Laughter abounds as I cruise through one of the most childish sounding and badly written albums ever to grace my cd player. Whoever told this guy he should be making music ought to be smacked. I have read some reviews of this album other than my own and most people agree this won't change the world even though BMO, who is solely owned and operated by Sydney Allen Johnson, is a blatantly turn or burn Christian album whose judging focus lies on America and her heathen ways. Hey Sydney, judge and be judged...your music is about as bad as the condition you find America in!

The singing is a monotone dirge that puts one to sleep in seconds! The music is amatuer hour, songwriter's night fodder, with a bad drum machine thrown in behind to make the cheese fest that much cheesier.
The music, if indeed i could use such a Holy word to describe this noise, is somewhere between Gothic noodling and a Blue Oyster Cult rock with a taste of metal thrown in.

I wll say the guy hits an interesting melody here and there and i think he probably believes what he's preaching about, but the music is a slap in the face of the myriad of talented Christian artisits in the world.
In the Bible the Benjamites were to go through 7 years of music training and had to reach a very high skill level before they were ever allowed to worship God in the temple. The Bible also says to play your instruments with skill. I think you need 7 years man!

Who knows, he could pull an Ed Roland (Collective Soul's singer/writer) whose first album really bit the big one, but got a clue and has written some of the most memorable and catchy rock tunes to hit the world.

That's my hope for Mr. Johnson, but it needs to be said that this album is really bad and no one should ever have to hear this except for a comparison someday to what crap this was, to hopefully, something good in the future. Maybe one day it will click for him but right now the only click i'm hearing is the trigger on my shotgun as I use this disc for target practice!

Written by David
Saturday, November 8, 2003
Show all reviews by David

Ratings

David: 2/10

Members: No members have rated this album yet.

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Comment by Gerda (Anonymous) - Monday, November 10, 2003

Along with being thick in the middle, David is being thick in the head regarding his critique on BMO-Divine Right of Kings. Although not a fan of heavy metal or Gothic styles of music, I really liked this CD. The lyrics and message are as powerful as the music itself. It's not enough to just proclaim yourself to be a Christian and profess belief in God (usually on Sundays), but to put yourself and your convictions out there like Sidney "Allen" Johnson has done, deserves a better review than that given by David. I've checked other reviews given Allen's CD and, I'm glad to say that most of the reviews were positive and encouraging rather than "thick" on the negatives. I truly like this CD and have it in my stack of favorites that I listen to. Keep up the good work Allen, and I look forward to your next CD.

Comment by The Thick Friar (Anonymous) - Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Most of the reviews for Mr.Johnson's album were nice. I read none that actually rushed anyone to go buy it. I chose to be more critical because the music is sub par and very amatuer. Not what most people are accustomed to. I think he can do better and it is not enough to proclaim one's beliefs and the music stink! So putting himself out there is not as brave an act as it was in the past. Most metal musicians know there are Christian metal acts out there and alot of them have garnered respect and admiration from their secular peers. Living Sacrifice, Tourniquet, Deliverance, Mortification, Believer, Pantokrator, Sanctifica, Crimson Glory,Indwelling, Narnia, and many other Christian bands have gained the respect of so many metal heads out there. They gained it by being really really talented and putting alot of hard work into the music. Mr. Johnson can be good if he works harder than this effort and i dare say he may need other's to help him. If you were blessed by his messages then that is awesome! i'm glad it speaks to you. For me it is an insult to a genre of music that already suffers criticism from many in the world because of these kinds of albums being thrown out there in the name of GOD. I expect more from my own kind than i do from the world of secular music...but make no mistake...Christian or not...this album would get the same rating I gave it no matter the lyrical content. I will not give favor to a Christian artist just because they are Christian. That is favoritism and i am trying to be impartial regarding reviews and religion. One thing you may not understand about metal/gothic music since you calim no like of it, is that the music is of first importance in this style. If the music sucks you can bet no matter if they preach God or Satan they won't get far in this felid of music. That is one of the defining aspects of metal! That is the reason this gets a 2/10 rating. Thanks for your reply and Gerda...i enjoy being thick in the middle! HAHA cheers!

Comment by dixiehound (Anonymous) - Wednesday, November 12, 2003

Dear Mr. Music Critic: I usually ignore critiques of any kind as they are meaningless. I leave that job to The Almighty Himself. But your review contains blatant insulting remarks on both Mr. Johnson and myself. You see, I am one of those you proclaim "ought to be smacked." Believe me, if you were in my presence, I would punch your ever-loving lights out. But since that isn't possible, I offer this commentary. I am a 42 year old female rocker (located in Augusta, Georgia) raised on Elvis, Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins, Roy Clark, the Beatles, the Stones, the Who, KISS (well you know, all of the great ones!). I believe in God but am indeed a sinner. I do not take stock in "Christian" music (of which this album is not in that genre) or so-called "Christians" for that matter. I have no tolerance for self-righteous Jesus freaks. Judge not lest ye be judged?? Isn't this what you profess Mr. Johnson is doing? Judging? Come on now, this is amusing to me since you are a "music critic." Better check "Webster's" on this one. Moreover, it's sad that you are so damning of one's creativity. I applaud Mr. Johnson for his hard work, dedication and diligence and for saying what too few of us have the fortitude. His album is quite exceptional considering he is the sole composer and performer. From your bio page I see you are a musician. I am curious to listen to some of YOUR originals. Lastly, have you talked to God lately? Do you think HE approves of YOUR judgment of music and people? I think you had better thoroughly read the Bible, especially regarding the "Benjamites" and also the Book of The Revelation. As for your last comment regarding your shotgun and target practice....well Mr. Music Critic...this was appalling also. Why don't you try aiming that shotgun toward your empty head next time.

