{"id":6841,"date":"2021-09-30T23:14:04","date_gmt":"2021-10-01T03:14:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/?p=6841"},"modified":"2021-10-01T19:38:49","modified_gmt":"2021-10-01T23:38:49","slug":"biogenesis-rise-of-the-phoenix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/index.php\/2021\/09\/30\/biogenesis-rise-of-the-phoenix\/","title":{"rendered":"BIOGENESIS: Rise of the Phoenix"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Life from Death<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

BioGenesis may mean \u201clife from life\u201d but with their new release \u2013 available now on Retroactive Records<\/a> – \u201clife from death\u201d better describes this conceptual, molten metal journey. However, with Rise of the Phoenix<\/em>, the process of “transformation” applies equally to the descriptive \u2013 new band, new label, new sound, new style. While the change from Roxx to Retroactive is the least significant of these \u201ctransformations,\u201d it does come with the benefit of the Silver Trading Card Series #41 (featuring Chaz Bond) included with the CD. More significantly, the Nealeighs (all 3 of them) have been replaced by Tiago James Souza (guitars) and Randy Walton (bass), and drummer Eli Clossen has been replaced by Tiago Vitek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consequently, and perhaps surprisingly to some, the sound has morphed into an aggressive aggro-metal fusion of progressive, thrash and experimental metal. And while the conceptual nature of the lyrical content here appeals to the progressive roots and leanings of BioGenesis, the musical style here doesn\u2019t resemble much from the band\u2019s last two releases (A Decadence Divine<\/em> and the Black Widow<\/a><\/em> EP) which were more symphonic, cinematic and melodic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never content to tread in one musical sea for more than a season, band leader Chaz Bond, with the help of Tiago Souza, has pushed the envelope of metal to the edge of aggression and intensity with these 10 \u201cchapters.\u201d While this remains a collection of songs, played as a whole, Rise of the Phoenix<\/em> can best be described as an extremely intense aural experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The People\u2019s Temple<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on the real-life events surrounding the infamous Jim Jones and his People\u2019s Temple cult, the subject matter is dark, depressing and sobering. The imagery conveyed through the words and lyrics here tell a story of deep-seated Satanic deception and control. Historically accurate, this depiction isn\u2019t for the faint of heart. But despite the extreme depravity and hopelessness portrayed through this music, the hope and faith of one man (here named Grayson Vance but based on a real life person) in Christ\/God\u2019s ability to shatter the darkness stands on display \u2013 his story one of redemption and deliverance, a journey from \u201cashes to glory\u201d and from \u201cdeath to life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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WARNING: Check Your Volume!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To say that the intensity of the music matches the intensity of the subject matter is an understatement. Not only is the music an assault on your ears, but it may just leave you weeping (and rejoicing) by the end of the album. Furthermore, I will go as far as to say it may be a challenge for some listeners to make it through the entire 53 minutes without interruption (or at least without turning the volume down). Hence, check your volume settings BEFORE embarking on the journey or your local PD may show up at the door during your \u201clistening session.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, even though Rise of the Phoenix<\/em> is a departure from the last few albums, the \u201cwall of sound\u201d approach deployed here brings to mind another band that begins with the name \u201cBio\u201d \u2013 the U.K.\u2019s Biomechanical. From 2003 to 2007 they released a trio of albums in this style (Empires of the Worlds<\/em> probably the most well-known) with relentless, pummeling guitars, drums and the abrasive vocals of John K. Funny thing, two of those albums were released on Earache Records \u2013 a most appropriate label for that style of metal. Nevertheless, I don\u2019t bring this up to disparage Rise of the Phoenix<\/em> in any way but rather to put this new release in context of metal experimentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, where Biomechanical was similarly relentless and intense musically, Chaz Bond\u2019s vocal performance here outshines John K by miles. No doubt, fans of melodic metal will not approve, but Bond\u2019s singing\/screaming is simultaneously angry\/harsh and discernable\/charismatic\/symphonic. The brutal onslaught of storytelling (high density of lyrics here) is by far the most entrancing element to these songs \u2013 the anchor which holds it all together and the beacon which keeps the listener\u2019s mind and ear focused on the message amidst the cacophony of metallic guitar fire and blisteringly fast drum thrashing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, Bond\u2019s portrayal of Jones is so convincingly controlling and demonic, yet he displays equal interpretation and passion with Vance\u2019s suffering and ultimate deliverance. Brilliant and perhaps his most convicting vocal performance to date. Again, don\u2019t expect melodic bliss \u2013 the subject matter this time around demanding a more abrasive approach \u2013 but the expression and outpouring of passion is second to none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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