PRETERIST: Blood Moon Rising
Surprise of the Year
Each year there is always the anticipation of our favorite artists’ new release, and with that anticipation come the expectations. And always the inevitable process of comparison to what we’ve previously experienced. But one of my favorite moments is when you discover an artist unbeknownst to your head or your ears who delivers a memorable listening experience – one without expectations – like a breath of fresh air!
For me, that band and release in 2022 was Thee Final Chaptre – So Let it be Done. This year Preterist – Blood Moon Rising takes the “surprise of the year” award. Originally self-released in 2022 as a digital only full-length, Bill Roxx (Roxx Records) was so impressed that he just had to bring Blood Moon Rising to physical media on CD … and thanks to Bill for making it happen!
Preterist is primarily a one-man project at this time of Finland’s Simon J. Kok who performs the vocals, drums, keyboards, orchestrations and guitars. However, he is joined by the notorious Carl Johan Grimmark (Narnia), who contributes significantly to the shred, and Egon Veevo on bass guitar.
The Hour is Late, the Day is Short…
As the end of 2023 was rapidly approaching, it came to my attention that there were many releases this year which had been uncovered in these digital pages. It was put upon me (no, not by Doug, but hopefully by the Spirit) to remedy this situation. This exposition of Blood Moon Rising represents the 12th review in a row since that revelation.
One for each month of the year? The twelve days of Christmas? Hmmm…
Regardless, this review will also in this late day and hour of the year likely be the shortest on Doc’s editorial setlist. Maybe…
The Review is Late, the Album is Long…
There is far more worthy description regarding Blood Moon Rising than I am going to be able to cover here but suffice to say this is one of those collections of songs which make you simultaneously smile, tap your foot and bang your head. Oh yeah, and along the way, there is the reveling in the impressive musical chops!
However, the greatest aspect of the music is that these songs have such a positive vibe. Even though some of the subject matter is heavier, there is a light-heartedness to the melodies which is rejuvenating. Additionally, the song execution is flawless, so that even though many of the songs clock in north of 5 minutes (and the album just north of 60 minutes), nothing here ever feels monotonous.
Ultimately, I attribute this to careful and creative songwriting plus contributions by musicians (or in this case mostly one) with a penchant for technical execution and an outright love for what they are doing. When musicians create music for the love of music – rather than the need to crank out another release for the sake of income – the results are exactly what you can hear on an album like Blood Moon Rising.
The Style
While several different descriptives could be applied, to me Blood Moon Rising is commercial melodic prog metal like early Dream Theater, Vanden Plas, Threshold and Shadow Gallery. The idea is that while the music doesn’t necessarily appeal to mainstream consumers (too complex, too instrumental), the music “sounds” like that if those consumers had any sense, they would embrace the music. Catchy hooks, singable choruses, great rhythms and highly discernable vocals. You’ve got all of that – plus the outstanding instrumental complexity/execution – with Preterist.
Yes, there is the Euro power metal thing going on here as well which is just all the more reason to embrace the music.
The Vocals
Kok has the pipes to take this band a long way. Well, that’s what we would say “back then” when quality “singing” mattered. Seriously, his voice isn’t abrasive, his words are clear, and he can carry melody exceptionally well. What more do I need to say?
The Music Production
While the recording volume is a bit below the “industry loudness” standard, I love it! At low and high volumes, the EQ balance is great, just turn the dial to “dial it in” to your preference. Well done.
The Instruments
I don’t know exactly how Grimmark and Kok divided up the guitar leads, but it’s all just so good. The keys play an integral part here, keeping this squarely as more prog, and they not only add great atmosphere but contribute to the “key” melodies as well. And this drumming? If Kok is doing all this and delivering the high level of drumming exhibited on Blood Moon Rising as well, then wow! Impressive.
The Songs
Here is the cop-out part of this review. My normal approach would be to discuss all 12 tracks in some detail. Honestly, that would take me into the longest review I’ve written this year. Let me say this, if you have been around long enough to have experienced the magic of Dream Theater’s Images and Words when it was released (or when you first listened to it) then you have a slight inkling of what is going on here.
I’m not saying Blood Moon Rising compares to that one in terms of impact, scope or even quality, but to listen to these songs repeatedly they just keep getting better. I can’t pick a favorite (or even highlights) as all these songs are really good. There really isn’t a boring or repetitive song in the canon.
The title track rules, so many layers going on here, and “Higher” shows incredible control at breakneck speed. “Free Peoples of the World” is so compelling and there is no doubt that “No More Rebellion” would become an instant classic 30 years ago – the challenge to renew the “risk” involved in standing up for what you believe through a metal anthem with groove!
And while most of these songs retain an identifiable original quality, I can’t neglect the nod to Dream Theater’s iconic “Pull Me Under” on the excellent “This Body of Death.” That opening guitar and then the rhythm guitar later in the track as it builds sounds quite like DT’s 1992 breakthrough hit. But great minds think alike, and it really feels more “tribute-like” than “copy-cat” if that makes sense. Great song.
The Lyrics
Preterist eschatology differs from most mainstream Christian beliefs. Kok outlines his views in the CD insert quite clearly. Categorically, I am not a pastor, theologian or eschatologist. However, I’ve listened to these songs repetitively for several weeks and I can’t really find anything most followers of Christ would find offensive. The majority of the lyrics are more exhortation than proclamation/prophetization/indoctrination.
The CD
Comes with an 8-page booklet with excellent artwork. My only criticism would be that the background art on several pages makes it hard to read the small print lyrics. I would have loved to have seen this one with the full 12 or 16-page treatment. The track listing is printed below. The CD plays perfectly with multiple players and the sound balance, as alluded to above, is quite good.
1. To the Holy Mountain (1:16)
2. They are Already Here (4:07)
3. Higher (6:56)
4. Blood Moon Rising (6:10)
5. This Body of Death (8:40)
6. Free Peoples of the World (4:17)
7. Power of My Mind (5:59)
8. No More Rebellion (5:19)
9. Fire (5:42)
10. Anomaly (00:48)
11. Dying Star (7:26)
12. More Than This (5:53)
Surprise of the Year (Reprise)
If you love technically proficient metal without over-indulgence. If you love commercial metal hooks and melodies. If you love an artist with a passion to craft music from the heart rather than the purse. If you love music which is light-hearted and positive. If you love music which is creative yet draws upon the strengths of 40 years of metal bliss. And finally, if you love music which is exhortational rather than critical and condemning, then look no further than Blood Moon Rising!
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