Fire From The Gods - Soul Revolution (2022)

Fire From the Gods (FFTG) returns with their third nu-metal onslaught in the form of Soul Revolution. As part of the nu metal revival, FFTG have crafted a collection of heavy, down-tuned jams, capped by AJ Channer’s aggressive rapping. It might be easy to scoff at bands still pushing the rap/metal bandwagon but far from the collection of SoCal and Florida kids who fronted the late 90s bands, FFTG have an authenticity that stems from Rage Against the Machine rather than Faith No More or Beastie Boys. That’s not to say it’s all politically charged as there is a real merging of the personal and political on this one.

From the get to that merging of personal and political perspectives is obvious. The likes of ‘Soul Revolution’ and ‘SOS’ offer fat riffs and phat rhymes but with a sense of soul and purpose. The title track in particular throws a lot out there in terms of vocals, and most of it lands. Channer channels reggae at times too, ably backed by changes in tempo and guitar texture. ‘I N I’ mixes it up with a heavy dub influence and some great melodic vocals, punctuated by hardcore screams. The crossing of genres makes little sense on paper but pulls together well on record. It’s way more Dub War (showing my age) than P.O.D. (confirming my age).