February 2007 - METAL-ONLY (SWE)

With a promo sheet that promises ”raw, unclean, uncut hard & honest heavy fucking metal” I thought I knew pretty much what to expect from the North Irish band HONEY FOR CHRIST. But no, a surprise was heading directly my way when I begun listening to the Mcd ”The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light”, the bands fourth release if you also include their demo recordings. What you are faced with isn’t your everyday straight up your face heavy metal, but rather something much more dark and filled with anguish.

It’s a sound surprisingly rich in variation that is presented on ”The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light” where you can find elements from everything from death metal to atmospheric and misery filled heavy metal. Yet the promised ”heavy fucking metal” lies lurking just beneath the surface and at times steps forward and delivers a few powerful punches straight in your stomach before the music once again switches to the more melancholic, but without ever really loosing its edge. There is also a great variety between the various songs of which sound is the dominant one, where the opening track “Satan & Swastika” is the most aggressive, while “Sorrow Descending”, “Signs Of Bitterness” and the excellent “The Final Transition” represents the softer and more melancholic songs. The one that manages to reach far above the rest is however the groovy title song “The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light”, which succeeds really well in mixing the aggressive and heavy sound with the melancholia. Apparently HONEY FOR CHRIST did go through a change of vocalist prior to this release, something that doesn’t seem to have had any negative effect on the bands sound, since Andy Clarke does a really good work capturing the melancholic emotions in his clean vocals at the same time as he manages to kick some more power into the aggressive parts by changing into rougher and at times unclean vocals. The only thing that really pulls down the overall impression is the way too weak production which lacks the extra injection of energy that the song material would have needed.

With more excellent material like “The Final Transition” and “The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light” I believe in a bright future for HONEY FOR CHRIST and it will be really interesting to hear the hopefully soon coming full-length album. If dark heavy metal with melancholic elements is something that seems appealing during the dark winter months you should really check out “The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light”.

Metal-Only.com

January 2007 - RAPTURES ASYLUM PRODUCTIONS (ITA) translated

Heavy metal, a kind within all the others but often forgotten just for this, very many band modern has incarnated it and resumed to full regimen as only and “often bony” infuence (you see sure rebirths of death metal and black metal bands as an example), the Irishes Honey For Christ instead undertake one various road completely: “jetty the mask we demonstrate with courage what we have within, revealed our love for the HM, that true one here here!”. In effects not ago a fold the kind, various instead I would have to say in estimating this test, 5 brani son pochini, but first notes of this album evince a sure primordialità in the style, much physics is the execution, nearly one exhibition “live” without fronzoli and synthetic embellishments, single instruments electrical workers (guitar, bottom and battery) and one melodiosa voice that spalma musically on notes without to contrast itself neither to demonstrate but acute of originalities, and acute in the true sense of the term for the vocal performance of singer the not sure powerful super cervellotica and. We have but of attenuating, task just due to the recording that it does not have intentional to dare not even on the volumes, here explained the little personality or powerful print of the vocals on music. Music instead is truly interesting, most large margins of improvement to the horizon and a vein '70s well review and modernized, riffing mozzafiato, human and natural” but darkest distortions “and round melodici accompanyment always to the height with inserti and never noisi, indeed it often spaces out to you with ipnotici raids by horseback, arpeggios, drumming suspended with double pedal in prominence and magnificent spirals of rallentamenti and repentine sorties. The tracks better they are “Satan & Swastica” and the title track. Terms of comparison I would have some to million (between bands '80 in prevalence and heavy the American), but I do not want to remove the pleasure and taste to you “riscoprire” listening to at least this disc carefully. We will feel to speak about they I hope.

4/5

Raptures Asylum Productions

January 2007 - METAL CRYPT (CAN)

Not having any expectations about an album before listening to it can work in your favor sometimes, and although I had heard the band name banded around in UK zines here and there, if someone asked me what style of metal they play, I would have had no idea. I was highly impressed by what Honey for Christ have come up with on this, their 2nd release. Coming from Ireland, I figured they'd sound somewhat Celtic, but with Metal Archives having their genre down as 'Heavy Metal', I really wasn't expecting what I heard.

The EP kicks off abruptly with a thrashy death metal riff, not too dissimilar to Bolt Thower with low tuned shredding guitars and blasting drums – not what I was expecting at all. However, the big surprise is when the vocals kick in, from the blasting intro I was expecting harsh death metal vocals, but no, clean vocals in the main with a few thick throaty roars here and there. I can hear comparisons to fellow countrymen Primordial in the music, as well as a big lean toward My Dying Bride on some of the more crooning vocal parts, and dual guitar-line harmonies. This is not to say they're ripping either band off, as Honey for Christ have definitely claimed a little niche for themselves with this EP. The thing that does it for me on this release I think is the vocals though, they're so emotion filled (again, similarly to the aforementioned Primordial), and could actually match Aaron of My Dying Bride for sorrow and angst (yes, and I'm not talking Kurt Cobain angst either). Plus on the few occasions when the vocalist Andy Clarke screams, he actually sounds like he's going to lose an eye.

Some of the riffs on display are also slightly reminiscent of 'Dark Metal' era Bethlehem too (see 'Sorrow Descending' for the best example), but I don't want to keep making comparisons, as I feel it's detrimental to the band who show heart through conveying such pure emotion on a vast scale, and create enough original passages to garner my interest, and most importantly respect for not going with the flow. A refreshing change.

Metal Crypt

December 2006 - METAL TEAM UK (UK)

Production Review – 9/10
Music Review – 5/5

Honey For Christ describe themselves as 100% raw, unclean, uncut, heavy fucking metal, and I would agree 100% and I doubt anyone could make a better description. The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light I will have to admit is probably the hardest piece of work I’ve had to review basically because it sounds like nothing I’ve ever listened to before.

First observation is production, its very good in general and compared to a lot of unsigned material thrown my direction. Everything is a good levels and I would say a lot of work has went into getting this sound.

The sound the band have produced on this release compared to the past catalogue is a lot more aggressive and almost death metal to some extremes but vocals bring it back and I would say this will/has give Honey For Christ a bigger appeal.

The first song Satan & Swastika is the best-placed song on the CD. It more or less sums the band up in the few minutes that it is. There’s plenty of aggression, speed and breakdowns of melodic passages and those 100% raw vocals. In parts vocals do sound slightly on the edge of territory no one should go as in moving slowly out of tune, but its brought back in time and so what its heavy metal and it still sounds great.

The title track the Darkest Pinnacle Of Light is in my opinion the best track on here, again as with each song there’s plenty of aggression, more so in the vocals on this one, and heavy guitar lines. It’s the song that goes well in the live set and the crowd get singing along. The vocals show a lot of emotion, not like the crap you hear on TV and radio, Honey For Christ do it like it’s supposed to be done.

Every song on this CD is great, there’s no settling for mediocre riffs or drum lines, etc within this tight 3 piece. There is something for everyone, slow clean guitar, harmonies and solo’s, thumping guitar riffs with bass doodles and excellent drumming.

