Berguedà  is in the Barcelona area. This seems to be a perfect place for all kinds of music, even in the really heavy sections. ACTS OF GOD are a Hardcore/Metalcore band that have gotten their shit together at just the right time. I say that because I suspect that after all the troubles that we have had and still are having with the different variations of the covid pandemic people are getting fed up with it. And now they are ready to translate their feelings through music. Whether it is through playing it in their band or through going to concerts and throwing yourself in them to exfoliate those cropped up feelings really doesn't matter.

In that respect "BeLIEve" is one hell of a way to express yourself. This is hard, heavy, rough and very, very angry. The main part is Hardcore, but as ACTS OF GOD willingly throw around  the Metalcore soundscapes, influences and rhythms, they make this just that little more expressive, or should I say explosive. Add to that all the other kinds of Metal they have tried to infuse into their songs, and you realise that they have made a real effort. All together it makes for a really interesting listen, which I must admit doesn't bore me for one second. What is very imminent is that these Spaniards have opted not to go as fast as lightning, but to keep the tempos within headbanging range. I feel this is the right choice.

But not to put too many feathers in the caps of ACTS OF GOD, I also should mention that "BeLIEve" might make a rather good impression, it unfortunately might not be the most impressive album. The reason for this is that even with all the different styles being mixed together throughout the album, the songs are all just a tad too simple. Plus, even though they are well written, properly recorded and sounding great, they don't have a lot of staying power. They do not embed themselves into your brains. But let's not make this a big issue out of this, as this is their debut album.

ACTS OF GOD might not have made the album of the year, but for those who have an adventurous streak, you just need to listen to this and make up your own mind. I feel the band is justified in releasing "BeLIEve", as I have a feeling that they are ready to grow into something a lot more impressive during the coming years. I really hope that they do, because the promise is there.