Play God

Even more inspired than World Wont Miss You, Play God found Reverend unveiling a new lineup and working with the well-respected metal producer Michael Rosen. Lead singer David Wayne and guitarist Brian Korban remained, while bassist Dennis OHara had been replaced by Angelo Espino and drummer Jason Ian had taken over Rick Bashas position. These personnel changes didnt alter the bands sound considerably, and Reverend still thrived on melody as well as brute force. Under Rosen, Reverend sounded cleaner and more polished, but the heaviness and aggression remained. Rosen clearly had a great understanding of this band, and such dark-themed material as Warp the Mind, Blackened Thrive and Butcher of Baghdad (which reflects on Iraqi dictator Saddam Husseins tyranny) earned the CD rave reviews in the underground metal press. But unfortunately, Play God wasnt the commercial breakthrough Charisma and Reverend were hoping for. ~ Alex Henderson