Overall this is a band that has taken me by surprise and this CD deserves more than a couple of spins. As for comparisons I can’t mention any bands out there that Honey For Christ resemble, its something everybody has to hear for themselves so get this CD.

Metal Team UK

November 2006 - SHOCK MAGAZINE (HUN)

100% raw, unclean, uncut heavy fucking metal!!!” – ez vagyon ráróva a Honey For Christ új EP-jét rejto promotasak hátoldalára. Az egyszeri zenerajongó persze már kapásból gúnyosan vigyorog az olyan kitételeken, hogy „100% raw”, meg naná, hogy a fucking-ot is bele kell tenni a meghatározásba, hogy jó tökösen hangozzon. Szóval, helybol buzlik. Pedig ezúttal nem kéne, hogy így legyen, mivel a HFC tényleg valami ilyesmirol szól.

A logó alapján elsore beszartam, hogy valami istenkáromló black formáció sül ki a dologból, a sötétben magányosan összegörnyedo kisfiú jelenléte (o képezi a borítót) azonban inkább a melankolikus zenék, a doom/dark/goth metal (nem kívánt törlendo) vidám hangjaira utalt. A megfejtés aztán egy sajátos zenei utazás lett a deathtol a doomig, mégis, ha zenekarneveket kéne felhoznom, akkor olyanokat mondanék, hogy Katatonia, My Dying Bride, Primordial meg az Anathema. Legalábbis az atmoszféra-teremto képességük miatt. A felsoroltak többségével mondjuk eléggé egy felol is származik a Honey, mivel hoseink északírek. Mint azt jól tudjuk, arrafelé általában csupa móka és kacagás az élet (bár egy ideje már talán nyugi van végre), ennek megfeleloen a HFC muzsikája is vidám konzumzene.

A barátságos címu Satan & Swastika death cséplés/thrash reszelés kombóval nyit, aztán lehiggadunk, a vége felé pedig már belefér egy kis klasszikus szólóval megkoronázott hangulatos levezetés is. Aztán megint elölrol. Minderre jön Andy Clarke gitáros/dalnok orgánuma, aki jobbára tisztán énekel, csak néha engedi szabadjára a bent lakozó vadállatot, olyankor is csak rövid idore. Hangja semmi igazán különlegeset nem kínál ugyan, mégis egész jó hallgatni. Pláne, hogy a lemez elore haladtával egyre jobb lesz (vagy csak a fülünk szokik hozzá, ki tudja?), és egyébként is csak kényszermegoldás, hogy o danol, mivel a korábbi énekes, Jason Hendry az elozo EP után istenhozzádot intett társainak.

A The Final Transition már inkább a klasszikus metal nótaszerkezet irányába kacsingat, tagadhatatlan a Maiden hatása, de egye fene, ez is jól sikerült. A címadó ismét egy rapid tétel, a gitárok húznak rendesen, Chris Armstrong dobos plusz karokat növeszt, Andy pedig a végén kicsikar magából egy kis hisztérikus üvöltözést. Jól áll neki, a késobbiekben is alkalmazhatná. (De nem fogja, majd csak a lemez végén.) Egyre inkább azt veszem észre, hogy számról számra jobb a korong. És ez így is marad.

A több mint nyolc perces Sorrow Descending egy hoszú, lassú keringo az elhagyatottsággal és a kétségbeeséssel. Ezt a számot szerintem még az Anathema sem hagyta volna le - mondjuk - az Eternity-rol. A végén kicsit beröffent a gitár, de alapvetoen a fagyos hangulat és a fájdalmas ének görgetik elore a dalt. Király! Nem kevésbé a záró Signs Of Bitterness, ami szintén egy siratódalt idéz, bánatosan búgó gitárja hegedut mímel, az ének nagy részén effektezés figyel, majd kino belole a lemez legjobb refrénje, a „Szááááájgnsz of bitööörneeeeessz”-lezárás pedig igen markánsra sikeredett.

Az északírek nemes gárdája személyemben egy új rajongót üdvözölhet, aminek hírére biztos a seggüket verik a földhöz örömükben. Kilencest pedig azért nem kapnak, mert igencsak gyér a hangzás. Értem én, hogy szikárnak kell lennie, hogy meglegyen a „100% raw”-dolog, de ez aránytalan, meg kicsit poros is, bezony. Na sebaj, majd az elso nagylemeznél, ami felolem akár már holnap is jöhetne.

Shock Magazine

November 2006 - POWERMETAL.DE (AU) translated

Although the name HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN actually promises rather sweeter Melodeien, the northIrish Trio sounds substantially more rauer and more ruppiger also on its newest work, than one might expect it due to this name. Already on the predecessor “Forging Iron wants” was me the very harsche mixes from power and Thrash Metal with occasional loans at the Death Metal positively been noticeable. The north Irish worked themselves fortunately not from any trends stick on to let, but obviously very intensively to file this stylistic Melange further. Evenly this project succeeded to them on “The Darkest Pinnacle OF Light” also problem-free.

The entrance with “Satan & Swastika” is even still another corner more violent than all Songs of the predecessor album. Besides HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN discovered obviously also the groovenden death mortar for itself, because to “goes The finally Transition” clearly into this direction. In addition, category stranger and to date not yet influences revealed of these volumes are to be heard. “Sorrow Descending” for example would have from the structure also from the sizes darkhome-strains to come can, but guitarist (and singer) Andy has particularly in this Song such a razor-sharp Riffing in stock that the affair turns out toward technically driven off Doom Metal and CHRISTIAN points a further new facet out in the sound of HONEY FOR. A quantity of Doom holds also the conclusion TRACKs “Signs OF Bitterness”, but the north Irish proceed here substantially more rockiger to the thing and to leave it partly nevertheless quite filigranes Riffing outside.

To sum HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN on “The Darkest Pinnacle OF Light” offers again a strong achievement and points at the same time that they could develop their kompositorischen abilities further.

7

Powermetal.de

October 2006 - EARSHOT (AU) translated

ndrogyn, elegisch, the Moritat on the lips. HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN send us their kind of the pain complaining. „The Darkest Pinnacle OF Light “is called their work burned on CD. Those is however zwiespältig. It fits not completely somehow, which HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN set us forward. It is an interesting disk, without a doubt. It requires however some hearing courses, in order to get the correct wire to this music. The musical basic structure of the north Irish is hard, melodiös, playful, imaginatively. The volume slams reef around the ears. That pleases. On this basis a singer Andy sits up, who has antagonistic status. In the comparison: NEVERMORE music meets CURE Vocals. Not possible? But, with HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN already. The Vocalist comes just as jammerig clearly more rüber as the large Mister Smith of the English Gothic Heroen. There it does not help honestly said also, if the three musicians from time to time on a Growl, primarily in the Refrain to set. A kind of play, which shows up into Song number three, „The Darkest Pinnacle OF Light “. Already in the next song the participants unpack a Moritat and set on the trailblazing Lead Guitar like PARADISE DRAW. Now the negative criticism enough. Clearly, it requires a Faibels for this sound. But as said: the disk becomes better with each hearing course. Who found the wire to HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN, with this disk its joy will have. Even if the singer the tones always not to hold can and production somewhat fatter to fail have been able. A pure hearing is at least to turn out.

