Search - Living Sacrifice :: Nonexistence

This will get messy.

Kerry Ledbetter | Silvis, IL United States | 02/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Due to the fact that about 75% of so-called LS fans jumped on board with the hardcore-ish Reborn (their fourth album which had a big line-up change), most were dissappointed that this album was not a "paint by the numbers" Christian death metal release and they love to bash it for not sounding metalcore enough or "Christian death metal" enough. They weren't a metalcore band back then and they weren't supposed to sound like one. That means: no, they weren't trying to have the loud, crunchy guitar tone of Reborn - it's called down tuning, people - it's common in death metal; no, D.J. wasn't trying to scream or growl - he was trying to do something different - open your minds; and no, they were not trying to have the same production as Limp Bizkit's last album - they were going for a different feel. Sorry, but back then, Living Sacrifice were still metalheads. So anyway, ignore what the bandwagon riding, rapcore loving, trendy Tooth & Nail worshipping "fans" say about this older album. Most of them listen to MxPx anyway. Nonexistant is one of the most original death albums I've ever heard by any band, regardless of their beliefs. I only wish they had been able to do more actual death metal albums before DJ left and the band turned to metalcore (not that Reborn ..... or anything, it's actually quite good). Nonexistant is very unique and something that can be appreciated by any extreme metal fan - and it would be if all these fake LS fans would stop bashing this masterpiece and spreading their lack of musical knowledge.The music is killer, thrash-worshipping, dark and tribal death. The vocals are disgusting and impossible to decipher, since he wasn't even trying to pronounce his words (nice to hear someone in death metal that doesn't try to sound like Chris Barnes for a change). It's a total stand-out in the death scene. I wish there were more bands that stood apart as much as this one does - at least with this album. And to those who still say, "But they're Christians!": Oh hell, you listen to Nile talk about ancient Egyptian gods and Morbid Angel talk about gods they read about in D&D or whatever. Is that somehow less stupid than listening to a guy mumble incoherently about a ... one? Just buy the record, don't read the lyrics, head bang, and make the devil sign. You won't know the difference."

Classic Death Metal for The Saved and Unsaved Alike!!!

Louie Bourland | Garden Grove CA | 07/31/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Nonexistent" is the second album from Christian Death Metal band Living Sacrifice. I'm not entirely familiar with the history of the band but I can tell you that they have made a significant impact in the Metal music world both Christian and Secular.
"Nonexistent" is an excellent album from start to finish. The band line-up featured on this album plays in a tight solid fashion showcasing superb in-your-face guitar playing and grinding rhythms. The vocals on this album are something else entirely. Lead singer/bassist D.J. shouts his vocals in a slurred almost indecipherable manner. Most of the time, it's difficult to understand what he's actually singing. Looking at the lyrics in the CD cover doesn't always help either. Even though understanding the vocals is a bit frustrating, it is not a downside to the album at all. In fact, the vocals as well as the instrumentation go hand in hand.
Besides having mostly heavy moments, this album also features moments of brief calmness such as the instrumental break in "Void Expression", the intro to "Atonement" and the middle part of "Enthroned". All of which feature acoustic guitar work that harkens back to Metallica's Black Album.
Despite the music being on the dark side, the lyrics are extremely positive, uplifting and Christ-centered. "Nonexistent" can serve as an excellent witnessing tool for an unsaved friend who likes this style of music.
Like I've said before, this album is a great piece of solid Death Metal and displays the early Living Sacrifice at their heaviest. It is highly recommended not only for Christian Metal fans but Metal fans, period. Four and a half stars!!!"

Favorite LS album

Trevor Markiw | Lansing, Michigan United States | 10/29/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The second and most hard hitting album from Living Sacrifice in my opinion. They strided away thrash elements and went full force into Death Metal, creating what is to me one of my most played disc's to date. The music is very technical and played with full speed and progression, not missing a beat. Completely creating a masterpiece, with a sound all there own. Let me first get to the vocals, probably the most talked about item of concern on this disc. Many like it, hate it, or just try to ignore it. I personally always welcomed it, I am not trying to break free from the general demographic, but I do honestly appreciate the vocal efforts from DJ. They clearly go hand and hand with the music, and although I could see a more guttural effort doing this much more good, I think the vocals are what make this such a unique and memorable album. The music contained is so brutal! the chord progression is endless, leading into some less than impressive solos, but they do the trick. When stomping your face in they give you a break with beautiful guitar instrumentals, comprised in some of the tracks. The intertwine wonderfully. The drumming is not repetitive, it rarely follows the same repetitious drum pattern that most death metal follows through with. It's technical it's brutal, it is everything and more I could ever ask for. Lyrically if you do not know Living Sacrifice is a Christian band. All of the Lyrics are very powerfully written right along with the music, giving a deep example of how to live your life in the light of Christ. If you are not a Christian, this may bother you, but you can't ever really understand what DJ is growling about even with Lyrics in hand. But to me this is very spirit filled brutality. Christian or not this release is well worth your time. By far my favorite and most recommended release from Living Sacrifice."