Not in the least bit concerned with the growing US Metalcore trend and the increased attention it has garnered from the Metal community, VEHEMENCE step up to the plate in 2004 with a crushing sophomore album that leaves no prisoners.

Brutal yet not overbearing, "Helping The World To See" should easily appeal to any fan of well-structured, intense Death Metal. The heavy as hell guitar work perfectly compliments the intricate drumming while the tortured vocals spit their socially conscious prose without missing a step. In fact, aside from the previously stated attributes, one of the more interesting features of this record are the lyrics, which apart from the out of place "Her Beautiful Eyes", focus on more relevant topics than the usual attempted shock fuelled themes. Reminiscent of GOD DETHRONED and their socially fuelled "Into The Lungs Of Hell" album, VEHEMENCE tackle such subjects as religious fanaticism ("Kill For God"), televangelists ("Trinity Broadcasting..."), war ("Spirit Of The Soldier") and other such reality based themes. Though not a concept album in the traditional sense, VEHEMENCE succeed in carrying a theme that, while on the surface seems focused entirely on the unfortunate state of the world, seems to deal more so with the darker side of the human condition.

Crushing Death Metal with enough variety to sustain the listener from start to end, I still can't help but feel like the bonus, closing track should have been left off and saved for a later release, as it's somewhat generic structure and juvenile lyrics contrast the otherwise stellar material proceeding it. By focusing on human failure, misguidance and our unfortunate actions (with hopes of spurring change?), VEHEMENCE are helping the world to see. (Online August 19, 2004)