6/7

Earshot

October 2006 - JENS METAL PAGE (USA)

Honey For Christ is one of those bands who have their shit together and know what they're after even though they're not on a prominent independent label yet. The Darkest Pinnacle of Light is the Ireland based death-thrash band's fourth MCD and their potential shines through the demo-level production of the five cuts gracing it. Frontman Andy sings over music that goes back and forth between aggressive and introspective, and his vocal presence doesn't overshadow his playing. Bassist Paul and drummer Chris are a more than capable rhythm section for the band's purposes. "The Final Transition" is an interesting song featuring musical elements I'd like to see them pursue more in the near future.

Jen's Metal Page

October 2006 - BLISTERING (USA)

“Your reign of terror dragged me down/Down further than before/I saw what I became/Half a monster and half your whore”

Before we say anything else, you have to be warned that Honey For Christ is a miserable bunch of fuckers. Despair, rejection, and loss: These are the emotions that practically perspire out of this five-track EP. Sure, they band’s not as overpoweringly bleak as Katatonia, but then very few are. That Katatonia sound is present though, alongside Anathema and slight hints of Paradise Lost circa “Draconian Times.”

The track “Satan & Swastika” brings to mind fellow countrymen Primordial without simply aping them. “Signs Of Bitterness,” from which the above lyric is quoted, and “The Final Transition” blend harrowing vocals and pained lyrics with excellent heavy metal that never slides into cliché. Avoiding the full-force blast that many bands think they have to play to be considered metal, Honey For Christ will undoubtedly hold an immense appeal for anyone who was around for and (can you say enjoyed?) the early-’90s British doom scene.

The title track, unsurprisingly, brings together the darkness and the light best. Technically it’s not light, just a brighter shade of dark, but the two complement each other. The roared chorus closes in menacingly and the verses branch out, offering the illusion of space. It’s the detached, meandering, melancholic mid-section of “Sorrow Descending” that’s the finest moment on here, although Andy Clarke’s vocals falter toward the end. That the guitarist has stepped up to fill the gap left by departed singer Jason Hendry is commendable and he does a fine job, but you’re left wondering if he’d be strong and varied enough to stretch his voice over a full-length record.

Blistering

October 2006 - EUTK.NET (ITA)

“Rather spiazzante” this Ep of the north-Irishes Honey For Christ: diagram of monicker (but also the same name and pure some title it; it would be interesting to be able to deepen the witnesses!) adapted to one band of “truculento” black-metal, in contrast with one defined music “… 100% raw, unclean, uncut and honest heavy metal…”, in which shakerati come, to the test of the facts, thrash-Core, death-doom, gothic-rock and also some vague slags of epic/classic metal American and NWOBHM in its darker version.

“The darkest pinnacle of light” dilutes in contemporary, in fact, operating one of those shapes “of abstraction” that piacciono as well as to we scribacchini (but also to many listeners, to say the truth), engages to you in the gasping attempt to supply some element of immediate stilistica identificabilità, reverberates of Killswitch Engage, Anathema, My Dying Bride, Katatonia, flavored with one sprayed as soon as pointed out of Omen and Grim Reaper, chosen in this case like “highly summarized” references of a composita and more rather potentially much stimulating attitude.
“Satan & swastika” begins with thrash-death that “massaggia” gums in enough rabid and conventional way, but it astonishes positively not as soon as an intriguer makes itself wide discreetly melodia, orchestrated on purpose from singer (and the chitarrista) Andy endowed Clarke of an pleasant intonazione much particular one and that, without devastating tonali scrambled up extensions and, she interprets the brani in natural way and in spite of everything demonstrates to know “to sing”, privileging mainly “the expressive” aspect and leaving little from part a search of the true and own technical perfection.

“The final transition” cites with bravura the melancholic ardor of the Cavanagh siblings, while it is the modus operandi of the band of Jonas Renkse to being celebrated in the evocative “Sorrow descending”, which directly reveals a guideline inherited in enough explicit way from the scenes dark-wave.

“The darkest pinnacle of light” interlaces wefts in acceleration with plumbee warps of sonorità and the inexorable shadow of the darknesses extends to the intense “Signs of bitterness” with a riff that it carves the senses, remembering in distance is the Metallic one of the period of means, is, newly, the Anathema usuals.

Sin for a recording leggermente unbalanced, above all as far as the drum-sound, than in spite of the ability of Chris Armstrong, appears excessive barren and dominant, because otherwise, imagining what it could have been “The darkest pinnacle of light” with a production truly adapted, would have to speak about a floppy disk still more deserving than how much it can be evincere from the voting that found to deep page.

That does not remove that the Honey For Christ is one of “new” the European groups metal between the more interesting that are capitato to me to listen in the recent times and a considerable dose of intelligence seems of being able to assign they to me also (let alone probably also a sure “scaltrezza”, in the choice of the ingredients, in spite of the appearance of “anti-commercial purity” that seems to me wants to show), what that sure renders them worthy of a particular attention… and to think that with those logo I had feared “more worse” and than to have to me to prepare “spiritually” to I listen somewhat “painful”… although it has always hated made phrases and attributed to insufficient credit to the so-called “popular wisdom”, sometimes “the appearance trick” (or “the dress does not make the monaco”, if preferred) indeed!

EUTK.net

October 2006 - AD NOCTUM (GER)

I know these Irish already from its previous publication “Forging iron want” and her me in best memory remained. Now it times again time for a new sign of life that volume and thus gives it now with “The darkest pinnacle OF light” new 5 TRACKs a EP, which can convince again. Honey For Christian are Heavy Metal with pure joy of life, are to mean that the Songs is rather temperful spoken.

There it can occur already times that in the double bass entrance are young, in other place however very calm and emotional to sound. The clear singing of Andy fits anyhow outstanding the Songs and makes these correctly interesting. Good Songwriting with many neck crusher reef makes a fastidious thing combined from these EP. Firmly stands anyhow that boredom does not want to arise here, because for it are too different the Songs. One could add some more with the sound, but this clouds the hearing pleasure not too much.

Who on the search for fresh Heavy Metal with high idea wealth is, that is absolutely correct with Honey For Christian. I am strained, which we will still hear of these Combo…

Ad Noctum

October 2006 - ROCKAROLLA (ARG)

A true treasure even without discovering, is the first words that are happened to me while I listen to by nth Irish east time EP of the Honey For Christ. I never had the opportunity to listen to its previous works (two we give and a EP), but with this “The darkest pinnacle of light” to my is enough me to consider them of but original and the novel thing of the last times.

Paul McRoberts (under), Chris Armstrong (battery) and Andy Clark (guitar and voice), are the resposnsables of so large disc. Five subjects that distill emotion, 26 minutes that know little, from the assassin “Satan and swastika”, to the melodramatica “Signs of bitterness”, passing through the immense “final The transition”, the five tracks fly the head to you. If it had to name some band, diria similar that Confessor is a good measurement, Road Handle podria to be another one, and Paradise serious Lost one third influence of the trio.

