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Today we're looking at the new release from US power metallers Immortal Guardian entitled Unite And Conquer. I'll begin with the album's first track, “Ozona.” This one is very representative of Immortal Guardian's approach generally, and would be at home on any of their other releases, as it displays what the band does so well. The flurry of melded guitar and keys at the beginning is classic Gabriel Guardian! There are some good riffs to be found here, albeit not super hooky. The versing is kinda so-so, to be honest, but when the chorus hits you there's some great syncopation and unity of sound and direction. And the time-change accompanying Zima's plaintive “whoa-oahs” at the end is just icing on the cake – really drawing the listener in to the magic of this song. Like so many of their tracks, I can find imperfections when I break them down into their components, but the sum of the performance is typically greater than the parts. Jumping ahead to song three in the listing we find the energetic yet evocative “Roots Run Deep.” This one features guest vocals from the mighty Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear. I love Scheepers as a singer, and think his is a nice contribution, but honestly Zima's voice is the star here. The baritone intro he gives at the beginning is absolute gold – you won't hear many genuinely metal songs that include that brand of vocal delivery, much less in a way that fits so seamlessly with the feel of this song. Uptempo with great kitwork by drummer Justin Piedimonte, I really can't get enough of this one! Further in we find “Lost In The Darkness,” another track with guest vox, this time from the amazing Vicky Psarakis, formerly of The Agonist. Much like in the previously discussed song, Psarakis' assist is solid but serves best as a foil to launch Zima's own stellar crooning. I just love the trade off lead vocals, with each singer trying to out do the other. And Guardian's solo is fire – the perfect length and tone. My final song to highlight is “Divided We Fall”, and if I had to choose one track on the album it would likely be this. The thing I most love about “Divided” is that, in a number of respects, the band kinda keeps it right on the edge musically. The bridge in particular is a very haphazard sonic skittering where I feel like the band is at any point about to take the song off the rails… but somehow they pull it off and transition into that moderate paced but beautiful verse. Zima really pushed himself to his limits on this one to great effect exuding killer voice control. Those are my favs, but the other six tracks each have something to offer as well. I'll admit I've not given Carlos Zima his proper due as a singer, initially in my own mind lumping him in with a subgroup of singers having surface vocal similarities. But Zima is a hell of a singer, and he definitely proves it on this album with some of his best performances to date. We haven't touched on “Un Dia A La Vez,” a song where he opens himself to some ranges he hasn't on any previous Immortal Guardian track, so very beautiful and in some parts almost feminine in his delivery. And the album finale “Rise Of The Phoenix” has him able to convey emotional subtleties before exploding into a scream machine. Gabriel Guardian is truly remarkable in his approach utilizing both the guitars and keys as true twin lead instruments. Guardian has the keys in the foreground bringing loud, tight notes and driving that lead melody. There's a lot of work Guardian puts into building these compositions such that the instruments complement and don't clash. I'm giving Unite And Conquer a 8 ½ out of ten rating. It's absolutely worth your time to check out. Support Immortal Guardian by purchasing Unite And Conquer from M-Theory Audio.
Track Listing 1. Immortal Guardian - Ozona 4:44 2. Immortal Guardian - Echoes 4:50 3. Immortal Guardian - Roots Run Deep 5:21 4. Immortal Guardian - Perfect Person 4:07 5. Immortal Guardian - Divided we Fall 6:17 6. Immortal Guardian - Lost in the Darkness 4:38 7. Immortal Guardian - Southern Rain 3:58 8. Immortal Guardian - Unite and Conquer 6:03 9. Immortal Guardian - Un Dia A La Vez 2:39 10. Immortal Guardian - Rise of the Phoenix
Marriage is a reflection of the relationship Jesus has with the church. That's why putting God in the middle of your marriage can allow you to exceed your best relationship targets.
One of Satan's primary tactics against God's people is to divide and conquer. But one of God's most powerful weapons against the kingdom of darkness is for His people to UNITE AND CONQUER. We cannot walk in our full authority in Christ and fulfill our God-given destinies if there is ongoing conflict and strife in our lives. And, in fact, we sacrifice so much of God's favor on our lives and, according to Hebrews 12, we miss much of the grace of God by allowing a bitter root to grow in our hearts. However, by recognizing this demonic tactic and refusing to give into strife in our lives, homes, and churches, we position ourselves for more of God's grace and favor, and to be greatly used of God. Get ready to kick hell out of your house!
