Boston’s death/thrash metal crew Revocation are back with a new album Great Is Our Sin, and a new drummer, former 3 Inches of Blood skinsman Ash Pearson. The band’s sixth full-length is also their first concept album.

Vocalist/guitarist Dave Davidson explains the lyrical theme: "The concept revolves around the folly of man throughout the ages. Some themes come from historical references that are hundreds of years old, yet sadly these themes are still very relevant today due to mankind's refusal to learn from the lessons history has taught us, time and time again."

Revocation have always been known for their technical skills, which are on full display on Great Is Our Sin. The beginning of “Communion” is packed with galloping riffs and an aggressive vocal delivery from Davidson before the groove kicks in along with a memorable solo.

Surprisingly, one of the catchiest songs on the album is the instrumental “The Exaltation.” More than a mid-album interlude, it has memorable melodies and more shredding solos. It also features legendary guitarist Marty Friedman (ex-Megadeth).

The band has incorporated progressive tendencies in the past, and they do so with great effectiveness on this album. It starts with the album opener “Arbiters of the Apocalypse," while "Crumbling Interlude” also delivers some progressive moments. “Monolithic Ignorance” is a nice change of pace, as a brutal beginning transitions into brief melodic vocals before the pummeling resumes.

Pearson is a great addition to the band. He’s a versatile drummer who brings a lot of creativity to the table along with the technical chops needed in Revocation. Davidson says, “He can really go off behind the kit, playing some very intense technical stuff, as well as bringing in some more diverse elements drawn from his influences outside the metal realm."

While he is consistently solid throughout the album, Pearson’s performance is especially noteworthy on the tracks “Copernican Heresy,” where he is able to display a light, almost jazzy touch at times, while crushing it at other times.

Great Is Our Sin is the whole package. It has well-written songs, top-notch musicianship and ample variety to satisfy discerning extreme metal fans. It’s another excellent addition to Revocation's underrated catalog.

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