Comment by Christine Parastatidou (Anonymous) - Wednesday, November 12, 2003

First of all, I'd like to say that I am an editor in 2 big magazines and the only reason I mention such a thing is to prove that I have some kind of a background and I have the chance to listen to almost every mainstream and underground release there is. The guy here that wrote this review, made me believe that he wasn't writing a review of an ALBUM but he was JUGDING and ACCUSING a person because he committed the crime of having a different point of view and because he is just too open minded for him to handle... I understand that he is American, but Sidney Allen Johnson (whom I know because he sent me his incredible cd to review) is American too and it's a very different thing being a patriot and pointing out some problems your country may face. Furthemore this David guy claims to be a Christian. I am a Christian too. I was taught to love, appreciate and accept the different... the different race, ideas, philosophies, anything or anyone special... Which of these Christian elements does Mr. David prove to have? Moreover he falls into the trap of explaining the Bible word by word and not by reading between the lines.What do I want to say? He mentions that the Bejamites had to study music for 7 years before being allowed to worship God and everyone should play skillfully. Isn't it the way he puts it, one of the most racistic statements? Making music a privilege of the few talented, of the elite of musicians? Who will judge who is able enough to listen to and play music? Does this David person want to become the McCarthy of music? I am in the metal scene many years now and I can assure you that the 80% of the metal musicians learned their instruments just out of their love of music, without a teacher and don't tell me they studied it for more than 7 years... All the bands are formed when the members are around 15, does this mean that they start learning music at the age of 8? Come on now! It would be much better and more appreciated by me if Mr. David just admitted that he loathes Sidney Allen Johnson and he wrote this review because he wanted to express his animosity against him... Concluding I'd like to thank Mr. David, because I realized that he is responsible for the practical use of the cds. If it wasn't for him and the shotgun he uses to target practise, now the cd's wouldn't have the -so handy- hole in the middle!

Comment by Donda Joy Goffe (Anonymous) - Thursday, November 13, 2003

I know its your job to review and give your opinion towards music but it sounds more like you are judging Mr. Johnson on his beliefs rather than on his music.I'm just someone that was raised on all the greats of metal and I listened to Mr. Johnsons music and thought it was very good,he is very talented and creative.I hope to hear much more out of him in the future.

Comment by Yoni-staff (Anonymous) - Thursday, November 13, 2003

I havn't heard the album, but i think the interviewer is entitled to an opinion, just like the musician, this mr. johnson or whatever... The content of the cd, which exposes obviously dramatic lyrical content towards the general population of the states is not exactly "in the right" either here... Maybe Dave's comments were a bit harsh, but from the sound of it, this album appears to be an arthouse romp with some preacher and..i duno, a drum machine? ... i have to admit, there's a 99% chance that if i ever see this disc i won't buy it... and you know why? Because that's the job of the REVIEWER... to review. Yes, there are personal comments made at the artist, but the tone is fun, and i dont' think it was intended to be an 'attack' of sorts. Apart from that, my understanding is that the music is of an amateur level, and not worth listening to. fair review in my opinion.

Comment by Gothica (Anonymous) - Thursday, November 13, 2003

To put it simply. If you like Black Sabbath You will like this CD. If you like Sisters of Mercy. You will like this CD. Its very much like those bands sanwiched together. The review is out of line entirely in reguards to its quality. But the lyrics!! Thats an unexpected bonus. Dimmu Borgir should have thought of that.

Comment by The Thick Friar (Anonymous) - Thursday, November 13, 2003

Ok One at a time please! haha This one to Dixie hound: Hey send me one of your CD's and i can tell you if you're talented or not! DIY does not an album make great! Lenny Kravitz has done a few albums by himself. Those were great. To DIY does not equate quality! Bad argument there! To the rest of your ranting and raving i can only say this: You are judging me as i have judged Mr.Johnson. HMMM hypocrite anyone...practice what you preach! Judge DixieHound presiding!?Do you think God likes your suggestions of violence toward me? Does God approve of my judgement of music and people? HHHMMMMM maybe not! Maybe so! Not really one of those burning questions i have.....my questions to God are more like....why did HE let Satan screw up this world He made? What is the reason for our existence? What is Your plan for my life? Those kinda things. Send me that disc Dixiehound....i will give you a fair review...with no low brow humour like i used on BMO! I promise.

