(Nuclear Blast) Total Time: 46:27
As the title implies this is the second full-length of FIREBALL MINISTRY, which finds them under new label Nuclear Blast. Their sound can be described as riff hard rock with a stoner rock vibe, implementing some classic heavy metal and melodic punk rock influences. FIREBALL MINISTRY are getting a lot of promotion and very good press lately, but personally I cannot understand all the fuss about them. Although their sound is interesting and they blend their influences successfully, most songs of the album sound similar, having almost the same mid-tempo rhythm and featuring catchy choruses and hooks. It’s one of those “no surprises” records, where by listening to the first three or four songs you feel like you’ve already heard the whole record. As a result you may easily get bored halfway through the album. Another disadvantage is that including “Dark Descent” (which is credited as a bonus track in the Nuclear Blast promo) the album comprises of 12 tracks in total, of which only 8 are new compositions (“King”, “Choker”, and “Maidens of Venus” were included in their 2001 EP titled “FMEP”, and the album’s first single and video clip “Flatline” was originally included in the “Rebirth of the Heavy” stoner compilation released by the Music Cartel). Their record company seems to have invested a lot in this band as Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Marilyn Manson, Danzig) was hired for the production. To be honest I was expecting more from FIREBALL MINISTRY. Although “The Second Great Awakening” is a decent album, nothing impressive or innovative is included in it. Considering the numerous really great releases we had this year by other bands, I don’t think this one should be high on your “to buy” list.
