Theocracy – Ghost Ship

Before I get started with this review, in 2008 an album entitled “Mirror Of Souls” graced the world of metal. This release is hands down one of my all time favourite albums but who is this band that released such an album? Well known other than Georgia’s very own Theocracy, so naturally this reviewer got a little excited when their 2016 album “Ghost Ship” was released. So climb aboard me hearties and let’s set sail to the beautiful land of metal!

The Sonata Arctica inspired “Paper Tigers” set this ship a sail with a mixture of catchy guitar riffs and soulful vocal harmonies, with the band’s captain Matt Smith and his stunning vocal range at the helm. As the ship continued to steer it’s way into heavier waters with the album’s title track plus “The Wonder Of It All” it was here where drummer Shawn Benson’s thunderous technique shone, especially where the double kicks were concerned.

For those of you that are unaware, the band are Christians which came as no surprise that they add tales about faith into the lyrical content. Being predominately evident in the likes of the slower paced “Around The World And Back” and the band’s battle anthem “A Call To Arms.” I will say this, no matter where you stand in regards to religion you will find yourself either singing or humming the latter track as it was a very empowering piece of material.

As stated before there was a Sonata Arctica influence in parts of this release but as this ship began to bring it’s journey to an end, a Kamelot style was present. Matt Smith stepped up his game vocally and brought out his inner operatic/musical vocals for the album’s finale, from “Currency In A Bankrupt World” to the Heavenly masterpiece “Easter;” even with it’s 10 minute track time, in this reviewer’s honest opinion it was 10 minutes worth listening to.

In short, what can I really say about this album? Theocracy hit the ball out of the park once again with this stunning piece of material. Matt and his holy ruffians will take you on a musical journey like no other across the heavy (metal) sea.

Track Listing:
Paper Tigers / Ghost Ship / The Wonder Of It All / Wishing Well / Around The World And Back / Stir The Embers / A Call To Arms / Currency In A Bankrupt World / Castaway / Easter

“Ghost Ship” is currently available via Ulterium Records.