Babylon Mystery Orchestra - Axis of Evil

Since Sidney Allen Johnson started Babylon Mystery Orchestra just about six years ago, he has done an excellent job of getting new products out every year or two. Axis of Evil is Johnson's fourth album and the the follow up to 2006's The Great Apostasy. As with his previous work, Sidney's lyrical, vocal, and musical approach is the same. There's a sense of familiarity once again, but I wonder if Sidney could benefit from having someone lend a hand or an outside influence was added to Babylon Mystery Orchestra's sound.

I guess you have the flipside. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. After an intro ("Annuit Coeptis") and a forgettable song ("We Ride You Die"), Axis of Evil finds its groove with the seductive "Devilspawn." Sidney creates a catchy beat on "Islam" and shows his keyboard skills on "God Giveth Right." His deep gothic vocal style sounds out of place on the uptempo "Crusader" but he sounds natural for "Illuminati"'s acoustic and goth style. "Martyr" is quiet but effective and that's an unusual vocal style on "Come Drink the Wrath." Babylon Mystery Orchestra's best song yet comes in the form of "Novus Ordo Seclorum" and the seductive groove.

It's nice to see a guy create a lyrical and musical vision for his message. You don't have to agree with Sidney Allen Johnson's philosophy but you have to admire his conviction.