Review: Sardonyx – Anthems of Warfare
Worship Metal
Sardonyx (Lightshine Ministries) is back with 7 new songs of exhortational Kingdom Power Metal. Anthems of Warfare is the follow up to the band’s epic Sons of the Kingdom comeback release in 2018. Tom Denlinger (vocals/lyrics), Rod Feltman (guitars) and Chuck Turner (bass) have once again delivered a collection of encouraging/motiving tunes, this time the theme, “Old Testament warfare and worship.”
The 7 “principles” here are The Levites, David’s Mighty Men, Deborah, Moses, the Angel of the Lord, Solomon, Daniel. As with all things Sardonyx, the music is heavy and the message is all about ministry, Biblical teaching and encouragement in the growth of the “Daughters and Sons of the Kingdom.”
The Levites
To set the stage (for the CD version), each song is accompanied by liner notes with scripture references and the link to the lyrics (online). Therefore, the booklet is a very limited 8 page item with artwork on the front/back covers only. Trust this is the intent as Denlinger and company have always emphasized their words and the scripture references more than their music or for that matter, the whole idea of a band.
“The Song of the Levites” opens things up with plenty of heavy guitar crunch, tasteful guitar soloing and that iconic Denlinger voice. He sounds just as credible as when Sardonyx released the 1990 Rebel of Reason demo. This is clearly a worship song encouraging all those who carry the “Spirit of Jesus” to live a worthy and holy life of the calling as did the priestly Levitical tribe.
David’s Mighty Men
As might be expected, “Might Warrior” is not only a reflection upon the work of David’s 37 warriors or upon the work of Christ, but also a call to spiritual warfare against the “principalities and powers” which roam and rule the world. As one would anticipate, this is one of the heaviest tracks on Anthems of Warfare, the guitar riffs full of relentless mid-tempo groove and low-end bass punch.
One might find an independent release to lack a full production quality, but not so the case here as the distribution of volume across the frequency spectrum is worthy of praise, the final mastering by Rob Colwell the icing on the cake.
Deborah
The pace slows and the energy settles to reflective on this track which is ultimately a prayer and blessing over the daughters of the Kingdom to “Be Like the Sun.” Written from the perspective of Deborah’s father over his daughter Deborah, it’s a call to all fathers to pray for their daughters in their faith and calling. Musically, this could be considered a ballad of sorts with a worshipful inclination, and the beautiful voice of guest vocalist Evi Rose is clear and compelling.
Moses
Interesting that I find no reference to who performs the drumming either in the CD booklet or the website, but “Man of War” is not surprisingly another very heavy riff-oriented power metal number filled with pounding drum tom accents and bass drum push. The more epic 6:29 nature of this epic harkens back to the debut 1992 Sardonyx release which was rife with longer, more complex and multi-faceted burners.
Yes, Iron Maiden always comes to mind but Sardonyx, to my ears, always sounds like Sardonyx. Not only do they have a distinctive approach to their ministry, but they similarly have a penchant for a classic heavy metal vibe that is infectious and convincing.
The hypnotic quality of the guitars, with subtle tints of Middle Eastern tones, perfectly stages the epic spiritual battle between Moses and Pharoah chronicled in the lyrics. Moses was a spiritual warrior, persistent despite persecution and turmoil yet committed to his calling. The relentless nature of the music and the intensity of Denlinger’s vocal praise bring the timeless dual to full-metal life.
The Angel of the Lord
Another burner with plenty of grit, this song of the same name is once again a return to classic Sardonyx. In reference to God’s manifestation in physical form, “The Angel of the Lord” shreds much in the way He deals with His enemies – relentless aggression. Denlinger once again shines on the “Shekinah glory” and Feltman delivers a tasteful and well-placed guitar solo which segues nicely into the open narrative section before the opening guitar riff reprises for the push to the end. Brilliant and triumphant!
Solomon
The tribute to the “wisest of the wise” (King Solomon) “Face to the Ground” exhorts to pray for wisdom and discernment. The song opens with a softer guitar tone and mellow, worshipful “holy, holy” vibe lulling the ears to into submission before slowly building to a heavier guitar crunch with double bass drum driving the way. Midway there is yet another well-executed guitar solo before the double bass accompanying Denlinger’s intense catharsis closes the song with conviction.
Daniel
The most sobering song in the collection, “Shine Like the Stars,” represents a call to consider and prepare for the future prophesied by Daniel where believers will be confronted to take the “mark of the beast” and suffer much persecution. A bit heavy on the narrative, the nearly 6-minute track still delivers a consistent power metal punch.
Synopsis
Sardonyx, never a group of guys to tout their technical prowess or musical ingenuity, have nevertheless managed to yet again deliver a worthy of the King collection of worship metal rockers with a ton of credible sound and production. While the emphasis has always been, and remains, on the lyrics and the impact of those words on the listeners of their music, Sardonyx remains impactful and relevant. I, for one, remain thankful they have revitalized and continue to refine the metal music facet of their shining gem ministry.
Track Listing:
1. Song of the Levites (4:56)
2. Mighty Warrior (4:21)
3. Be Like the Sun (5:40)
4. Man of War (6:29)
5. The Angel of the Lord (4:48)
6. Face to the Ground (4:23)
7. Shine Like the Stars (5:57)
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