In a tough loss for the team, Atlanta United fell 2-0 to Nashville SC in a game that wasn’t as bad as it may appear. In the first match under Pineda, the 5 stripes looked to change things up as almost everyone looked to shoulder the blame for defeat. With this recent result, Atlanta remains … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 161 – ATLUTD vs Nashville SC – TAKE YOUR SHIRT OFF Read More »
4 in a row!!!! Nothing can stop this train from rollin as Atlanta United wins 2 more to make it 4 consecutive wins, for the first time since 2019 as the 5 stripes take down Toronto FC and DC United. With their recent results, ATL currently sit in 8th place in the East, just outside … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 160 – ATLUTD vs DC United – Nothin Can Stop Us, We’re All the Way Up…. To 8th Place Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
4 in a row!!!! Nothing can stop this train from rollin as Atlanta United wins 2 more to make it 4 consecutive wins, for the first time since 2019 as the 5 stripes take down Toronto FC and DC United. With their recent results, ATL currently sit in 8th place in the East, just outside of the playoff line, but with the recent addition of Luiz Araujo into the mix, they look to be a completely different team. Despite back to back games with shaky performances in the second half, Atlanta continues to produce results, and walks away with 6 points this week nonetheless. The boys talk about Pineda and the recent tenure of Rob Valentino and what his role may be on the team going forward, as well as their expectations this week as Nashville pays a visit to Mercedes Benz Stadium here at home. Tim and Kevin are here to bring you a weekly look at their hometown MLS team – Atlanta United FC. They look to bring their insights on the previous game, how the team has been doing, where they currently stand in the MLS, and look forward to their next game of the week. It's almost that time. The streetlights just came on and you had better leave soon to be Home Before Dark. Find the whole gang on twitter @HomeB4Dark
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Not even Limp Bizkit could stop this train. Atlanta United and the Chocolate Starfish rolls on to its second consecutive win against LAFC. A win that continues to build on the momentum of recent weeks, but the team still has a lot of ground to make up if they are expected to make it into the playoffs. This week's win continued to showcase Atlanta's finer touches via Josef, Barco, Moreno, Bello, and Robinson, as well as a welcomed return by Brooks Lenon. The boys gather round to talk about it all as we look ahead to this week's matchup against league's worst Toronto FC. Can Atlanta continue on their current trajectory? Only time will tell. Tim and Kevin are here to bring you a weekly look at their hometown MLS team – Atlanta United FC. They look to bring their insights on the previous game, how the team has been doing, where they currently stand in the MLS, and look forward to their next game of the week. It's almost that time. The streetlights just came on and you had better leave soon to be Home Before Dark. Find the whole gang on twitter @HomeB4Dark
Not even Limp Bizkit could stop this train. Atlanta United and the Chocolate Starfish rolls on to its second consecutive win against LAFC. A win that continues to build on the momentum of recent weeks, but the team still has a lot of ground to make up if they are expected to make it into … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 159 – ATLUTD vs LAFC – Keep Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’ Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Atlanta finally fins a way to win, and this time without its lynchpin in Josef Martinez. Sure it came following a match that Atlanta was awarded 2 PKs, and a total of 3 in its past two matches, but who's counting? Dan and Kevin talk about the matches this past week that left Atlanta without Josef following a choke slam fallout against Montreal in the final moments. The good news is that the team is scoring goals and creating opportunities. The question is whether it can be sustained. Tim and Kevin are here to bring you a weekly look at their hometown MLS team – Atlanta United FC. They look to bring their insights on the previous game, how the team has been doing, where they currently stand in the MLS, and look forward to their next game of the week. It's almost that time. The streetlights just came on and you had better leave soon to be Home Before Dark. Find the whole gang on twitter @HomeB4Dark
Atlanta finally fins a way to win, and this time without its lynchpin in Josef Martinez. Sure it came following a match that Atlanta was awarded 2 PKs, and a total of 3 in its past two matches, but who’s counting? Dan and Kevin talk about the matches this past week that left Atlanta without … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 158 – ATLUTD vs Columbus Crew – Josef Who? Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
And another one.... Atlanta United is like the DJ Khaled of winless matches after now going 11 straight and continuing to slide in MLS standings following their road loss to once "rival" Orlando City. A game that started with so much promise after Josef Martinez made a big statement just 1 minute into the match with a golazo. Despite having multiple leads throughout the match, Atlanta once again managed to blow a lead in the final 10 minutes of the match. In good news, Tim returns! They also all talk about upcoming matches against Montreal and Columbus Crew. If Atlanta doesn't produce results soon, their chance at salvaging this season diminishes even more. Tim and Kevin are here to bring you a weekly look at their hometown MLS team – Atlanta United FC. They look to bring their insights on the previous game, how the team has been doing, where they currently stand in the MLS, and look forward to their next game of the week. It's almost that time. The streetlights just came on and you had better leave soon to be Home Before Dark. Find the whole gang on twitter @HomeB4Dark