Power, heavy and melancholic at the same time, there are not many bands that can say that they obtained what Honey For Christ profit with this disc. They do not think it but, they obtain this album as it is.

RockaRolla

October 2006 - ANTENNA (DEN)

This North Irish outfit is very hard to put a proper tag on. The music is a mixture built on heavy metal, rock and doom. The vocals are clean, emotional and rock-like, but borders at becoming growls at times. The music reminds me a tiny bit of early Anathema and Primordial, but it also draws on many other elements. Honey For Christ doesn't just keep it slow, and often they hit the highest gear, like in "Satan and Swastika" and the titletrack "The Darkest Pinnacle of Light". This of course provides further variation to an already colourful landscape.

Honey For Christ has found a somewhat original sound, and the band sure know how to put frustration and other emotions into the music. It all work very well, but the music get a bit tiresome after a couple of listens. Not entirely sure if it's just because of all the melancholy. Honey For Christ doesn't sound like any other band, so if you like something a little different, then The Darkest Pinnacle of Light may be worth a closer look at.

Antenna

September 2006 - BRUTALISM (HOL)

The last release I heard from HFC was their 2002 release "Forging Iron Will". In my review for that one I wrote that it tasted for more. Finally in 2006 a new release and now on a label. So here we have five new songs in a real metal jacket. Clean vocals that really sings, guitars that are intense of riffing or dwelling rhythms and all stewed forward by rapid changing drums. Tempo of the songs are diverse and also the melody/atmosphere is vary.

HFC is not afraid to seek boundaries and combining ie pure energy with melancholy. If you like metal in general you can check this band out and be convinced yourself of their quality for playing good heavy metal!

Brutalism

August 2006 - ROCKMETALBANDS.COM (ITA)

There are not many bands like them any longer, proud to propose obsolete sonorities, but I have a particular predilection for those who oppose mainstream and write good stuff at the same time.The first release out of this newborn label is theirs, and is made up of 5 tracks for a total lasting over 26 minutes; a multifold debut with an intentional 80's-oriented production. I didn't have the chance to listen to their demos, but this material is enough to obtain an opinion about the northern Irish band; they define themselves 100% raw, unclean, uncut heavy fucking metal, which is a cool and correct analysis, nevertheless I must add some more clues, as things are much more complex, although they have lost a guitarist and singer. This brought to the composing of darker songs and also the assumption of the vocal duties by Andy; well, in this case, that's a blessing in disguise, as he is a born-singer, even if I must admit he still needs fixing something and getting more experience.

The opener "Satan and Swastika" starts the Death metal way, then turns to a homicidal Black blast and riff, and later chooses a Thrash/Death approach; the 3-piece touches aggressive metal territories, a Death metal break, followed by a melodic solo. The vocals are really special, melodramatic to the nth degree, reminding of Confessor's; that's not original, OK, but I'm sure you can't but agree that it's useful to determine an even more special unripe way of composing and arranging.

A melodic arpeggio constitutes the inception of "The Final Transition", a very different piece, half-distorted and very old-fashioned as well; the refrain is very sticky and heart-felt, so you'll find yourselves wandering it in your brain for a long time after a couple of times you've listened to that.

As for the title track, it must be said it's another frantic and rapid song; the time changes and the vocals were literally stolen from Confessor. A wonderful track that makes me live again the serenity of the early 90's before life became so hard and horrible. Thank you, Honey for Christ, for making me relive these feelings I thought buried forever! Probably the fact of coming from the UK and being over 30 of age may have influenced them so much, yet this is the masterpiece of the record as volcanic Andy has opted for additional angrier vocals in the end that the recenlty reformed band has never possessed.

The last part of the EP keeps the two longer and more complex compositions: "Sorrow Descending" joins melodic Metal and Hard Rock, developing itself sad, melancholic and gloomy in order to corroborate its lyrics, the best along with the ones of the opening track. The former shows all the desperation and paralysis of a person after their soul's been so hard beaten and battered, while the latter is even better as it seems written for me. I'm sure many felt like this after seeing the world's rear face due to personal tragedies and injustices; we feel unpowerful and we also feel the absence of any God, theory after all sustained by 99% scientists, since they are rightly educated to explain everything in rational terms. Yes, sad but true, we are just creatures destined to rot from the day we are born. There is no deity, no-one to appeal to if not the few who unconditionally love us. The rest is just fairy-tales like Santa Klaus's, that's what makes the songwriter feel so forsaken, alone and uncared for.

"Signs of Bitterness", the closing track, is again soaked by Confessor's elements, but after a melodic break with whispered vocals there's a whining guitar in the vein of My Dying Bride; you'll meet one more delicious chorus, while the closure is introduced by strongly emotional vocals and riffs, instead the very last masterstroke is an acceleration with very suffered screams.

The recording is good, but for some it will sound just as a demo; on the contrary this is a pro printed CD with pro artwork and I suppose the only fault is that sometimes the vocals ought to be stereophonic and not only reserved to one loudspeaker. As to the style, my recommendation is to make songs smoother, as some breaks tend to sound a bit too abrupt. That said, nostalgics, step forward and get a hold of this rare nice piece!

74/100

Markus Ganzherrlich

RockMetalBands.com

August 2006 - PULL THE CHAIN (BEL)

Yet another good work from the Northern Irish act Honey For Christ. For my opinion, «The Darkest Pinnacle of Light» is the band’s strongest release to date as it sounds way more mature and efficient than the 2002 «Forging Iron Will» (see our demo reviews section).

Still retaining their special trademark, they forge ahead throughout the five new compositions of «The Darkest Pinnacle of Light» into new musical territories. Honey For Christ specifically play raw, unclean modern heavy metal and as a matter of fact they sound to my ears as the inheritors of United Kingdom heavy metal hordes as Tysondog, Diamond Head, Savage or Grim Reaper.

The only real problem that I can find with «The Darkest Pinnacle of Light» (and it was the same with the previous Honey For Christ demo) is the vocals. I have never been very keen on this clean shouted style of vocals, this leans their sound more towards the past and while this gives the band a more original concept I can’t help but feel that a more guttural approach will increase the violent potential of the Irish act. Ok, this is simply my personal taste and the vocals are certainly done well. So…if you want to listen to something different then try them out.

Georges

Pull The Chain

August 2006 - ESTIGIA WEBZINE (ARG) translated

The slogan of this originating band of Ireland of the North is nothing less than 100% Raw, Heavy Fucking Metal! Can be said something more after this declaration of principles? Doing a little of history, we can say that the band I form as a quinteto in 1998 and record demo and two EP' s until arriving at this The Darkest Pinnacle that find them with a formation of trio integrated by Paul McRoberts in low, Chris Armstrong in low and Andy Clark in guitar and voices.

One is a EP of five songs that takes with all the power of Satan and Swastika, a subject that almost could be defined of Death Melódico but that soon it derives in another thing since the voice of Andy is unusually clear for I generate, although for that reason it does not lose force. Final The Transition, the second song, made decide me for a moment to Untill It Sleeps de Metallica although soon it takes own flight and the personality of the band is ended up imposing. The speed returns with the subject that it gives I title to the plate, The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light, with much march and drags and fury in the voices of Andy. The fourth song, Sorrow Descending, are but long and possibly the best one of the album. Of cadence calmer than the other subjects, it is here where the emotividad reaches its tip upper. The disc closes with Sign Of Bitterness, a subject with different climates where the lines of under Chris stand out.

