LORD DIVINE – Facing Chaos

Argentina’s Lord Divine states they are returning to their Progressive Metal roots on their fourth album. The band is determined to break the frontiers of their country and make their music known to the world with 11 tracks of impeccable technical quality and a modern sound.

The opening instrumental track doesn’t make a clear statement.  Is it a neo-classical composition or a soundtrack offering for a horror movie?  It certainly bears little resemblance to the remainder of the album.  The next three songs “Reborn”, “I Am” and “Into My World” showcase musicians with great modern Prog Metal technical proficiency in a death match with a vocalist (Diego Valdez) whose raw and over taxed vibrato sounds as if he is being shaken by the throat in a giant’s strangle hold.  His overreach is distracting and can be unintelligible.

Valdez demonstrates excellence in the past with Electronomicon on “Take Me”.  His current work inexplicably pushes for power outside his vocal range.

In Valdez’ defense, the lyrics don’t give him much platform.  With the exception of the mid-tempo ballad “Beginning Of The End” and the nearly twelve minute long Prog Metal opus “The Rage On Me”, this album is a monotonous barrage of misaligned Prog Metal elements which never quite come together to achieve a coherent structure.

Facing Chaos isn’t destined to be a break out moment for Lord Divine.  The top-shelf musicianship can’t overcome the weak songwriting and the producer’s failure to reign in Valdez’ vocals.

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TRACKLIST (Highlights: 5, 11)

1. Overture (Dies Irae)
2. Reborn
3. I Am
4. Into My World
5. Beginning of the End
6. The Darkest Light (ft. Mark Boals)
7. Light Through Darkness
8. Divided (ft. Julian Barrett)
9. Be Afraid
10. Follow the Signs
11. The Rage On Me

LINEUP

Diego Valdez – vocals
Hugo Galli – guitars
Manu López – guitars
Diego Palma – keyboards
Andrés Berenguer – bass
Dalmys Delbueno – drums