In its initial and purest form, Christianity was a statement of rebellion against the mainstream. It was a way of life, a philosophy which inspired generations to fight and die for what they believed. In its original inception, Christianity was a hardcore statement to make in the face of a world dominated by Roman paganism and militarism. Now your grandmother goes to church every Sunday and Pat Robertson wants your money to buy a satellite dish. This is why some people will have a hard time accepting Christian hardcore. I try to keep an open mind ideologically when listening to music. So when I received this demo from Warfare records with some information and a request for a review I was interested to say the least. Philosophically, the dedication of this band to their ideals is impressive. I can agree with a lot of the individual based roots Christianity which they are espousing. What Edge Of Mortality seem to be doing is bringing the Christian philosophy back to its origin and this is very respectable. They seem to be rebelling against the mainstream much in the same way that the straight edge kids are rebelling by distancing themselves from what they see as corrupt. Sticking to your beliefs in the face of adversity is respectable in any sense.

Musically, you can’t expect much from a demo that was recorded in the bass players bathroom. The mix is very sludgy and rough, but this gives it a good underground feel. The recording conditions take a lot away from the band itself, but this is only a demo and a very rough one at that. The full length CD should be out soon, promising much better sound quality. As a band Edge Of Mortality is quite good. I must admit to being shocked at how good they actually are. They play a fierce blend of metallic hardcore and feedback drenched metal. The delivery is very heavy sounding, especially the guitar tone. They use a lot of distortion and solid metal riffs along with well placed bursts of speed and the occasional acoustic interlude. As a hardcore band, they possess a lot of raw talent in delivery and emotion. Nothing is built around a heavy thrash riff which sounds truly raw and brutal. It sustains tension and then releases it in a pattern of cathartic rage which easily rivals more established hardcore bands that work the same dynamics like Deadguy and Dillinger Escape Plan. It’s also interesting to hear A.A. catchphrases like "Let go, let God" actually screamed with some conviction. It kind of changes the reaction to such statements when you hear someone who actually means it for a change. Agape is a dose of cathartic speed metal and crunch metal guitar with some really terrifying vocals. Detrimental features some good use of dynamics. Slow methodical groove and subtle acoustics are alternated with fits of screaming chaos to a very good effect. The slow spoken word part came out kind of weak. It reminds me of a tape my garage band once made (we recorded in the basement though, not the bathroom). I expect a royalty check is forthcoming. There is potential there though which hopefully will be utilized on the official recording. Victory features a fairly good metallic intro building off of quiet bass. This song is kind of reminiscent of Earth Crisis with the sludgy groove and hoarse vocals. There is good use of dynamics here as well with sustained power chords and bass fills thrown up amongst a canvas of hardcore screaming and bludgeoning stomp riffs. The vocal chorus is misplaced but it segues nicely into a brutally hard edged finish. The last song, Turn Out is one of the more different sounding tracks. The slap bass rhythm is actually really similar to Korn, and it is utilized very effectively in a hardcore format here. There is some real talent at work with this bass player. The drumming is well executed here as well. The song kind of drifts between styles and goes too many places for its own good rather than concentrating on the simpler aspects. However there is a solid finish which ends the album on a good note.

Overall Edge Of Mortality is very impressive for a young band in a somewhat limited genre. The recording isn't great, but the music is solid and at times outstanding. God is definitely doing something for this band. He must be giving guitar lessons somewhere. It’s really rare to see religious views expressed with this much conviction or raw emotion. This is a real alternative outlet here. If you're considering your spiritual options, rather than going with your grandmother to church this Sunday, go find Edge Of Mortality and see them live. It would definitely be more exciting and, to me at least, more convincing than sitting at church and singing hymns. This is a statement of rebellion against the mainstream and true dedication to one's beliefs. An interesting alternative it does provide. And a very promising band.