The production is quite crude but correct and the only one against is that it becomes very short, since the total duration is of just little more than twenty-six minutes. An interesting disc of an interesting band. Be kind to the future since this Honey For Christ can get to sweeten them enough. Commentary made by Gustavo C.

Estigia Webzine

August 2006 - ROUGHEDGE (USA)

Band names are a funny thing: sometimes they're good, sometimes they're bad. Sometimes they match the band and its style, sometimes they come out of left field.

Then there's Honey For Christ.

I thought at first they might be a Christian band; however, when I went to their website, I gathered they are not. This is what the band says about themselves on their site: "This is Honey For Christ - 100% raw, unclean, uncut, hard and honest heavy fucking metal!"

That's some large order to fill, but -- after listening to their release "The Darkest Pinnacle of Light," I can honestly say that this is one of the hardest and heaviest CDs by one of the most talented bands I have had the honor of reviewing this year.

The only drawback I can find with this CD is that the entire release is only five songs with a total running time of just 26 minutes. A minor complaint because, after listening to that 26 minutes over and over again, I'm ready for more!

Honey For Christ's "The Darkest Pinnacle of Light" has everything: excellent songwriting, superb musicianship and kickass sound.

RoughEdge

August 2006 - STV.TV (UK)

Let's get down to brass tacks; this WILL make you bang your head. Honey for Christ quantum leap from heavy genre to heavy sub-genre almost effortlessly. Mixing death, thrash, proto-nu-metal, crowd-swaying sing-along anthemic choruses, blastbeat growls, crunchy detuned riffs and intricate drum thumping. This variety is the band's greatest strength, but it often sounds like they are concentrating so much on getting all the elements right, that their true personality doesn't come across as fully as it could. This is particularly true of the singer, who moved his guitar closer to the mic after the previous vocalist left earlier this year. With an admirable range he has a powerful voice, but sometimes seems to be just keeping up with the material, rather than being wholly comfortable with it. Although this is a sure sign of a band trying to better themselves, after a few more shows of playing this stuff, Honey for Christ could prove unstoppable.

STV.tv

August 2006 - METALCORE ZINE (NL)

5 tracks of thrash/death metal played with a raw edge. The band is a 3 piece and this is
not just another thrash/death metal band. The band also slow things down and can move you with a slow track here too. The raw production works for this band as I like the gritty sound they get. The vocals aren't typical death metal vocals, they are powerful, but clear. A very different band and the 5 songs were only a teaser, I want more Info!

MetalCore Zine

July 2006 - METAL REVIEW (USA)

Back in the mid 80s/ early 90s, while popular thrash took a creative turn for the worse, a massive and criminally overlooked wave of aggressive metal with a strong traditional aesthetic simultaneously flourished and floundered in the underground (Omen and Liege Lord come to mind). Little by little, among the masses of blast beats and overused twin-harmonies of today, tough-as-nails artists with a passion for what truly makes metal metal continue to make their presences known in small, but powerful ways, and Northern Ireland’s Honey For Christ is one of those bands.

It takes a certain, specific sort of talent to be able to tap into a wide cross-section of metal appeal without sounding all over the place in the process. The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light is a solid, focused EP that takes bits and pieces of modern styles and throws a healthy dose of old-school vibe on top of everything. The production is a little on the dry side, which makes for a very crisp, clean listen that still retains necessary crunch and heft. I can picture an old-school Metallica or Trouble fan getting into this, as well as the casual Katatonia or Daylight Dies listener who also has a few (Lord Weird) Slough Feg and Manilla Road albums in their collection.

The title track is a dynamic, epic tune with tons of big power chords and chugging gallops, “Sorrow Descending” is an emotional roller coaster of a song featuring taught dual vocals wrought with heartbroken grief, and rollicking opener “Satan And Swastika” begins things on a thrashy, spacious note. The vocals in general are unbelievably refreshing to hear since they’re not exactly note-perfect, which brings a very real, genuine feel, in contrast to forced, overly-fabricated warbling some of the heavier metalcore bands are trying their hands at now, horribly, I might add. Andy Clarke sounds like a slightly less melodic Erik A.K. from Flotsam & Jetsam, but what Andy lacks in educated melody he more than makes up for with an earthy, passionately delivered performance. Caught in the right frame of mind on a day where everything makes you weepy, “Sorrow Descending”, and the equally thoughtful, poignant “Signs Of Bitterness” both show graceful power that hits square in the gut.

Honey For Christ are about as un-trendy as you can get in 2006. Gloomy and atmospheric without being full on doom, aggressive without dipping deeply into the vat of death and black metal, The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light proves heavy, traditional metal which rejects excesses, pomposity, and overworked song ideas in favor of something cohesive, memorable and substantial still has a place in the modern metal landscape. It’s not the tightest thing I’ve heard, but nothing here sounds sloppy, it sounds like three guys sitting in a room jamming instead of being pieced together in parts on a studio computer. I just wish this could have been a full-length, because as it stands, this is one of my favorite EPs of the year. Really, really solid...

Metal Reviews

July 2006 - METAL INVADER (GRE)

Irish metal act HONEY FOR CHRIST describe their music as "100% raw, unclean, uncut and honest fucking heavy metal". This statement could not be truer, as in this new E.P we are presented with 5 mature heavy metal tracks full of rage and aggression.

Having been in the scene for quite some time (since 1998) they have progressed from one release to another and it shows with their new offering. The mixture of fast-paced (speed) heavy metal with darker and slower elements (as in "Sorrow Descending") only serve to prove the diversity of their music, forcing the listener to sit down and just listen to their music.

My only real concern and complaint is that the production could have been a bit better, especially the drum sound, but overall they manage to convey and shout out their message loud and clear.

Don't be mislead, this is one of those records that deserves to be played loud! I'm hoping that my next review is going to be for their first full-length album, but until then wet your appetite and enjoy another undiscovered metal gem!

4/5

Metal Invader

July 2006 - MAELSTORM (USA)

Every now and then, it's a pleasant surprise to hear a band playing just metal. You know, honest-to-devil, unpretentious, straightforward metal. The Northern Irish trio Honey For Christ are doing just that. They are not trying to conform to the boundaries of any special subgenre, nor trying to appeal to any special group of metal fans – hell, they are not even trying to look cool. They just play their metal from their hearts. It is not heavy, black, doom, power, thrash, death or prog. It is simply metal, and it is good.

Honey for Christ have been around since 1998, played a lot of gigs and released three self-financed mini CDs along the way. In spite of good reviews, there was little interest from the labels until they struck a deal with Rundown Records. The result is a 5-song, 26-minute mini CD called The Darkest Pinnacle of Light. Just in case you've been expecting them to change, now that they have a deal, they added "100% raw, unclean, uncut heavy fucking metal."

