The Hammering Process

The dissonant, trebly guitar noodling combined with detuned sub-riffing known as nu-metal sneaks into the always-evolving aggro of Living Sacrifice on the group's sixth release, The Hammering Process. Though perhaps considered a suspicious shift by their underground metal fans, this subtle transformation works for a unit used to combining the best elements of metal's many forms into new and original concoctions. In a dramatic overhaul of their lineup, founding members Bruce Fitzhugh (vocals, guitar) and Lance Garvin (drums) are joined by three former ESO Charis members: Rocky Gray (guitar), Arthur Green (bass), and most surprisingly, drummer/percussionist Matthew Putman, whose stamp is all over The Hammering Process, as the Christian metal outfit (and their two drummers) explore different instrumentations and more complicated rhythmic structures throughout the recording. Highlights include the post-hardcore breaks during "Burn the End" and the epic arrangement of "Bloodwork." There are a few bad moments on cuts like the awkward "Perfect" in which this constantly progressing band strays too far from their comfort zone, but for the most part The Hammering Process is yet another success for the multi-faceted Living Sacrifice.