Death from Above 1979 are opposed to those “Holy Books” on their high-flying third single from their third album, ‘Outrage! Is Now.’

Keeping things multidimensional, the beauty of new music and new bands personally unfamiliar is undeniable, sigh. Tackling new ground, Death from Above 1979 came onto my radar.  The Canadian rock duo have been around since the 00s, but Outrage Is Now (September 8) marks just their third studio album. Singles “Never Swim Alone,” “Freeze Me,” and “Holy Books” were issued in advance of the new album.

“Holy Books” is souped-up from the jump. The guitars sound menacing, rather hellish.  Frontman Sebastien Grainger delivers aggressive and passionate vocals.  Lyrically, it’s clear that he’s not onboard with the whole God-fearing, Christian thing.  Hmm, sounds like a missing song from our 11 Religiously Skeptical Gems | Playlist.  The chorus summarizes his sentiments effectively:

“I don’t go for no holy books / Those ancient rhymes they ain’t got no hooks.”

The tempo remains quick for nearly the first two minutes.  A chance of pace arrives at around the 1:55 mark.  The tone changes along with the tempo – the exuberant rebelliousness fades.   This is an unexpected, but brilliant instrumental shift. The original scheme returns right before the three-minute mark, reviving a sense of familiarity.  Here, Death from Above 1979 return to the infectious, atheistic chorus.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Death from Above 1979 continues to impress on “Holy Books.” All three of the singles the duo have released ahead of Outrage! Is Now have been enjoyable and well-rounded.  The music is energetic, the vocals are filled with passion and angst, and ultimately, the “Holy Books” ends up being captivating to the nth degree.

Death from Above 1979 • Outrage! Is Now • Warner Bros. • Release: 9.8.17

Photo Credits: Warner Bros.