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Theocracy: Mosaic
Theocracy - Mosaic Album Art

Theocracy: Mosaic

Progressive Power Metal
5.0/5.0

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Atomic Fire Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 09.10.2023 | Released: 13.10.2023

Formed in 2002 by principal songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Smith, the last we heard from American band Theocracy was seven years ago and Ghost Ship. But, as a composer, Smith doesn't rush things; he's rather contemplative in nature. The songs are a personal experience, so he works them to his satisfaction. Now, Smith and Theocracy drop their fifth studio album, Mosaic. Composed and produced entirely by Smith between 2020 and 2022, the album features new guitarist (lead) Taylor Washington from Paladin.

Theocracy - Click For Larger Image

Theocracy

Mosaic finds Theocracy returning to their signature progressive power metal. Most songs are fast, heavy, and then mildly intricate in arrangement. The riffs are roaring, the pace galloping but not without some rock groove. In the riffs and solos, Washington brings formidable presence. The songs are not without melody, mostly advanced by Smith's vocal harmony.


Considering the songs within, Mosaic offers 10 songs over 66 minutes, the opus being the 19 minute finisher, Red Sea. But you won't be bored or have your listen be reduced to redundancy. On the shorter side, however, are fast and heavy power romps like Anonymous, Mosaic, Deified, and Sinsidious with it's large choral vocals. Of more mixed pacing there's Return To Dust, then The Greatest Hope offers softer ballad. Liar Fool Or Messiah, a reference to "who is the Christ", is another pedal to the metal power metal horse race with no pause and Washington firing on all cylinders. Relating to Moses and the Israelites crossing, Red Sea is truly epic. Both power and progressive metal, the players get a large stage to stretch their talents. In the composition, you'll some Eastern influence. But, fundamentally, Washington steals the show with his killer fret work.
I would buy the album for this song alone.

Most things considered, Theocracy's long-awaited fifth album, Mosaic, is a solid and well-crafted recording of their signature, guitar-driven, progressive power metal. Perhaps their best album to date. Quite recommended.






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The Take Away

Theocracy's long-awaited fifth album, Mosaic, is a solid and well-crafted recording of their signature, guitar-driven, progressive power metal. Perhaps their best album to date.
Quite recommended.

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