S91 is a Progressive Metal band with Christian lyrical themes, formed in Tuscany, Italy in 2006. They released their debut full-length in 2011. The eight track "Behold The Mankind" was released in 2016, with about 52 minutes of running time. "The Cry Of Life" has a magnanimous intro and is high reaching with the guitars and keys right from the start. It has all the instrumental prowess of a DREAM THEATER, combined with the crunchy power of a DGM. The flair is there but they do a nice job of subduing it at times to create texture. The vocals don't have a lot of presence however, at least until the chorus. A seasoned Prog band should know how to bring the feels as well, which is what they do "Wandering Souls." Mostly piano, voice and keys, they produce a sweet little movement that digs at your heart. The lead guitar crescendo is spot on. "Slaves and Kings" definitely has an Old Testament "fire and brimstone" feeling to it, like you are witnessing a passage of time from the trials of old Egypt. When imagery can easily be invoked from music, that is a special accomplishment.

"The Calling" is wonderful as well. The bass line provides the backbone for the Proggy track that swirls with keys and varied guitar approaches. It has might and power, while retaining a strong sense of melody that permeates throughout the track with an intelligence that is often lacking in this genre. "Blind Revolutions" continues in this regard. There is a lot of ambiance here that serves the sound well. It's a little thin, stretched at times, but easy to digest. At times I think harmonizing directly with Maria's lead vocals could thicken up some of the singing, which again takes too much of a back seat. "Sacrificed" is a dark and moody piece that reminds me at times of OCEANS OF SLUMBER. Harsher vocals are heard here for the first time, and provide a menacing juxtaposition to Maria's clean vocals. Some variations in percussion here work very well with the piano as well. Everything seems to come together in this track. Outstanding! "The Bloody Revelation" is the near-ten-minute closer. There is a long build up, creating anticipation for what is to come. Guitars and keys have the stage here, with big riffs and lead breaks in perfect key. The interesting thing about this track is that the length seems to pass much easier than you would expect, and it really embodies the sound on the album.

Metalheads have long had a love/hate relationship with religion. In fact, some could argue that this is the most discussed theme in the lyrics of this wide reaching genre. Often, they focus on the hypocrisy and the disenfranchised. But, there has always been a place for the championing of religion as well.  When music is good, it is just good, and should be enjoyed at face value. You don't have to agree or disagree with the message necessarily, so with that in mind, I urge you to give S91's "Behold The Mankind" your time and attention. I feel that this album is right on the fence of breaking the band out into the scene. As it stands, it is excellent. They have all the talent and attention to composition that a good Progressive band should have. They just need a little more to really break out.