Theocracy - 'Ghost Ship'

If you're looking for a sophisticated album of Progressive Power Metal, look no further.

Theocracy are an American Christian Power/Prog Metal act who hail from Athens, Georgia. 'Ghost Ship' is their fourth studio album and it's just a bit good. Yet I can already hear, even from here at Johnson Towers, the unease rising in some of you as you read the word "Christian" in my intro – yes, they sing about God and Jesus.

On '...Ship' band leader Matt Smith took inspiration for his new songs from stories that young fans of the band told him, of how they felt alienated and pushed out by society and this made him think of how the Twelve Disciples were all considered misfits as well. Therefore, a theme of the misplaced and how they are needed and are not really outcasts, pervades the songs on this release. Even still, I can still hear many of you cringing; please don't. Theocracy have, with this record, made one of the better Prog Metal albums of 2016 and, unlike some other Christian acts, they don't try to ram the word of God down your throats, which is what make Christian Rock unpalatable for some.



Put aside your worries and delve into an album full of fantastic musicianship, commanding songs and a strong and energetic production that gives substance to the music. 'Paper Tiger', 'Ghost Ship' and 'The Wonder Of It All' kick things off beautifully, there's heavy melodic guitar riffs abound and the band strike at you with a hard and fast musical attack that leaves you breathless and wanting more. Theocracy easily deliver and fulfil this need with the mid-paced power of 'Wishing Well' with its classy harmony vocals, the Melodic Hard Rocker 'Around The World And Back', the dynamic 'Currency In A Bankrupt World' and finally the musical muscle of 'Castaway', a galloping track full of hard edged guitar riffs that are surrounded by clever vocal arrangements and thoughtful lyrics.

If you're looking for a sophisticated album of Progressive Power Metal, look no further. It's all here under one roof, in the guise of Theocracy's 'Ghost Ship'; it's one hell (sorry) of an album.

Ian Johnson