BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA
"Earth
As It Is in Heaven" (self-produced; 2004)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Twenty years after its first germination, Sidney Allen Johnson has brought to life his idea to tell a tale of how "rock'n'roll" existed in the biblical ages. Going by the moniker of Babylon Mystery Orchestra, Johnson has released "Earth As It Is In Heaven" to share his interesting take on this story with the world.
"Earth As It Is In Heaven" features thirteen tracks that describe the cycle of life as society was forming with religion as its unifying and divisive force. Obviously, with most stories centered around religion, the classic theme of good versus evil is rather prominent. To his credit, Sydney Allen Johnson doesn't do any preaching on "Earth As It Is In Heaven." Rather, Johnson tells this particular tale with an open mind and literally challenges the listener to form their own opinion. Most folks know that biblical tales are truths shrouded by long-standing myths; Johnson adds his unique angle to this dichotomy between myth and 'truth.'
"Earth As It Is In Heaven" is a fairly mellow affair that recalls much of what true metal aims to achieve – drama in the form of words and music that hopes to paint pictures. The disc has the feel of a symphony with atmospheric elements adding the requisite underlying settling and unsettling mood. A slight touch of progressive rock/metal is almost apparent, as well. The overall sound is not too dissimilar from what Tiamat might do if they added a bit more of a rockin' sound to their recent Goth-soaked discs. While "Earth As It Is In Heaven" is a pretty decent effort, but given the rather slow pace of the songs and the disc as a whole I would have liked to hear more compact versions of the songs.
"Earth As It Is In Heaven" will appeal to Rough Edge readers who appreciate a well thought out concept album. Fans of true metal and power metal who have broad musical interests and wouldn't mind scaling down their needs for speed and full-bore crunching guitars would certainly find something to like in
"Earth As It Is In Heaven" was produced by Sidney Allen Johnson.
Babylon Mystery Orchestra is Sidney Allen Johnson on vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, and drums.
For more information visit http://www.babylonmysteryorchestra.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 13 Nov 2008 02:43:56 -0600.
