MOTIVIK – Renouncement

Progressive Thrash Metal Redemptive Bliss

Atlanta’s metal outfit Motivik are back with a lengthy slab (nearly 60 minutes) of thrashy, progressive metal which serves as a follow up to 2021’s Death of the Gunmanan album which explored cinematic progressive thrash metal with plenty of grit and creativity. Led by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ryan Roebuck (now also playing with Ritual Servant) Renouncement represents a further progression for the band which still consists of primarily Ryan Roebuck and vocalist Courtney Simmons.

Motivik have added session drummer Alex Emidio and tons of guest artists – Jason Weaver (vocals), Chris Ackerman (Betrayal), Jason Wisdom (Becoming the Archetype/Death Therapy), Andre Chiang (vocals), Greg Minier (guitars), Derek Corzine (guitars). The album is mixed by Corzine and mastered by Rob Colwell so the sound quality of this recording is primo – first rate – the perfect balance of clear melodic definition of the voices with bass-end punch and mid-range power.

Right out of the gate, Renouncement has the diverse flavor of last year’s Testimony of Apocalypse release, The Offering. This is likely due to the diverse nature of the vocal contributions and styles. Most of the singing styles here, however, fall into either the melodic metal or thrash metal realms – no death metal. So for those who like a more “coherent and discernable” vocal approach, Motivik has delivered a feast of heavy, fast and engagingly “singable” metal anthems.

Vocals aside, the music shreds with that perfect balance of mid-tempo to fast thrash, power/progressive metal conviction which never becomes disconnected with discernable and memorable melodies (Metallica, Megadeth, Tourniquet, Betrayal, Believer, Ritual Servant, etc.). The guitar crunch/bass-thumping rhythm is perfectly blended with dynamic drumming. Some of the cinematic appeal of Gunman can still be heard (particularly on the opening track) but Renouncement just feels like a more direct metal statement – these songs punching in the heavyweight class.

In that regard, the Christian scene has often been maligned because the artists don’t quite step up to the same level of “professional execution” and production quality as their secular counterparts. While I am not a fan of distinguishing separate “scenes” I recognize this is still a reality. Regardless, Renouncement, first and foremost, represents an incredibly well-produced, well-written and well-executed collection of songs – one of the best recordings I’ve heard this year secular, Christian or otherwise. Whether you are a fan of this style or not, I think it is fair to say that all those involved with this release “got it right.” Furthermore, Motivik has improved/progressed/transformed in all the best ways, for which we can be grateful/thankful.

Songs

The instrumental “Palace of Ashes” sets the tone with fire (literally “burning” sound effects) and intrigue as it provides the perfect segue to the absolutely crushing “opener” “Dethroned.” This track is a blisteringly fast, yet dynamic, burner with Believer-esque vocal aggression intermixed with incredible bass lines and keyboards ala Becoming the Archetype (more on that later). A good secular reference here would be Into Eternity. The guitars and drums absolutely shred. At 3 and a half minutes this track is over way too fast. The lyrics perfectly frame the fate of human hubris…

“Lamenting was I/My human trait/A ruler of bones/and Hell my fate/Now, scepter broken/Robe set ablaze/Your throne is forever/And Holy, Your name.”

Fans of Betrayal (Marcus Colon/Chris Ackerman) will be thrilled to discover the title track features a ripping trip down Christian thrash metal history lane with Colon’s iconic opening track from The Passing (1993) – this one so perfectly executed – not surprisingly featuring Ackerman himself on vocals. Brilliant tribute to one of the most underrated metal bands from the early 90’s.

And if that is not enough, brilliance arrives in the form of “Break the Walls” – an incredibly powerful and dynamic melodic shredder which features none other than Jason Wisdom on guest vocals – his voice cutting through mid-song with metal conviction. The lyrical theme of redemption resonates so perfectly with the soul. Wow, maybe song of the year for me?

At times Motivik channel Tourniquet, and on the medical allegory thrash-fest that is “Septicemia” no where could that be more evident. This song, which appears on the band’s simultaneously released EP The Unorthodox Years (1993-1998), echoes back to the band’s origins and thrash metal roots firmly grounded in those iconic years of the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s when thrash ruled. The words are a brilliant reminder that our blood is poisoned, our flesh necrosing and in desperate need of spiritual fluids and antibiotics (Christ). Beautiful acoustic lead-in.

The dynamic and redemptive “This Man I Am” drops the pace down to a heavy grind for the intro/choruses but then contrastingly thrashes out in the verses.

“You are not/Who you think you are/You are loved/And set apart/The God of Heaven/Knows your name/Your haunted mind”

The songs marches out with a slow groove, some dueling vocals and fades out to shredding guitar lead.

