CoC : Prophecy - Contagion : Review

Prophecy - _Contagion_
(Pavement, 1999)
by: Adrian Bromley (8 out of 10)

While starting out like a complete clone of many CoC writers' fave band Fear Factory (think _Soul of a New Machine_-era FF), Prophecy redeems itself early on with a solid and well-executed record. This is a very promising act. With enough industrial/death metal mixings to add diversity to the record's material, it's the keyboard work and atmospheric ways of the band's song ideas that really give _Contagion_ its highlights. While machine-gun styled drums blast away, the guitar riffs stay heavy. A masterful array of keyboard work adds haunting qualities to each and every song. With each listen, I can see how many metal fans might see this as a Fear Factory clone, but it must be pointed out, this band lacks the brutality of FF, and that is their saving grace. Any band could have gone out, mixed the two styles and played heavy till the cows come home, but Prophecy plays it smart and brings a definite likeable feature, that being their crafty ability to add atmosphere to each number. Highlights include: "Sexual", "Digit Contagion" and "God Wrath".

(article published 12/10/1999)