Theocracy – “Mosaic” | Progressive Rock Central.com

I have been a fan of Theocracy since 2008’s Mirror of Souls. 12 years after their third album, As the World Bleeds, Theocracy have returned with a new album; released October 13^th. The album is Mosaic; and it is being released on Atomic Fire Records.

The Athens, Georgia – based Theocracy are led by: Matt Smith, on lead and backing vocals; with members: Ernie Topran, on drums; Jared Oldham, on bass; Jonathan Hinds, on guitars and backing vocals; and Taylor Washington, on guitars and backing vocals. The band has been compared to the essence of Stratovarious, Sonata Arctica and Symphony-X.

Matt Smith, describes Mosaic as: “It’s about how we can only see the individual scenes of our lives, but lack the perspective to see the overall tapestry those scenes eventually combine to create”, Matt explains. “The good times, the bad times, the things we wish didn’t happen…they are all pieces forming whatever we eventually end up becoming”, the mastermind explains. “So there’s a little psychology, a lot of spirituality, a little nostalgia, and a healthy dose of wistfulness and wonder.”

Mosaic opens with a thrash metal firecracker “Flicker”. Matt sings, “Sometimes I feel like I just don’t belong here. Like a shadow cast from a time long past. I’m swallowed up and dissipating. I feel so out of phase and so invisible. It’s disorienting, alienating. Little stranger, welcome to the world. Do you ever feel like you just don’t belong here? Me I’ve always known this isn’t home. I’m starting to feel so disconnected. A stranger in a strange and growing ever stranger land. In a world that I don’t understand. So misdirected”. Yes, I think we all feel that way now and again. And maybe more, with all the changes we have been through, this decade. But I bet, the power of the electric lead guitar chords and those smashing drums will ignite the stage and bring people to their feet, at concerts next summer.

“Anonymous”, continues the narrative forward. After complaining about the state of the world, Matt offers some advice about how to change, “Chosen ones. You chose a name for all of us. No longer anonymous (Anonymous). No matter what they say. It shall be done. Forging us into priests and kings. Carry us unto greater things. To chase shadows of doubt so far away. Pave the skies with Your Name”. That is what we all needed. Stop complaining and turn your head forward and do something about this world we live in. Do what we can individually, to make it better!

“Mosaic”, the title track must have inspired Matt to chose this track above all others for the album title. Matt sings, “What a wonder, fire born and unforsaken. Piece by broken piece to form. Unveiling this grand mosaic. Compositing the story of a life. Tonight. We are mosaic gallery, artistry. Mystery, great adventure. Mastery, harmony. History to remember. Like perspective of a woven tapestry. Shifting from the side we see!” Yes, well received words, supported by ever-present heavy metal guitars and drums.

“Sinsidious, (The Dogs Of War)”, is not as eloquent as the famous Pink Floyd song, by a similar title. But it is nonetheless, classic Dream Theater…re-envisioned; including all of that powerful drumming, we remember. Maybe a little Metallica as well. Matt sings, “Shall we sing a song while the world is burning. As they let the games begin? Watch the modern evil play his fiddle. While the teeth are sinking in. Father, may we guard our hearts. From the overtly hideous. And the more sinsidious”. An anthem against the current, Right Wing, and fascist wave of hate that permeates the globe. The best song on the album, so far. This album needed a purpose. This song sets that in motion. The guitar soloing is masterful!

“Return To Dust”, is another great song with a definite purpose. A story to tell. Matt sings, to power electric guitar chords and pounding drums, “We parse the script unwritten line by line. The mystery of life filtered through time. A blank slate open-ended to begin. To balance with our own uncertain end, once again. An inventory of a lifetime passed. Of things ephemeral, and things that last. The hourglass runs out we know not when. To meet the Maker when our time has come to an end”. These powerful lyrics match the powerful electric metal sound of the band, giving it their all.

“The Sixth Great Extinction”, has an Ayreon feel to it. (Not the Sixth Extinction again). Well, Matt’s lyrics add a unique perspective to this story, “Phase one. As the world descends in darkness. Undone. Memories of the faithful burning in effigy. To read. Upon a human understanding. Renounce. All the unseen until nothing remains but you and me. All the wisdom of this world is foolishness. The history of man’s opinions changing with the tide. Power to destroy the wisdom of the wise. Once upon the days of olden times gone by, the ancient stories told. Of great awakenings that shook the hearts of kings. Now we’ve forged a world where our will be done. Are we alive? Or has the sixth great extinction come?” All set to power chords and great drumming.

“Deified”, is another speed metal thumper. Matt sings, “Out of the darkness into light. We open up our eyes. Trying to make the most of just one life. Who are you going to look to when all your heroes have died? All the ashes deified. Yeah, burn your idols, Holy Fire. Before they can burn you. Sad denial of liars. Aversion to the truth. You and I or the fallen. Should never wear a crown. These pedestals are gallows. We’ve come to tear them down!” I think I know who he is talking about, and beware if we ever let him near the political levers of control again!