Harbinger of Demise” is another up-tempo thrash number with plenty of guitar virtuoso going on in between the verses and choruses at every chance – an unrelenting metal assault which perfectly conveys the desperation described within the lyrics.

Contrastingly, things turn more balladic with “Final Hour” where Courtney Simmons takes the lead on vocals which describe Christ’s final moments on the cross. In addition to the moving vocal performance there is a beautiful flamenco acoustic guitar solo by Roebuck followed in tandem by a sweeping electric solo by Greg Minier. Beautifully well executed depiction of the pivotal and most violent moment in Christian history.

Strikingly, “Lord of Death,” which features the words and voice of Jason Weaver, has a rap metal/hardcore vibe through most of its core, but then there is this outrageous organ middle interlude with bass guitar accompaniment and shred guitar solo that stands in such stark contrast to the rest of the song. It works! And the guitar lead which follows this section transitions the song seamlessly back into the rap/rock vibe. One of the most creative songs on the album for sure.

The Storm Within” is yet another song which showcases the Motivik predilection for dynamic contrast and rhythmic diversity within the song. In addition to the stop/start motion throughout, there is an acoustic slow-down to punch out the final chorus lines followed by a gentle fade out.

Surprisingly, the song which hearkens back to the Gunman’s cinematic frill would be “The Head Collector.” Darn if this isn’t also the catchiest melodic hook on the album!

“Reject. Resist/The lies that twist/The blade. Enter/The Head Collector”

Not only one of the shortest songs on the album (with vocals) it may be the single “hit” if such a thing still exists. Crushing and brilliant!!

Death metaller Andre Chiang (Vultures Gathering/Necromancide) guests on the incredibly dynamic “Dead by Daylight” which is musically and lyrically another killer track. The grooves and guitar leads (Derek Corzine guests) and keys are all over the place on this one. Heavy, catchy, melodic.

Not so surprisingly the epic closer “Once Again” features beautiful vocals, tons of guitar crunch/groove and riveting words.

“Once again/Here I am on the edge of myself/Falling in/Are you there/Do you hear me calling … Once again/Light the ember/Once again/Help me remember”

I love the “echo” outro which fades Renouncement to exit. Beautiful.

Media

The CD version includes a 12-page booklet, and the vinyl version features splatter vinyl and two-sided insert sheet. While I’m not usually a fan of splatter vinyl, the sound textures and mix coming off the surface are nice. Mastering volume is nice and low so you can enjoy listening to Renouncement at high/low/medium volumes with nice dynamic range. Where some digital to analog recordings don’t add much – sounding still too much like digital – this analog version adds a different, but not drastically so, listening experience to the digital. Some vinyl masters overcompensate on the bass input, but no excessive bass here, just right.

EP

The Unorthodox Years (1993-1998)

I had never heard this almost punkish/hardcore collection of songs, but Roxx Records went the extra mile to include this option for purchase. The 5-song disc (housed in budget digipak) unloads 5 short songs (disc only 16 minutes in duration) which are well-mixed and competently laid down. There is no muddiness here, the musical vibe less thrash-oriented and more hardcore. One of the highlights with these songs is the heavy bass guitar presence which rivals the lead guitar.

Of course, the highlight track on the EP is “Septicemia,” appearing here in raw form and slightly shorter in duration. Even in this derivative version you can hear the metal aggression.

Fans of The Crucified’s Pillars of Humanity album will find this EP a worthy investment.

Final Analysis

Renouncement not only represents a significant step forward for Motivik – an improvement in accessibility, diversity, dynamic contrast and technical execution – it may just be one of the best albums I’ve heard this year … and certainly the surprise of the year for me without a doubt!

CD Track Listing:

1. Palace of Ashes (1:49)

2. Dethroned (3:29)

3. Renouncement (3:46)

4. Break the Walls (4:38)

5. Septicemia (4:33)

6. This Man I Am (6:40)

7. Harbinger of Demise (3:52)

8. Final Hour (5:30)

9. Lord of Death (5:30)

10. The Storm Within (4:32)

11. The Head Collector (3:43)

12. Dead by Daylight (4:46)

13. Once Again (6:34)

Vinyl Track Listing:

Side A

1. Palace of Ashes (1:49)

2. Dethroned (3:29)

3. Renouncement (3:46)

4. Break the Walls (4:38)

5. Septicemia (4:33)

6. This Man I Am (6:40)

7. Harbinger of Demise (3:52)

Side B

8. Final Hour (5:30)

9. Lord of Death (5:30)

10. The Storm Within (4:32)

11. The Head Collector (3:43)

12. Dead by Daylight (4:46)

13. Once Again (6:34)

Roxx Records

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