The first track, "Satan & Swastika," sounds exactly like Dismember – but if you expected growls, you're in for a surprise because Andy's clean singing is everything but death metal. The guy's voice doesn't really have an original colour, so he makes up for it by singing loud and unrestrained, as if his life depended on it, occasionally falling out of tune but sounding all the more passionate and convincing for it.

"The Final Transition" is a short song altering between clean parts similar to My Dying Bride and slow thrash with some typically British gothic melodies, namely Paradise Lost, but Andy's voice turns it into something original. The title track gives us more death metal with clean vocals, but by this time the idea is not shocking anymore and it's clear that Honey for Christ know exactly what they are doing. Listen to the first track again and now it's good, isn't it?

But the last two tracks reveal Honey for Christ's another side – and a potential which, if further explored, could make them much bigger than they are. Where the first three cuts were more or less standard, old-school death or gothic, "Sorrow Descending" is an eight-minute, slow, melancholic track with simplistic, clean arrangements and doomy guitar melodies painting a picture of depressive small town life, building up into an epic and bitter chorus. "Signs of Bitterness" is similar in mood and pace but a bit heavier and Andy's singing and ever-changing vocal lines bring more and more tension – until an ending with two bass drums and a "fuck you all, I don't care anymore" attitude finally releases it.

The Darkest Pinnacle of Light’s sound is simple and almost garage-like but all the instruments are loud and clear, with natural drums and guitar (also played by Andy) sounding really close to My Dying Bride. The musicianship and songwriting are tight, showing years of experience, rehearsing, gigs and polishing the arrangements over and over, changing and adding more details until the day the songs are finally released.

Honey for Christ might be living in their own time warp but they are, first and foremost, metal fans honestly playing the music they like. Give them a chance and you might find yourself listening to The Darkest Pinnacle of Light more times than you thought you would.

Maelstorm

July 2006 - BORN IN BLOOD (NI)

Review :: Pure emotion.

I have listened to this album countless times now, and they are the best words to describe this release, pure emotion. Every song, every chord, every lyric conveys pain, agony, anger and strength.

In my opinion this is the best HFC release by leaps and bounds, the production is top notch, the songs seem to flow a lot better than on previous releases, and in general the listener gets a sense of a band that knew exactly what they wanted to convey in their material and have done so excellently.

At only 26 minutes long, I felt they could have added at least a few more songs, but in saying that, quality over quantity, and they have made each song count.

The stand out track for me has to be "The Final Transition" and for me sums up everything I said at the start about emotion, such a powerful song.

If I had to pick fault, I would say that track 4 - "Sorrow Descending" is maybe dragged on a bit too much, but that is really scrapping the bottom of the barrel for something negative to say.

I think Honey For Christ summed themselves up better than I ever could - "100% raw, unclean, uncut heavy fucking metal!!!"

Buy this CD.

Name of Reviewer :: Toby

Born In Blood

July 2006 - AND MUSIC FOR ALL (ITA)

Believe it or not, Honey For Christ have came out with their strongest material to date. Formed in 1998 this Northern Irish trio have released a bunch of demos but “The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light” it’s without any doubt their best one. First of all: praise should be given to HFC for producing these tracks by themselves and coming out with a thundering and polished sound, even if the final mix could be better.

Anyway actual musicianship it’s impressive and that’s the only thing I care for. More aggressive than the previous demo (“Forging Iron Will”) “The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light”, Honey For Christ continue - thanks God, or maybe Satan, hihi! - to escape any standard classification. These Irish dudes are a powerful metal band, that’s it. The blasting “Satan & Swastika” and the bloody title track take a total all-guns-blazing drums assault with some perfect timing riffs and a bit of clean vocals which show some well appreciated pieces of originality. “The Final Transition” it’s more mid paced and surely it’s one the most well arranged track of this EP. “Sorrow Descending” it’s a very challenging song, kinda of Katatonia-meets-Moonspell type of magnetic ballad. “Signs of Bitterness” it’s darkish too, not so straightforward but with a strong section which will blow your head away.

In conclusion: a band that doesn’t fear to experiment and cross the heavy sub-genres. Honey For Christ cannot be considered a promise only, but one of the best Emerald island current bands. Give them a chance instead of listening to copycats clones or fake make-up-only clowns.

And Music For All

July 2006 - HARM MAGAZINE (USA)

Honey For Christ was formed in 1998 in Northern Ireland. Since that time, they recorded 3 demos and were then signed to Rundown Records in 2005. The Darkest Pinnacle of Light is the first result of that partnership, and showcases a band that is not afraid to cross metal boundaries.

If there's one thing to be said about Honey For Christ, it's originality. Not to say that you can't hear influences of any other band in their music, but the style is presented in such a way that it feels fresh. One can hear touches of everything from classic '80s metal to thrash to more modern power and doom in these 5 songs. The sound is very bleak and dark, often becoming quite melancholic and not unlike say, Katatonia. Andy's vocals will undoubtably splinter those who can stomach the disc. He's certainly not the strongest singer in the world but his vocals are genuinely emotional and resonant. The opener, "Satan & Swastika" is by far the heaviest of the disc and is the easiest to detect that classic metal vibe. Andy does some harsh screams here that also appear in the title-track and "Signs of Bitterness" and expand the emotive range of the songs. The 8-minute "Sorrow Descending" is probably my pick of the bunch, but its undeniably the most mellow. It's easy to detect shades of Katatonia and Anathema in it's repetitive riff structure as well as the dark and somber tone. It is also the track best suited to Andy's croons and they sound spot-on here. My only true gripe with this disc is the production. It seems very uneven and is most noticable on the heavier moments of the disc, especially "Satan & Swastika".

Production values aside, The Darkest Pinnacle of Light shows a band that has some potential to launch onto the scene. It's hard to come by originality nowadays and Honey For Christ offers a genuinely emotive experience that is hard to come by in metal. If you like your metal on the more melancholic side, keep your eyes out for this band in the future.

Standout Tracks: Sorrow Descending, The Darkest Pinnacle of Light, Signs of Bitterness

Wayfaerer

Harm Magazine

July 2006 - METAL MARCH (POR)

Couple of months ago a friend of mine recommended this band to me as something I'd probably like, at least in a promising kind of way, since their music genre isn't even my favourite. Honey For Christ is the name, and they hail from Northern Ireland. They've been around for a few years now actually, since 1998, but not yet a full-length album has been released. What is currently blasting at my stereo is their latest EP entitled "The Darkest Pinnacle of Light", and to quote the band, it's "100% raw, unclean, uncut hard & honest heavy fucking metal!".

So I was expecting some Heavy Metal but those riffs from the first track itself have a lot of Death/Thrash Metal influences. Well it's not the only one, really, as you can find influences from other genres much heavier than Heavy Metal itself going all around their music. Complaints? None whatsoever! It's obvious these guys don't really care about labeling their sound, they just play as they please, with as much passion and energy as they can.
The instruments sound a little raw at times, but the clean vocals ballance it out. In fact, I believe it was meant to be that way, and if it wasn't, it sure as hell sounds good the way it is.

