Review by Maverick on January 26, 2024.

A Hill To Die Upon is a really interesting figure in the Christian extreme metal scene, for starters -- a similarity is said to exist between them and the secular blackened death metal beasts Behemoth. However, I don't think that comparing this band to Behemoth does any justice, since it removes the originality and creative of this band. Believe me, this album is full of creativity, and complexity that converges into a masterpiece which no one in the metal scene (Christian or secular) should ignore. There are four aspects of this album that make me say this:

First, the lyrics in this album is plainly amazing. You have badass lyrics that are intricately written, and fit in with the sinister blackened death instrumentals. A very badass excerpt from the first track (Darkness That Can Be Felt) might reveal to you the absolute genius that this band articulate in their song,

"To anoint my head with vermillion
Mark of the joyful slave
For I have the right
High atop the mountain,
Where the World Prince was slain
I see the lone God
holding the hexagram
I am the black space between the stars
I am the darkness that can be felt."

Those lyrics mind-raped me, it was so complex, so intelligently written, I have a hard time criticizing that. The Chant of Mighty Offspring has some more kick-ass lyrics, "Here I am! Blessed of the left hand; Guardian of the secrets of the forest; Grant me shining eyes and silent ways." This sets the band in a light which is mysterious, mystical, and very sinister. Yes, for a Christian band, that deserves some credit.

Second, the instrumentals were very interesting. "Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down" makes an entrance which sounds very sinister, similar to Behemoth in some aspects, there was a factor there that I couldn't place my finger on. It set a sort of dark atmosphere, that immersed me in a sort of seriousness, you know? "Shit is about to go down!" And I am very glad that it did! Brilliant, the drumming was all spot-on, blastbeats, and very excellently played double bass. This album also managed to offer some typical death metal guitar solos which was worth mentioning. Another thing about the instrumentals which set a very morbid tone was "Nehushtan," which was an acoustic guitar instrumental. Very well played, and it was sort of a teaser for the next songs, and it kept me hooked.

Third, the vocals on this album was without a doubt similar to Behemoth, but it was slightly better. There was a masculine badass voice in this album, Adam Cook is a beast. He gave forth the impression that he is the slayer coming to reap the devil, holy shit. Some badass lyrics that he articulates was in the track "Heka Primus (Ordo Norma Mysterium)" where he articulates "Reveal to me the secrets of the Sun!" With that masculine voice, you might as well say the devil would shit his pants.

Fourth, the way all of these factors come together is what excites me the most. Here is an badass intricate album, if you don't know what to listen to, give this band a chance. This album is completely epic, and it also justifies the rest of the Christian metal scene. This is not some Behemoth rip-off, this is a real deal metal band that means business -- they will crush any demon in their sight. Definitely something I would listen to again, the only flaw however is the length. This was too short for my liking ... I would have loved a 3 hour album, that's how great this was.

Rating: 9.9 out of 10