The Darkest Pinnacle of Light [Explicit Lyrics]

METAL CRYPT (CAN) Not having any expectations about an album before listening to it can work in your favor sometimes, and although I had heard the band name banded around in UK zines here and there, if someone asked me what style of metal they play, I would have had no idea. I was highly impressed by what Honey for Christ have come up with on this, their 2nd release. Coming from Ireland, I figured they'd sound somewhat Celtic, but with Metal Archives having their genre down as 'Heavy Metal', I really wasn't expecting what I heard. The EP kicks off abruptly with a thrashy death metal riff, not too dissimilar to Bolt Thower with low tuned shredding guitars and blasting drums not what I was expecting at all. However, the big surprise is when the vocals kick in, from the blasting intro I was expecting harsh death metal vocals, but no, clean vocals in the main with a few thick throaty roars here and there. I can hear comparisons to fellow countrymen Primordial in the music, as well as a big lean toward My Dying Bride on some of the more crooning vocal parts, and dual guitar-line harmonies. This is not to say they're ripping either band off, as Honey for Christ have definitely claimed a little niche for themselves with this EP. The thing that does it for me on this release I think is the vocals though, they're so emotion filled (again, similarly to the aforementioned Primordial), and could actually match Aaron of My Dying Bride for sorrow and angst (yes, and I'm not talking Kurt Cobain angst either). Plus on the few occasions when the vocalist Andy Clarke screams, he actually sounds like he's going to lose an eye. Some of the riffs on display are also slightly reminiscent of 'Dark Metal' era Bethlehem too (see 'Sorrow Descending' for the best example), but I don't want to keep making comparisons, as I feel it's detrimental to the band who show heart through conveying such pure emotion on a vast scale, and create enough original passages to garner my interest, and most importantly respect for not going with the flow. A refreshing change. --http://www.metalcrypt.com

METAL TEAM UK (UK) Production Review 9/10 Music Review 5/5 Honey For Christ describe themselves as 100% raw, unclean, uncut, heavy metal, and I would agree 100% and I doubt anyone could make a better description. The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light I will have to admit is probably the hardest piece of work I ve had to review basically because it sounds like nothing I ve ever listened to before. First observation is production, its very good in general and compared to a lot of unsigned material thrown my direction. Everything is a good levels and I would say a lot of work has went into getting this sound. The sound the band have produced on this release compared to the past catalogue is a lot more aggressive and almost death metal to some extremes but vocals bring it back and I would say this will/has give Honey For Christ a bigger appeal. The first song Satan & Swastika is the best-placed song on the CD. It more or less sums the band up in the few minutes that it is. There s plenty of aggression, speed and breakdowns of melodic passages and those 100% raw vocals. In parts vocals do sound slightly on the edge of territory no one should go as in moving slowly out of tune, but its brought back in time and so what its heavy metal and it still sounds great. The title track the Darkest Pinnacle Of Light is in my opinion the best track on here, again as with each song there s plenty of aggression, more so in the vocals on this one, and heavy guitar lines. It s the song that goes well in the live set and the crowd get singing along. The vocals show a lot of emotion, not like the c**p you hear on TV and radio, Honey For Christ do it like it s supposed to be done. Every song on this CD is great, there s no settling for mediocre riffs or drum lines, etc within this tight 3 piece. There is something for everyone, slow clean guitar, harmonies and solo s, thumping guitar riffs with bass doodles and excellent drumming. Overall this is a band that has taken me by surprise and this CD deserves more than a couple of spins. As for comparisons I can t mention any bands out there that Honey For Christ resemble, its something everybody has to hear for themselves so get this CD. --http://www.metalteamuk.net

ROCKAROLLA (ARG) A true treasure even without discovering, is the first words that are happened to me while I listen to by nth Irish east time EP of the Honey For Christ. --Rockarolla (ARG)

5 tracks of dark, emotional heavy metal.