Deuteronomium
From the Midst of Battle Bullroser Records

by Matthew Hoffman
Staff Writer

Comments: Formed 1993 in Finland, Christian Thrash Metal Pioneers Deuteronmium have returned from their Exodus with a new record, available now on Bullroser Records.

From the Midst of Battle is the bands fourth full length CD release, and first since 1999s's Here To Stay. It features nine cuts lasting 47 minutes. Their 1997 mini album Tribal Eagle was the first Christian metal CD release in Finnish music history.

Their new music features extreme metal with eerie scratchy vocals, and several different instrumental approaches, ranging from dark metal to thrash metal with an overall emphasis on simple melodies.

Those vocals from Mike Partala are vile, vicious and well done though at times they don't match the serene often upbeat music.

One example where they blend well is the thrash metal anthem "Defending the Faith." Here the guitars of Partala and lead axe grinder Kalle Paju bring a 15th Century riffing melody before ending the cut with softer beautiful notes. "Song of the Saved" jumps right back into the dark/thrash metal fray with eerie vocals and heavy guitars and a short soaring solo. The short track also sees a cool jointly sung chorus (though some may see it as corny) where they pan "Song of the Saved." The vocals get more extreme on "Lost Indeed" with an Amon Amarth styled delivery as well as the regular dark ones, and Paju busts up a nice guitar solo on this cut as well.

Spoken word in Finnish is use on the second cut in the background to max advantage as well.

The last song, the album's title track is more than 17 minutes in length and is divided into three parts. The first sees beautiful sustained notes and keyboards. Three minutes and a half minutes in, the heavy axe play and vocals return as the second portion of the song surges forward in all its divine excellence. The last part sees angelic female vocals that work really well and then more power.

While certainly on the left more extreme side of the Christian metal pantheon the boys pay homage to the Lord with the best of them in every single song. And unlike in many circles in North America where being a Christian metal band is cool these guys have stood the test of time fighting for Christ within the barren wasteland of Pagans that is Finnish metal.

Great job gentlemen, you've proven to metal fans around the globe, you can have your cake and eat it too.

While not a perfect album, as the band does use a few too many styles and struggles to marry all of them together, it is a solid effort and has tons of excellent musicianship.

It is certainly recommended for purchase.

Band lineup:
Mike Partala-Guitars, Vocals
Kalle Paju-Lead Axe
J.J Kontoniemi-Drums
Manu Lehtinen-Bass

Track Listing:
1. Fields of War
2. 3:16
3. Defending the Faith
4. Song of the Saved
5. Lost Indeed
6. Hail to the King
7. A Thorn Through Your Flesh
8. Holy War, Holy Violence
9. Tales From the Midst of the Battle
Part 1. The Mission
Part 2. The Death of Kyrios
Part 3. The Hymn For Victory

Hardrock Haven rating: 7.7/10