Genre: Death/Thrash Metal

  Release Date: 2008

  Label: Unsigned

  Band Web Site: http://www.myspace.com/neocracy

For many years now, the genre of Christian metal has been much maligned by the so-called heavy metal elite. Criticisms hurled at this branch of the heavy metal family tree are as follows: Wimpy. Lyrically lightweight. Predictable. Pale imitations of more famous metal bands. Oh, and let me not forget my personal favorite…“You can’t write heavy metal songs about Christianity!” Well, to satiate the appetite of those who prefer metal with a little more punch, more extreme bands such as Mortification, Tourniquet and Believer came on the scene to destroy eardrums and stereotypes. In the mid 2000s, a band of hungry crusaders from Brockway, Pennsylvania stormed onto the landscape and have planted their flag in the ground with authority. Their name is Neocracy.

The current lineup consists of vocalist Rippin’, drummer Mark, bassist Pat Sherwin, and guitarists Kent and Thane. They have been tearin’ up the country in Western Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region with their brand of melodic thrash and death metal, and have converted many to their cause along the way. Their debut recording Burning An Empire was released in 2005. Instruments Of Abandonment followed in 2006. With a lineup featuring former vocalist Luke, and current vocalist Rippin’ on bass guitar, Neocracy released the EP The Instinct For Conflict in 2008.

Are you ready for moshing? Are you ready for head banging until your neck snaps? Then press play already!

“Winter Of The Sullen” plods off the line with slow slabs of riffs punctuated by Mark’s machine gun double bass before the pace picks up with Shadows Fall style thrash stylings and some very nice dual leads. Luke screams like he is in a battle with Satan himself. The band switches from hardcore breakdowns suitable for punching someone’s face in to speed metal fury with effortless skill. An intense opening track that is perfect to get ready for battle with!

The intro to “Lost Divine” just may make you think that the war is over, but the crunch returns and you realize it was just an illusion. The drumming is precise, intense and destructive, and they lead the guitars of Thane and Kent into the fight while the tortured wails of Luke provide the air support. Many American extreme metal bands have forsaken the guitar solo, but Neocracy proves that dual guitar leads and soloing still has a place in metal! Kick ass.

I really love the In Flames meets Amon Amarth style intro that propels “Here’s To The Reckoning” into being. It’s catchy, it’s intense and it immediately grabs your attention. Sledgehammer riffing and artillery fire drums destroy your mind before the pace slows down to a brutal crawl of death. This is probably my favorite track on the disc.

The title track is a monster…a monster of more of the tight musicianship that has been showcased throughout on this EP. The guys have an ability to stop and turn on a dime from fast to slow and still give you nine cents change! Another fantastic example of modern extreme metal at its finest and most epic! I love the melodic guitar outro.

Let the CD play on and your perseverance will be rewarded with the bonus hidden track, “A Coward’s Hymn.”

I truly hope that soon, the naysayers constantly lambasting the Christian metal scene decide to open up their eyes and ears. They need to see and hear what is truly going on, as they are missing out on some great metal. You don’t have to be a Christian to enjoy it, as great metal music smashes down all boundaries and barriers. For fans who believe that the genre has nothing to offer but lightweight and sappy, one spin of The Instinct For Conflict proves that you cannot hang that sign on Neocracy. They deal the brutality that fans of Slayer and Amon Amarth enjoy, but with lyrics and a message that says keep the faith, even when you are struggling and times are getting tough. With an EP that is thought provoking, inspiring, and heavier than a 1970s Cadillac, Neocracy’s crusade is sure to last a long time!

Review written by: Matt B.    
Date: January 5, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5