Despite the pompous title, I Am God isn't as much about hubris as it is about glorifying Jesus. A loud and proud Christian-metal band from New Jersey named after founding multi-instrumentalist Rod Rivera and vocalist John Bomma, Rivera/Bomma drenches its epic sound in Biblical imagery and spiritual strength. Musically, the band relies on faithful references to Rainbow and Iron Maiden, as well as vintage Queensryche, mid-period Savatage and even a stripe or two of Stryper. You can also hear why Seven Witches guitarist Jack Frost introduced Rivera/Bomma to Belgium's Mausoleum Records and urged the label to sign these guys.
Putting aside the Christian messages, I Am God is no different than any other fine metal record. There's the monumental two-part, 10-minute title track opener that prepares listeners for what they're about to hear; there's the bombastically fantastic "Riding High," which could have been a Stryper song; there's the beautiful love song "Oh Girl," punctuated by a fluid Rivera guitar solo that's as jaw-dropping as it is ear-popping; there's the aggressive "Help," which portends thrashy vocals but instead delivers a Bomma performance worthy of Ronnie James Dio; and there's the acoustic "La Vox De Mi Guitarra," a flamenco tour de force.
Christian rock/metal often gets derided for being derivative, unimaginative or cheesy. But the disciples in Rivera/Bomma have found a way to share their faith without sacrificing musical finesse, heavy-metal imagery and the band's — or God's — good name.
Track Listing:
1) I Am God (Intro)
2) I Am God
3) You Are My Child
4) He Died For You
5) Oh Girl
6) Riding High
7) Sing To Me
8) Help
9) Holy One
10) La Voz de Mi Guitarra
11) Revelation/Midnight Sunlight
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