During a conversation that I had about irrelevant things with Soundforge headquarters, I have been invited to listen seven out of ten songs (plus an intro) from the upcoming INACTIVE MESSIAH album, Sinful Nation. So, even though I was running all day working, I managed to be on time at SEPTICFLESH's studio for this pre-listening session.

By the time that I have arrived, thinking that I was late, I was surprised to see that I was the first one that arrived in Devasoundz studios. After the necessary introductions, me and Fotis from SEPTICFLESH were waiting for the other guys to listen for the first time the 2_3 of the album, by chatting. After a couple of minutes, we were ready to take the first taste from the upcoming album Sinful Nation.Even though, some orchestral parts were missing, the songs were almost ready. Fotis, who is responsible for the production and the mixing of the album, pressed the play button and left us to listen without distraction those seven songs. To tell you the truth, I was a bit confused at the end since some of the songs were really good and others just passed without touching me. But let me talk about each song separately:

Chosen One was the first one and it really grabbed us by the neck! A really good composition, not close to the sound that the band had in their previous works. Nice sharp riffing and strong rhythm section made that song one of the best of those I listened to. I believe it's going to be one of my favorite ones when the album is finally out.

Next, was Soulless. What the hell? Lefteris from Rock Hard magazine and I were telling to each other because that song was like artillery fire! A great song and to tell you the truth I didn't expect something like that from this band.

Failure was the third one and the speed went down a bit while SEPTICFLESH's ghost was making its appearance. There were some nice ideas and in some parts it was like listening to a Revolution DNA song, which is not bad at all. A smile was in our faces after listening the first three songs but it disappeared during Eat My Flesh And Drink My Blood. My humble opinion, the song failed to catch the high standards that INACTIVE MESSIAH did put with the previous songs. It wasn't a bad one, but I think something is missing in several places. I also think that it is missing one catchy riff.
Theatrical World was not finished and the song without the orchestral parts seemed so empty. I have to listen it again when its done to have a fair opinion.

Last but not least, was Like An Endless LamentThe next one was untitled by the time we listen to it, since the band was making some changes at the lyrics. Nothing really special. It also lacked a catchy riff or a chorus but I don't know if they are going to add anything else.

It was a nice decision for the band and Fotis to close the listening session with that song since it was like a trademark for INACTIVE MESSIAH. I really liked that they were playing with the scales on the main riff and the acoustic session in the middle of the song. A wonderful, labyrinthial composition, that keeps you intense. As I learned from Lefteris (bass)this is going to be the last song of the album, and what an ending it will be!

As a conclusion, Sinful Nation is going to be different from the previous one Be My Drug. Furthermore, keep in mind that many orchestral parts were missing so We just have to wait and see, but something tells me this is going to be a good album.