Play the first few seconds of the opening track “Waiting for the Son” and you might come to the same conclusion I did – EPIC! I enjoy the symphonic stylings in the power metal genre, and if you’re a fan of Aldaria you may just like this release too. “In the name of the Son” is the second album in a series by Enzo & The Glory Ensemble, its precursor being “In the name of the Father” released in 2015. This album took Scripture and prayers and set it to metal music. “In the name of the Son” continues in a similar vein, and traces first Israel’s desire for a Messiah – the Suffering Servant whom we recognise as Jesus Christ prophesied in Isaiah 53, before continuing with Jesus’ invitation to take up His yoke in Matthew 11:25-30.
Listen out for the messages contained in the songs that reference specific passages of scripture in their titles, like “Luke 1:28”. These songs link Old Testament prophecies with their fulfilment in the New Testament. I love how the instrumentation in each track paints a picture of a distant time, yet remains current by wrapping everything in a heavy metal cloak. Enzo Donnarumma and his collaborators amalgamate past and present effortlessly, and this is a testament to the calibre of the musicians involved in the project. Here they are, pictured below.
“In the name of the Son” sees the return of many of the collaborators that were involved in “In the name of the Father”, with the addition of Derek Corzine (Bloodline Severed, Pastor Brad, Vials of Wrath), Alessandro Battini (Dark Horizon), Giacomo Manfredi (Aldaria) and David Brown (Metatrone).
Listen to “The Trial” to experience how these storytellers dramatise the events that led to Jesus’ crucifixion. It’s a musical tour-de-force, complete with brass, blast beats, low growls, strings and of course, electric guitar. “The Trial” concludes as if a storm had burst, and is in stark contrast to “Eternal Rest”, where a simple drum and a choir create a pensive mood – the aftermath of His death. “Te Deum” celebrates the miracle of salvation, attained through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and is the high point of the album. Can you imagine being in the audience when this track is performed live! The album finishes with “If not You”, a track that glorifies Jesus Christ, the perfect offering – our rock, and our salvation. It asks the question, “If not You, who?” It reminds me that nothing that I can do, can absolve me of sin. As John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
I appreciate that Enzo finds his lyrical inspiration in Scripture, and I get the sense that through his musical projects he lives his faith. I look forward to future recordings by Enzo & The Glory Ensemble.
It scores a soaring 8/10.
Written by Karakul
Tracklist:
1. Waiting for the Son
2. The tower of Babel
3. Luke 1:28
4. Psalm 8
5. Glory to God
6. Psalm 133 (feat. Kobi Farhi)
7. Magnificat
8. Isaiah 53
9. Matthew 11:25
10. The Trial
11. Eternal rest
12. Te Deum
13. If not You
Band members:
Enzo Donnarumma (vocals, guitar)
Amulyn (vocals)
Brian Ashland (vocals)
Alessandro Battini (keyboard)
David Brown (vocals)
Derek Corzine (guitar)
Kobi Farhi (vocals)
Marty Friedman (guitar)
Tina Gagliotta (vocals)
Nicholas Leptos (vocals)
Giacomo Manfredi (bass)
Ralph Scheepers (vocals)
Gary Wehrkamp (guitar, keyboard)
Mark Zonder (drums)
Record Label: Rockshots Records, Sept. 2017
Studio albums/EPs:
“In the name of the Father” (full-length, 2015) [review]
“In the name of the Son” (full-length, 2017)
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
Video for ‘Psalm 33’ (feat. Kobi Farhi)