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Living Sacrifice :: "The Hammering Process"

© Jon Hodges

In modern day music, opening a CD booklet and finding a different set of musicians from the last recording released only twelve months prior is about as common as the trades that take place in most mainstream American sports. And while there might have been a few more than twelve months in-between the releases of The Hammering Process, Living Sacrifice's new album, and Reborn, their 1997 Solid State Records release that really put them on the Christian metal map, there are still line-up changes.

With both lead guitar and bass player changes, you would think the new Living Sacrifice album may sound completely different than their largely successful Reborn release. Fortunately for the fans and their record sales, it doesn't.

The Hammering Process is full riffs and rhythms that live up to its title's promise: nothing but hammering. The intensity never lets up. The style is very similar to the last album with Sepultura-esque rhythm-based riffs and intermittent metal-derived solos. This album, however, also contains some additional elements, such as the various styles of percussion heard at various points on the album, and more background vocals than was heard on Reborn.

All in all, these additional elements intertwined with the old style is their best recording to date. The album starts off with an incredibly strong "Flatline," and then continues to become more and more impressive, and more and more intense with each track, possibly climaxing with the utterly incredible fifth track, "Altered Life."

Anyone who became a Living Sacrifice fan upon the release of their Reborn album in 1997, such as myself, will not find themselves disappointed with The Hammering Process. It is likely one of the most accomplished Christian metal releases to come out in the past few years. It's no wonder I found it at a local secular record store on the very small metal rack (only about twenty bands carried) with its own tab. Living Sacrifice may make it onto the secular charts with this release, and they would deserve every ounce of airplay.

Altogether? This album is a must have for any hardcore fan, no matter whether secular or Christian.

To find out more information about Living Sacrifice including touring information in support of their newest release, check out their easy-to-navigate website at http://www.livingsacrifice.com.