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I have a history with this band that goes all the way back to the beginning: Theocracy, or more correctly main song writer Matt Smith, was the second person I ever interviewed for the site more than eight years ago. What began a one-man project has over the years turned into a 5 piece metal band. The music has also grown over the years leaving some the symphonic influences in the dust behind them; today they are a much more straight forward power metal unit.

The mix of Iron Maiden, old Iced Earth, Helloween and Edguy on "As the World Bleeds" sounds great and does include their own little spin on things. They haven't re-invented the genre, but their take on power metal sounds fresh and "As the World Bleeds" is surely a pleasant surprise in my book.

This is a band effort and it shows: Matt can now concentrate on his vocals and he delivers on all fronts! The biggest progress is however in the guitar department; the leads and harmonies are brilliant, and add a solid rhythm section and a good production to the equation and you have a great album.

If you like the above mentioned bands, and who doesn't, then I suggest you give this one a serious consideration because "As the World Bleed" is a first-class product that deserves your attention.

Good one!

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