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Lion of Judah assuredly unleashes one of the year's more unique and ambitious hardcore efforts with Universal Peace, their first full-length.

Producing raspy vocally, musically driven "soul-influenced" songs, fellow D.C. residuals and legends Bad Brains is often cited as Lion of Judah's biggest influence. However, unlike another certain (albeit well-respected) gang of BB followers, Charge, never is there a sudden moment of upstroke-laced reggae (not that such would be a detrimental character); rather, Lion of Judah show it with a world-acknowledging socio-politico and personally introspective lyrical base, without dogging on specific events that would cause a datedness.

While it's also a musical standout thanks to its punchy tempo, "U N I Vs. All = Peace" shows off some of the band's more powerful lines; "'People kill people,' you tell me that's life / Ever said it to a soldier's wife?." "Sirhan's Secret" contains a surprising ton of tempo changes considering the style, further cementing the far reach of their unconventional, challenging methods.

While the type of intensity conveyed through Universal Peace is a little more subtle than most of the band's peers, when it's obvious they're certainly on. "Astral Master" concludes with flailing instruments and the vocalist fairly desperately screaming "So scared to live / But I'm afraid to die!." The rushed "Licking Evil" is particularly tasty, especially with the repetitive, frantic and anxious delivery of "In the heart of the right men / In the heart of the white men / Lies a piece of the devil!."

Exhibiting a variety of tempos, vibes, and guitar chords, Universal Peace is solid, smart roots hardcore. Whatever synonyms you can find for 'refreshing' apply here.

STREAM
Astral Master



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    Posted by Donkeykongjr on 2007-09-18 02:08:47
    My Score:

    "mousetrapped" is the best song on this CD.

    Posted by BizzleBrizzle on 2006-11-23 15:02:35

    Lick Evil really is the best song on this record.

    Posted by inagreendase on 2006-11-23 12:07:08

    Oh boy! I love it when anti-imperialism becomes racism! Hooray!

    ...Except the lyrics were written by white dudes. So if anything it's like the Chappelle skit.

    Posted by Scruffy on 2006-11-23 12:02:11

    "Rastas I could tolerate, but I have yet to hear a credible Christian hardcore band."

    Have you ever heard Strongarm? And depending on your definition of hardcore, Outer Circle?

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 5:19 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Definitely a great record, but for some reason I'm just not as into this one as "Soul Power". Perhaps a few more spins will change my mind.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 4:40 PM (EST)

    To those commenting on here who pre-ordered: you'll have your orders very soon if your order hasn't arrived by now! Thanks.

    Sean
    Youngblood Records

    www.youngblood-records.com

    P.S. I love this album but I'm a bit biased.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 3:13 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    got the lp in the mail today
    and its awesome

    Posted by Adam_K on 2006-11-21 21:38:14
    My Score:

    Band rules. This probably does too.

    Score is for first Rage Against the Machine record.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 4:52 PM (EST)

    "In the heart of the white men / Lies a piece of the devil!."

    Oh boy! I love it when anti-imperialism becomes racism! Hooray!

    The music is alright though.

    And who cares whether they are Rastafarian or Pastafarian or Christian.

    Posted by changeisasound on 2006-11-21 12:48:18

    lion of judah -> fucking rad. and i better get my pre-order very soon.

    Posted by Osloboditelj on 2006-11-21 11:06:08

    The concept of a band called Lion of Judah that's not reggae is... strange.

    Posted by etwiels88 on 2006-11-21 10:23:58

    best band

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 9:39 AM (EST)

    why review a record if you cant describe the music and direction of the cd. way to rushed for a good band. leave these records for someone more capable.

    Posted by BizzleBrizzle on 2006-11-21 07:17:48

    also, almost positive they're not christians, and they don't look like Rastas

    Posted by BizzleBrizzle on 2006-11-21 07:16:57
    My Score:

    One of the best records of the year

    Posted by usversusthem on 2006-11-21 04:52:59

    And how are Rastas better?

    Posted by Cos on 2006-11-21 02:52:51

    So are they Rastas or Christians?

    Rastas I could tolerate, but I have yet to hear a credible Christian hardcore band.

    Posted by iamgay69 on 2006-11-21 02:34:51

    artwork reminds me of rubber soul

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 12:57 AM (EST)

    I still haven't heard this, i pre-ordered it along with the new fired up 7 inch. it better come soon.

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