"Satan & Swastika" for those killer riffs, and "The Darkest Pinnacle of Light" for the chorus part are my own personal favourites here. Even though there are only 5 tracks here, this being an EP and all, there's no doubt that these guys are hungry for a full-length album. And for what I was able to see here, that time has come!

8/10

Crepusculo

Metal March

July 2006 - THE METAL PERSPECTIVE (GRE)

Honey For Christ are coming from Northern Ireland and as far as I know "The Darkest Pinnacle of Light" is their first official release (there were a few unofficial before this one). The three-member band claims that plays "100%, raw, unclear, uncut heavy fucking metal" and I do not have a reason to object to it. Indeed the band is into powerful and storming heavy metal, with a personal touch. Although they come from the Isles and they play heavy metal, they do not remind typical British metal acts, like Saxon for example. As I said before they have given their personal touch to their music. Blastbeats is only an indication of what is being encapsulated in their music and imagine my surprise when I found my self listening to the opening of "Satan & Swastika" (peculiar title, just like the name of the band, don’t you think?). It is quite interesting to listen to melodic passages followed by speed metal riffs that remind Primordial in fast forward.

Honey For Christ may have satisfied an important requirement, which is originality, however they have many other to achieve, such as to find the proper balance between the various rhythms and to compose songs that will keep the listener focused for the entire duration. T.D.P.o.L. comes in a beautiful and low-mood cover, while the production is quite good and will satisfy the most demanding fan. This isn’t bad for a starter. I would say it’s the opposite; it’s a very good debut that highlights the virtues of a young band and at the same time sheds light to the shadowed parts of their personality.

The Metal Perspective

July 2006 - THE METAL OBSERVER (UK)

For a band that openly claim to play ?100% raw, unclean, uncut heavy fucking Metal,? Northern Ireland?s own HONEY FOR CHRIST seem to defy standard classification. ?The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light? continues in a similar manner to previous effort ?Forging Iron Will,? only with more emphasis on aggression. Indeed, this ?harder, faster, louder? attitude is so totally Heavy Metal that any other classification isn?t really necessary, but, there is an awful lot more here.

?Satan & Swastika? and the ferocious title track offer rapid-fire drums and intense riffing to such a degree that you could be forgiven for being surprised to hear the opening ?clean? vocals. In fact, in its heavier sections, the reliance on heavier than Heavy Metal riffing is not too dissimilar to Swedish Death Metal gods UNLEASHED. That same intensity has been injected to normal Heavy Metal riffing and, although not quite as heavy, the effect is frighteningly similar.

Still, it?s a shame that these are the weakest moments of the EP. They don?t quite have the same hooks and power that the band are, locally, famed for.

The thing is though, HONEY FOR CHRIST offer much more to the listener. The mid-paced, brooding ?The Final Transition? shows a more mature and emotionally focused band. Moreover, ?Sorrow Descending? is so powerful in its non Metal aspects that its forceful balance is both unsettling and rewarding. Easily the most ambitious track on the album, perhaps the most ambitious they?ve ever penned. The format is brilliantly simple, with an epic ballad formula and simple, catchy melodies that instantly recall the brooding presence of KATATONIA.

?Signs of Bitterness? is similar, but not so stark. Doom/Rock bass-lines dominate a very weighty track that, along with the former ?Sorrow Descending? shows such a different band from the straightforward raw rock monsters.

Not all of the changes in the band are evident however. The band has switched vocalists, but they may as well have cloned the former so little is the difference. The production, while being a step in the right direction, is limiting, particularly with a very dry drum sound that is allowed too much domination.

Not much by way of criticism I?ll admit, but the EP is definitely one of two styles that somehow manage a harmonious and interesting balance. For the first time though, their all out frenzied Metal has been eclipsed by the more focused, thoughtful material. A change for the better? Only time will tell?

The Metal Observer

July 2006 - LORDS OF METAL (HOL)

Honey For Christ is a band from Northern Ireland, founded in November 1998 by five friends who wanted to play metal without boundaries. Between 1999 and 2002 they released three demos and they achieved good press feedback. Next came a self-financed EP 'The Art Of Self Abuse & Soul Erosion' and in 2002 their first professional studio experience 'Forging Iron Will'. 2005 was featured by line-up changes, by which only Andy (vocals, guitar), Paul (bass) and Chris (drums) went on as a trio. It was then that Andy decided to take over vocal duties too.

This five-song MCD 'The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light' is recorded, produced and mixed in the Cottage Studios in Northern Ireland by the band itself, only the final mastering was done at studio FeRox. There is where the shoe pinches. These recordings could have been better, sometimes I got the feeling to hear the band in their rehearsal room, especially during the first track 'Satan & Swastika' which fortunately is not that long. Then the quality goes up. This happens to be the darkest and most melancholic material the band ever wrote and that suits me well. Whether you like Andy's voice is a matter of taste. He is not a superb vocalist, but he does sound very emotive and genuine and I guess that was what they were aiming for. The slower 'The Final Transition' is a lot better, relished with plucking semi-acoustic and trailing guitars. In the title track they work towards a climax and an occasional semi-grunt (which occurs in the last track too) is refreshing. Favourite track is 'Sorrow Descending', a piece of more than eight minutes. Here, melancholy prevails over rage and frustration and it results in compelling, repetitive guitar lines and a proper atmosphere, though the general penchant remains a bit bare. Maybe the band should do well to expand its line-up again. The last song 'Signs Of Bitterness' has a good balance between dark music and heavier outbursts. Although there is a lot to improve in a technical way, this honest and emotional music sure has a kind of charm.

Lords Of Metal

July 2006 - TERRORVERLAG (GER) translated

HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN now already more or less successfully gives it since 1998. Unfortunately I must admit here that I had heard from these volumes so far still nothing, and that is then always a special benefit, without hearing certain expectations or comparisons with older things such a disk. The volume members originate all from Northern Ireland and it up to the today's day created to publish beside the current CD still 3 demos. This all together financed from own means and even the current disk paid it from own bag. HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN stand according to statement of the label and the PR-agency for „100% raw, unclean, uncut hard & hone heavy fucking metal “. And I find this estimate somehow suitable. They play a harsche mixture from Black Metal oriented reef with hard core trips, classical Metal elements and a singer, which in its lecture way between cleanen and cried Vocals varies. Sounds themselves brachial and functions. Above all the singer bring along much tendency and varies thereby between self-sufficiency, for a breath of Sid Vicious (SEX PISTOLS) or also Joey Ramone - the Punk scene misses both painfully - and can so to the Songs a spark of independence give. The guitar work succeeded in many places very much, however it arrives also often enough too simple and poor. Exactly the same this actually is also with the compositions. The pieces have all together ear-worm-suited moments, but unfortunately they often cannot hold this Feeling over the entire length. An example of it is the title TRACK. The song has a good Intro, which is then replaced by a quite mismatching rage at the beginning. The Song rappelt itself, the singing pulls me as a listener again also, and then „the Refrain comes “(one repeated simply several times the text „The darkest pinnacle OF light “) and keift these only loudly in the micro. Harm for the piece. The fact that it goes also differently proves „The finally transition “with mad melody, to good work on the instruments and a really very responding and for my taste fitting singing. And that those has volume also a Händchen for calmer pieces, it proves it with „Sorrow descending “, which 3 minutes long only with a quite quiet guitar, Schlagzeug and the convincing lecture of Andy at the micro gets along, eh then a heavy guitar wall the silence interrupts briefly, in order to let the title finally end with each Metal heart a pleasing guitar-solo slowly. Finally I can only say: This concerns a definitely good disk, which has however also its weaknesses. The largest one is probably production. Unfortunately the pressure and the brilliance are missing. It has somehow the flair of a Underground publication (which it also is in certain way). This fault is probably the most remarkable to the whole CD. Harm, because with a better production one could make nevertheless somewhat more from the material. It is bad definitely not, which deliver young here. I can only recommend to by-watch times on the homepage that volume and clean-listen there once into the pieces. It could be worthwhile itself. I for my part will further pursue and hope a working that volume for an imminent appearing new disk. Because Potenzial is definitely present. Rigr