Comment by The Fat Friar (Anonymous) - Thursday, November 13, 2003

To Christine P. Hey great to hear from a fellow critic! You liberals use that open minded line to death. To dislike something does not denote a closed mind! WOW old one..think up something new why don't you? Hey Satan is different...do you love, appreciate and accept him? As far as Benjamite reference...that was for Christians only and has nothing to do with secular metal music. My point being that God expects a high standard for His people who want to bring His Word and Name into their music. You wouldn't expect a preacher to not have a degree in Biblical theology now would you? It's the same for the "Christian" musician. It's ok if God or American Idol expects you to work hard at what you do! So your question of who is able to judge who can listen to and play music? Well i believe you can and I can and everybody in the whole world can! I mean DUH? That's what makes us different! Our tastes! I really feel no animosity toward Mr.Johnson...i don't even know him.....i am judging an album....i don't like it.....i don't think a lot of people will like it and i can't recommend someone to pay for it...you got the disc for free because he sent it to you! Would you have bought it if you had heard it at a listening station and they wanted 17.00 bucks for it? Bet you wouldn't! And you too are judging me with the same horrible judgement i gave Mr. Johnson! Another hypocrite! Thanks for your comments!

Comment by The Fat Friar (Anonymous) - Thursday, November 13, 2003

To Donda Joy Goffee: Thanks for your post. You are an example to the way we should all talk about these things to one another. I will let you know that I have been talking to Mr. Johnson through emails and i have told him that i'm sorry for the harsh comments i made. He is willing to take the bad with the good and move on! He is also done with a new album and will have it ready in early 2004. I hope to review it and be surprised at the improvements he has made. My real reason for the bad rating is the music....i don't care what he talks about really......America is pretty screwed up in a lot of ways...i just think it better to love than to point out someone's/something's faults and when somebody does use the Bible as a basis for criticism it ticks me off. That accounts for my harsh comments too. Thanks a ton for your thoughts!

Comment by The Fat Friar (Anonymous) - Thursday, November 13, 2003

To Yoni: Thanks for your help in making me sound not soooo bad. I was too harsh...a mistake made. I have apologized for it to MR. Johnson. The rating stays the same though. I am also glad that you could read the fun into it. Low Brow humour to be sure....not everyone's favorite type i'm afraid! Yes my intent was not to attack him personally but it is his work and i can see how he could take it no other way but personally! I can tell you got my point though and at least that's one who understands. Thanks

Comment by The Fat Friar (Anonymous) - Thursday, November 13, 2003

To Gothica: You may know some better webzines and magazines to review Mr. Johnson's work. You should go to his website and direct him to more Gothic based zine's. I really feel this album is out of place as a metal album. I am not familiar with Gothic music too well. If this is an example of good Gothic music then i obviously don't know what i am talking about because i am not a fan of Gothic music and what it entails. Thanks for taking the time to read and reply!

Comment by The Fat Friar (Anonymous) - Saturday, November 29, 2003

For all who may be interested in some music i've done go to: homepage.mac.com/jmilling and check out a song called "Diversion" I wrote the music and co-wrote the the lyrics with my friend Justin. I played drums on it only though. Justin sang and played all guitars. It's the only thing i have online at the moment....my solo album, on which i play everything and sing, is about halfway done and i will have my own web page on whcich some sample can be heard sometime next year. My material is completely different than Diversion but at least it is something to hear I have done. This song is 3 years old now and falls into a classic rock flavored Modern rock tune. I wrote it with Justin in mind who is a classic rock lover and that explains the difference in my music from this particular song. Nevertheless i am proud of the way it turned out. Feel free to comment after you have heard it! thanks

Comment by Chris (Anonymous) - Tuesday, December 9, 2003

This CD actually expresses a point of view. That in and of itself is rare. Obviously the reviewer didn't share that view. However this is an excellent CD. Every song is good and they don't all sound alike. Give it a chance.

Comment by JHS_4_Eternity (Anonymous) - Sunday, December 3, 2006

I didn't listen to the cd, but I did lsten to the songs on another song of his various albums. Please exscuse my spellings. First let me state without trying to sound haughty , that I have listened to underground metal since Metalica "kill em all" was newly released in 82. My olderbrother and his buddy were fanatical metalheads. One of my very first concerts was Metalica, WASP, and Armoured Saint. Met Cliff Burton before the show. Back then, this music would not have been purchased. I have nothing more to say about the melody except when playing I put on headphones to save embarasement if my wife heard it playing, and not because of the genre of music it's plain laim. One thing he did get right is it's not too ovrly repeatative. Lead guitar was ok. Concerning the lyrics. I would not concider 3 of the five songs I listened to as christian, but on the contrary. The words are death, not life giving. I can't distinguish the difference between the message of "raveshing music" and other bands that try to get thier listeners demonicly posessed. In the song "we are power" he says this song is witchcraft. I guess if there was a meaning behind this saying it wasn't obvious. I wouldn't suggest this album to anyone. A look at the BMO site and it's obvious this soul is very confused. Remember Christ's death, live in newness of life.

Comment by JHS_4_Eternity (Anonymous) - Sunday, December 3, 2006

Or was it?