You gotta hand it to Dino Cazares. Not only did he come out of the FEAR FACTORY debacle more focused and motivated than ever, he also managed to almost completely distance himself from forming a band that sounds like FEAR FACTORY 2.0. He even managed something faster and much more strictly Metal. And to top it off, with the release of "Bringer Of Plagues" Dino and company have proven that DIVINE HERESY is no passing fancy. The staying power has been proven, as has the reliability, and even with a shuffle in singers still the strengths shine through.

The addition of vocalist Travis Neal maintained the vital clean vocal element that made "Bleed The Fifth" work so well (check out "Darkness Embedded" - the "Bringer Of Plagues" version of "Closure" from the "Bleed The Fifth" album - for a perfect example of his skills), and the guy also has one hell of a set of lungs. His opening scream on "Facebreaker" doesn't sound like he's mad because the Raiders lost again, this is a guy who just found out the Raider cheerleaders were gonna be a bunch of fat guys salsa dancing in capris and tube tops next year. Not a happy camper. But it fuels the fire and the guy has the lungs and delivery worthy enough to put him next in line if KILLSWITCH ENGAGE are ever shopping around.

But don't be misled into thinking this is a Metalcore affair; Dino Cazares and Tim Yeung are far, far too talented to stop there. "Bringer Of Plagues" is fast, furious and is a bringer of its own flurry of plagues in the musical delivery and song structuring. It does seem that Dino is a bit lax on a few occasions when it comes to his distinct approach to riffing, but still he gives a strong performance and has created some intense songs. But the true Bringer is Tim Yeung, and the most devastating plague is his mind melting, unfathomably supreme drumming. Do you think just anyone could sling sticks for the likes of NILE, VITAL REMAINS and HATE ETERNAL? Not hardly. But there is no greater example of how adept a player Tim is than his performance on "Bringer Of Plagues". Truly the difference maker, it is Tim Yeung's head shakingly unbelievable display of drum mastery that makes this album a tight listen. If for no other reason, "Bringer Of Plagues" is a worthy purchase just to hear Tim Yeung at work; yes people, he really is that good.

"Bringer Of Plagues" is not album of the year; it's probably not even top 10 material, but it is a major success nonetheless for with this album Dino has escaped the shadow of FEAR FACTORY, and done it decisively with zealous fury. Also, DIVINE HERESY has proven that it can and will keep bringing in your face, hard hitting Metal dependably for what is hopefully years to come. And perhaps most importantly, as long as DIVINE HERESY continues down this path, Dino won't have to worry about being unable to sustain that pesky burrito eating habit ever again. Amen.