Terrorverlag

July 2006 - AMBOSS (GER) translated

The current EP of the three north Irish gives five Songs to us, according to own instructions diee so far darkest volume history. Verwurzelt in the traditional Heavy Metal give HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN thereby simply times in down-been correct Gefilden its music to the best one. And all the same whether fast or more than Ballade come on the way, the young rocken well and thereby also by their (good) sound of demo honestly and ungeschönt more rüber. The title TRACK emerges besides as genuine Schädelspalter, while one can along-suffer e.g. with the slow “sorrow descending” beautifully melancholisch. Also over 25 minutes one gets here a genuinly good mixture required, which addresses each metalworker. For 'ne quasi still demo volume the north Irish produced a convincing EP. I hope, one hear again of them.

Amboss

July 2006 - HARD ROCK HOUSE (UK)

"100% Raw Heavy F**king Metal" is Honey For Christ's' slogan, they use it everywhere, CD sleeve, website, twice on their myspace..., which for me evokes memories of Manowar's late 80's credo of "Death To False Metal" and all the sniggering that that entails....

Moving swiftly onto the music then, opening with "Satan and Swastika" its apparent that the band are drawing heavily from classic mid eighties thrash and power metal from the likes of Metallica and Onslaught. One major drawback of the EP as a whole is the production which unfortunately exposes the fact that its been self financed and self produced, especially in respect of the drums which at times are less audible than Jason Newsted's bass on "And Justice For All"!! That aside the only other main criticism is of Andy's voice which at times seems to be struggling.

What we have here is five tracks of mid-paced thrash/power metal that show some inventiveness and a willingness for experimentation within the confines of the genre. There are a lot of positive pointers to what might be to come if the band can deliver a full album of the same consistent quality, the guitar riffing throughout is excellent whether its mid paced chugging, slower melody lines or clean arpeggios everything Andy plays fits together well.

The Highlight for me is "Sorrow Descending" which has a bass led intro, some good group vocals and a better main vocal from Andy (his voice seeming to cope better with the slower tempo, he also does some very good growling on "The Darkest Pinnacle Of Light" its just the main body of the vocals, delivered at mid-tempo, that his voice seems to struggle with).

So reservations aside Honey For Christ are certainly a band I'd be intrigued to hear a whole album from and also one I'd make a point of catching live if they were ever in this neck of the woods, if they can secure a decent production budget and possibly write material that makes best use of Andy's voice then they could deliver something truly deserving of the accolade "100% Raw Heavy F**king Metal" they're not quite there yet though.

Hardrockhouse.com

July 2006 - BLACK FORCES (GER) translated

“HONEY FOR CHRISTIAN - this is 100% hard raw, unclean, uncut & hone heavy fucking metal!!! ”… it t?nt in “the Darkest Pinnacle OF Light” settled info. Bl?ttchen. Rarely so 'ne appropriate, almost critical rewriting of the own music read, because which us the north Irish pr?sentieren on their new MCD are definitely rau, carelessly and ungeschnitten, however so charmingly packed, da? the heart blood of the three young from the gr?nen island from the boxes gushes f?rmlich only in such a way. Stilistisch to specify could or wanted one itself apparent (still?) not, daf?r wildern itself HONEY FOR CHRIST however completely properly by all m?glichen Metal category: the Opener “Satan & Swastika” is quite thrashig, “finally Transition” rather traditionally held And the two calm Songs “Sorrow Descending” and “Signs OF Bitterness” is clearly of, times in K?se counted, centralold ANATHEMA beeinflu?t. Highlight of the plate is however the title TRACK, which reminds me somehow of the only recently revived cult Combo CONFESSOR and possesses quite genuine Ohrwurm Qualit?ten. Pr?gend f?r the HONEY OF sound of Christian are ultratief the down-been correct guitars and the very good, clear singing of S?nger (and bassist) Andy, however also the small Timingschwankungen of Drummer Chris and the something strange, if not even careless ?berg?nge and BREAK within the Songs. Altogether “Darkest Pinnacle OF Light” works also more like one live-album without Zuschauerl?rm, stop “100% raw, unclean & uncut”. Nevertheless that is volume a really kurzweilige disk succeeded, which should particularly address people, those Authensit?t and Bodenst?ndigkeit more importantly is than top durchgestyltes Songwriting and 'ne ?berkandiedelte production. Kuttentr?ger to power!!! [MK]

7/10

Black Forces

June 2006 - SPUTNIK MUSIC (UK)

Unbroken and undeterred, local heroes Honey for Christ come back with yet another outstanding release. Since their formation in 1998 this Northern Irish trio have released a string of outstanding demos but The Darkest Pinnacle of Light is without a doubt their best yet.

Thunderous opener Satan and Swastika comes out all guns blazing. This is a typical Honey for Christ track with its full on dynamic explosion and its melodic death metal tinged guitars.

It becomes apparent that Honey For Christ are motoring on with what happens to be their best set of songs to date. H.F.C may have lost Jason but Andy has done a fantastic job in filling in his role. The passion of Andy's delivery is evident on the opening lines of The Final Transition

The production is head and shoulders above most local Irish releases. Praise must be given to the band for producing it themselves and coming out with a clean and polished sound. At times the drum sound is slightly under produced or too high in the mix but the actual musicianship is superb throughout. My own personal highlight of this category being the epic guitar solo in the Katatonia esque Sorrow Descending.

On previous releases the Honey for Christ sound has often hinted at a more sorrowful and melancholic direction. The obvious doom influence has been apparent on their last two demos’ , but it is only now that this has become fully realized.

The two standouts happen to be the blaster of a title track and the epic Sorrow Descending. Much like Movements Below The Surface on their last demo the epic build up of Sorrow Descending leaves the listener dazzled and wanting more. The Darkest Pinnacle of Light is easily the strongest "fast" Honey for Christ track to date. This track fits easily among their already fantastic back catalogue

To conclude Honey For Christ have came out with what happens to be their strongest release to date but this reviewer still feels their best material is yet to come.

4.5/5 - Superb

Sputnikmusic.com

June 2006 - BURN YOUR EARS (GER) translated