An underground collector's item for quite some time, Armageddon's one and only has been unearthed and unleashed again after nearly 20 years lying dormant, dusty and totally forgotten. "The Money Mask" has been reissued and slapped together with a bonus disc of six more tracks that's basically demo material. They had to put something in there extra for those that want to "upgrade" but are balking after already shelling out some major dough to own the original Talkingtown Records release. This is Christian-esque metal with a late 80s bang. There's nothing fluff or puff here, it's metal through and through, dragged through the dirt, showing its scars and all proudly. Armageddon's sound is some wicked (or would that be divine?) mixture of Priest, Barren Cross, Omen, Battlezone, early Dokken, the raw dawning of Savatage, Metal Church and Obsession. It's full throttle power that has a few sleek hooks up it's heaven-sent sleeve.

"The Ship of Changes" is a ballad and "Looking Out For You" has a melodic bent direction that is a nice change for the band. Otherwise, it's all guns firing, with a machine-gun like rat-a-tat precision. "(Liberation From) The Blazing Wasteland" tackles the listener with its thrash influenced sound (Megadeth/Overkill) and potent shrill screams, "Mercenaries of Injustice" packs tons of rippling power, and effects such as speaker bouncing and "We're Outa' Here" takes the speed metal route.
 
The title track warns against the evils of so-called religious figureheads that are out to grab your cash all under the guise of soul saving with a price. It washes over you with a gang-vocal sound and sharp guitars. Reminiscent of the earliest of Dokken and a dash of Omen. "More Than Conquerors" is about standing up and being a good Christian, taking the falls and ridicule and keeping your high through it all. It's like Manowar, only... "If you aren't into Jesus, then you are not my friend." kinda vibe. "Nightlight" is pretty cheese, being the opposite of those Satanic songs from more well-known acts. Enticed by darkness and giving in is not celebrated here, to say the least. The song itself is streamlined simplicity. Catchy hook that sinks in and some surprising guitars that just rise to the occasion and serious kick the breath back into the album.

There are some skunks on the album too, and really, the whole thing chalks up to how you can stomach Christian metal bands and that "classic" sound. It's unrefined and power punchy but lacks the subtlety, intricacies and flexible production that modern offerings have. Not to mention the nostalgic factor is not in force here, since most metal fans have likely never heard of the band till now.

As for your bonus stuff, there's a smattering of rough mixes, rehearsal outtakes. The newly unearthed stuff is what the real showcase is here, as rougher versions of songs already on "Mask" is not all that exciting. "Get In Line" has some bluesy influences and is one of the more subdued pieces from their repertoire (ballad not included). "In Your Face" is clichéd, heavy and smacking like a thunderclap, all in preparation for a sky shattering chorus. Fans of Armageddon's work will be pleased to have these two in their collection, despite the horrid, tinny production.

Guitars are sharp, crunchy and in abundance. Being a guitar trio assault here gives the album a very electrified feel, with Robby Lee, Charlie Phillips and Phil Zeo all turning six-string tricks. Vocalist Mike Vance just belts it in a grit rubbed style that hits below the belt and fits the aggressive nature of "The Money Mask". He sounds absolutely nasty at times and throws high pitched screams all over the place. They pepper the disc like bullets raining from heaven.

Armageddon had a decent album on their hands here. One that did not reach a wide audience for a variety of reasons. A small record label release, being pigeon holed as a Christian act (the kiss of death into obscurity unless you happen to wear bee suits and throw Bibles at your concert audience), and not really following up on their full length release in a recorded form - all these contributed to the rarity of their album and their unknown status. However, with this re-release, it should entice a few more who are seeking a fairly straightforward "classic" styled metal disc and fill their requirements nicely. Recommended for those who take their music on the strong side, like a black coffee but with pure white cream at its heart.

Written by Alanna
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
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Ratings

Alanna: 7/10

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