Dominion

Frontiers

Darker, heavier and defiantly more pissed off than either of the bands two preceding albums, female fronted Metal juggernauts Benedictum have returned with their third full length inventory of brutality deservedly titled, Dominion, an offering that presents a truly primal reflection of our current state of affairs in this life. Forget the waring factions that have manifested themselves through various bouts of political upheaval around the world, this fight begins in our own backyard so to speak with the emotional and detrimental effects of every day existence coming into play. As is evidenced by such deep rooted convictions and overly passionate musical fortitude portrayed in this recording.

Dominion documents those issues most personal and prevalent to Benedictum and sends a very clear message that they are a band that will persevere through any and all circumstances. Songs such as the incredibly potent "Bang", the foreboding "Loud Silence" and the intensely earth shattering revelation of "The Shadowlands" deliver the gut wrenching reality of the bands plight both as a whole and individually over the last two years. There is additionally a series of esoteric meanings behind a number of the tracks where the listener will have the opportunity to delve deeper if they so chose to uncover the truth and focus as is evident in cuts like "Epsilon", "At the Gates" and the title track.

Opting to work with a different producer this go around (Ryan Greene - Megadeth, F5, NOFX) has given the band a much rougher exterior and taken their abilities to an entirely new level of astonishment. Vocalist Veronica Freeman having been heralded as the female version of Ronnie James Dio is more aggressive than ever before and in some instances might even go toe to toe with Mr. James Hetfield of Metallica fame. Surprisingly and maybe just as a tease to show she can, the V manages to squeeze in a 20 second clip of her singing in the most feminine voice imaginable ("Dark Heart") before returning to the monstrous rage which as made her one of the most revered vocalists by industry standards for either male or female contemporaries. While the band has added a new rhythm section and keyboardist to their ranks the core of the group, Freeman and her partner in crime for more than a decade, the riff master himself, Pete Wells, are intact and more dangerous than ever. Pete's penchant for creating that ever memorable metallic crunch and drive is unparalleled and reins supreme in masterpieces such as "Seer", "Prodigal Son" and the bands ultimately ambitious take on their cover of "Overture/Temple of Syrinx" by legendary prog rockers Rush. It goes without saying that Dominion is undeniably a forerunner for album of the year. If this release is any indication of what 2011 will hold it is likely to be a very good year for fans of Metal.

-Priest