In The Midst Of Lions - The Heart Of Man

Artist: In The Midst Of Lions

Album: The Heart Of Man

Release Date: 8/3/10

Label: Facedown Records

I will be the first one to say that first impressions aren't always accurate. My initial take on In The Midst Of Lions' latest, The Heart Of Man, was one of "surprising disappointment." I loved their brutally heavy, technically inspired debut Out Of Darkness and assumed they would continue to improve.

At first listen, I could see the improved technical proficiency, but the songs also seemed to fall into the "monotonous breakdown" trap. I would like to announce that I am glad I kept listening. The Heart Of Man up's the brutality, technicality and overall songwriting found on Out Of Darkness.

I don't even know how to categorize this beast of an album. The guitar riffs and leads are very melodic and technical a la the Swedish melodic death metal bands. The double bass drumming, blast beats and growls have an American death metal sound, and there are breakdowns a plenty like what is found in most modern deathcore or metalcore.

Matt, the vocalist, does a great job of switching between the low death grunts to a high, almost black metal, shriek at times. His vocals add a nice touch to their sound. My opinion of the once "monotonous breakdown" has changed as well. The breakdowns are in fact well done, very heavy and at times have a unique disjointed quality.

In The Midst Of Lions are in my opinion the best death metal, deathcore, death-whatever band in the scene now, and it isn't even close. Every song is exceptionally good and choosing highlights won't be done, by this writer at least. On a side note, Levi The Poet is enlisted on a few tracks and his performance adds a haunting depth to the album.

Rating: 8/10 In The Midst Of Lions have managed to blow away by lofty expectations with The Heart Of Man. They have improved in every area substantially. Though not covered above, their lyrics will definitely lift your heart toward Jesus. Between the great music and beautiful lyrics, I don't see how you can go wrong with this album.

Reviewed by Matthew Alexander

Tracklisting:

1. The Heart of Man
2. The Pharisaic Heart
3. The Machine
4. Abandonment
5. Opposition
6. At the Feet of Creation
7. Released
8. Defiance
9. Home
10. Fearless
11. An Awakening
12. Reborn

(Buy Here)