Finally, a quiet, peaceful start to a song. Matt’s voice sounds great. Maybe next album there will be more of this…We can only…hope. “The Greatest Hope”, is full of the most hopeful lyrics on the album. Matt sings, “And we’re left to wonder why. Trying to say goodbye. They say it’s the ones who are left behind. Who have the harder time. She burned like a star to wish upon. Harder to believe; one day here, the next day gone. In their minds. A dream to turn back time. Trying to endure the pain. And navigate the wreckage of what still remains” I wish he was singing about Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter, especially, when he sings, “And we’re left to wonder why. Trying to say goodbye. They say it’s the ones who are left behind. Who have the harder time…” Most likely about close friends or family he lost over the years.

They could have left “Liar, Fool, Or Messiah”, off the album, and I would not have missed it, at all. The song is filled with more of the same, similar, slash metal we have heard throughout the album.

However, “Red Sea”, is the one that we have all been waiting for! It almost makes the entire album worth its weight in gold. A Biblical epic that we all wanted to hear. A story for the ages. Matt opens shouting, “Freedom! It’s carved in stone. They’re marching on. Deliverance divinely conspired. Through days and nights. Once dead to rights. Now following a pillar of fire. It was written. So it shall be done. Generations of slavery. Seek the God that they know. Crush the heart of Pharaoh. Let my people go! At long last from Egypt released!” The famous story of the Exodus.

The music is just as inspiring. Wish they would have done maybe 4 or 5 of these epic tracks, rather than all that came before this epic track. But here we are…This epic is a three part story; with Part I: The Exodus, Part II: Deliverance, Part III: The Trial, and Part IV: Grace. Each section or part of this epic has its highlights; but my favorite is always the happy ending on Part IV: Grace. Matt sings, “Sea of its eternal resting place. I’m cleansed within; I’m cleansed without. The Red Sea crashes all around. A baptism; a holy trial. I am overcome and overwhelmed. I take the swim eternal. I’m swept away; it washes me. It washes me forever!” Matt comments on “Red Sea”, “That one, (“Red Sea”), compares and contrasts the ancient story of Moses and the Red Sea with a more personal and modern spiritual parallel. I wrote that song when I was 19, years before the first Theocracy album”, Matt says. “Freshly rewritten and fueled by years of experience, it becomes the center of attention at the end of a record that’s dominated by a rather grim and yet inevitable theme: “Come to think of it, death is a bit of a common thread, which is funny because that sounds like such a metal cliché,” he grins. “But that probably is a result of things I was going through and observing: losing grandparents and various family members, covid… but also thinking about legacies, what we leave behind, and what it all means.” The music is more well-developed and does not just follow the rest of the album’s ‘fan of electric guitar-shrapnel’ effect.

All told, this is a good album. I wish for more tracks like the “Red Sea”, which draw you into their story, rather than just screaming at you, with voice and plowshares of electric metal guitars. These deep stories which reveal mysteries and force the artists to create lyrics which inspire and motivate the listener to want to hear the whole story are wonderful. You don’t need to blow our ears out. Provide some “moments of reason”, and quiet consciousness, non-yelled lyrics and music. Talk to us, and tell us how history and experiences from your life can inspire or become part of our lives. In other words communicate with your audience. Have a conversation with your listeners. Like so many of your peers and those whose shoulders that you stand upon.

Matt participated on Neal Morse’s latest album, The Dreamer – Joseph: Part One. Although that album has its own flaws, it is a better representation of what the Christian Rock community can present to its fans. Matt and the band do dazzle with all the electric guitars, bass and drums they provide. But more time spent developing stories like “Red Sea”, would be absolutely appreciated. Theocracy hopefully want to create something that will be respected and appreciated indefinitely…at least I hope they do….

Mosaic Track Listing:

Flicker
Anonymous
Mosaic
Sinsidious (The Dogs Of War)
Return To Dust
The Sixth Great Extinction
Deified
The Greatest Hope
Liar, Fool, Or Messiah
Red Sea

As brilliantly showcased by its stained-glass-window-like artwork by Steven Howard, the offering has been given the name Mosaic. The ten new hymns were recorded, produced, and mixed by Theocracy’s own Matt Smith at Theocracized Studios and Full Moon Studios in Athens, GA, and rounded off by skillful mastering engineers Emily Lazar and Chris Allgood at The Lodge, NY.

Pre-order the album physically, pre-save it on your favorite DSP or pre-order it digitally to receive ‘Return To Dust’ instantly now, here:

https://theocracy.afr.link/mosaicWB

Theocracy will also be celebrating the album with fans on its actual release day in Betzdorf, Germany at Loud And Proud Festival. Join the ceremony and secure your tickets from www.lap-festival.de. Theocracy live:
13.10.2023 DE Betzdorf – Loud And Proud Festival.

Band Website and Social Media Links: