remind this reviewer of both of the aforementioned acts. No one is ripping anyone off, just the vibe and feel strikes me more modern than a bunch of recycled Led Zeppelin or Deep Purple riffs.
The songs themselves tend to be a bit on the long side with longer intros or bridges. At times things did tend to meander and left one wondering if we could just get on with it. However after repeated listens this wasn’t much of a deterrent to enjoying the album. A grower for sure that one may miss on the first listen. Strong powerful metal tracks are here which should get the faithful headbanging and swaying.
My strongest criticism is that the vocals feel a bit buried in the mix. Steve McGowan delivers what I hear to be a good vocal performance but I do wonder if some added production in this area would enhance this area of future recordings.
The War Within Us delivers a strong metal punch that isn’t old school. Those who prefer their metal in the 21st century would do well to get this album. A one two punch of modern metal prowess with some old school touches, Weapons of God plows the metal ground with a solid metal platter.
About Author
Hi Keven. Thanks for the review. I’ve been a fan of Heaven’s Metal for many years (assuming it’s still the “same” as the early print versions from way back. (?))
I just want to point out that Steve is not the only “vocalist” in Weapons of God. He and I split the duties fairly evenly. I kind of agree on the “production” take you have on the vocals… If it were left up to me we’d probably still be producing those vocals now. And I’d be poorer for it. HAha!
We greatly appreciate your time spent on listening and the review and everything Heaven’s Metal does for the Kingdom and those who have interest in it.
God bless.
Oh and by the way… YES. Pantera and Black Label Society are just a couple of many of my own influences. I always mention Led Zeppelin when asked this question because they were a primary influence on me ever picking up a guitar to begin with. Watching The Song Remains The Same in my younger years had such an impact on my desire to play and to play live that it’s always the first thing that comes to mind. I am also a Pantera and BLS fan. I don’t intentionally write or mimic either of them (and have probably been doing it longer than both but they have both had their impact I’m sure. Whether consciously or subconsciously the outcome is probably the same.
I too appreciate the work that you do in the name of God, as well as for your honest review of the CD and the time spent listening to our music. This was my first studio release as the drummer for Weapons of God and I am open to any constructive criticism that you may have of my drum performance. Thank you