And another one…. Atlanta United is like the DJ Khaled of winless matches after now going 11 straight and continuing to slide in MLS standings following their road loss to once “rival” Orlando City. A game that started with so much promise after Josef Martinez made a big statement just 1 minute into the match … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 157 – ATLUTD vs Orlando City – The Darkest Timeline Read More »
While Tim is taking naps and changing diapers, Dan and Kevin are back to break down all the action this past week as Atlanta United squared off against FC Cincinnati in a 1-1 draw followed by a loss at home this weekend at the hands of the Columbus Crew. While both games see a marked … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 156 – ATLUTD vs Columbus Crew – Who Will Save Us Now? Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
While Tim is taking naps and changing diapers, Dan and Kevin are back to break down all the action this past week as Atlanta United squared off against FC Cincinnati in a 1-1 draw followed by a loss at home this weekend at the hands of the Columbus Crew. While both games see a marked improvement in the level of play for the 5-Stripes, they remain winless through their last 9 matches. The return of Josef Martinez definitely creates a spark, but they'll need a lot more than 1-2 pieces of the puzzle this weekend as they face rivals Orlando City on the road Friday night. Clear Eyes, Full Hearts..... will probably lose. Odds for this Friday's game has opened and according to sportsbettingdime.com, Atlanta United are going in as +280 underdogs. Not a bad payout if you're willing to put up the cash. Orlando is coming off of that 5-0 beat down this past weekend. No matter the outcome, Atlanta will need to figure things out fast if they are expected to compete in this years MLS playoffs. Currently sitting in 10th place in the East, every game counts, particularly against that Orlando Scum. Tim and Kevin are here to bring you a weekly look at their hometown MLS team – Atlanta United FC. They look to bring their insights on the previous game, how the team has been doing, where they currently stand in the MLS, and look forward to their next game of the week. It's almost that time. The streetlights just came on and you had better leave soon to be Home Before Dark. Find the whole gang on twitter @HomeB4Dark
Tonight the boys are back to talk about England’s heart-wrenching loss in Euro 2020 as well as Atlanta United’s 2-2 draw on the road against Nashville SC. This game had a little bit of everything. Red cards, injuries, goals, homegrowns, soccer moses, and Garth Brooks. Another draw for Atlanta United means that it is still … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 154 – ATLUTD vs Nashville SC – Draw Me Like One of Your French Girls Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Tonight the boys are back to talk about England’s heart-wrenching loss in Euro 2020 as well as Atlanta United’s 2-2 draw on the road against Nashville SC. This game had a little bit of everything. Red cards, injuries, goals, homegrowns, soccer moses, and Garth Brooks. Another draw for Atlanta United means that it is still … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 154 – ATLUTD vs Nashville SC – Draw Me Like One of Your French Girls Read More »
Following last episode’s technical difficulties, the boys are back to talk about Atlanta United’s season outlook following a 3-0 away drubbing by the Chicago Fire. They talk about what their expectations are going forward this season, and more importantly, what can be done to get things “back on track”. They talk about the state of … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 153 – ATLUTD vs Chicago Fire – We Couldn’t Stop the Fire. They were always scoring and our season is burning. Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Following last episode’s technical difficulties, the boys are back to talk about Atlanta United’s season outlook following a 3-0 away drubbing by the Chicago Fire. They talk about what their expectations are going forward this season, and more importantly, what can be done to get things “back on track”. They talk about the state of … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 153 – ATLUTD vs Chicago Fire – We Couldn’t Stop the Fire. They were always scoring and our season is burning. Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Tonight the boys are back to talk about the disappointing 2-2 draw at home for Atlanta United against the Union. In another consecutive match that finds the 5 Stripes squandering a 2-0 lead and another 2 points. They talk about the team performance and standout moments of the match as well as look ahead to … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 151 – ATLUTD vs Philadelphia Union – Win, Lose, or Draw, or Draw, or Draw, or Draw, or Draw Read More »
Tonight the boys are back to talk about the disappointing 2-2 draw at home for Atlanta United against the Union. In another consecutive match that finds the 5 Stripes squandering a 2-0 lead and another 2 points. They talk about the team performance and standout moments of the match as well as look ahead to … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 151 – ATLUTD vs Philadelphia Union – Win, Lose, or Draw, or Draw, or Draw, or Draw, or Draw Read More »
Tonight Tim and Kevin discuss the heartbreaking draw at home this past weekend as Atlanta United gave up a 2 goal lead to Nashville FC at home. What does this mean for a team struggling to find consistent success as they go into international break? This week’s match was certainly a positive one for the … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 150 – ATLUTD vs Nashville FC – Southern Drawl Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Tonight Tim and Kevin discuss the heartbreaking draw at home this past weekend as Atlanta United gave up a 2 goal lead to Nashville FC at home. What does this mean for a team struggling to find consistent success as they go into international break? This week’s match was certainly a positive one for the … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 150 – ATLUTD vs Nashville FC – Southern Drawl Read More »
Tonight Tim and Kevin are joined by long-time pal Eric Quintana of Mouths of the South. They talk about the most recent match that led to the 1-1 draw for Atlanta United on the road against MLS leader Seattle Sounders. They talk about the state of the club and whether the 5 stripes outlook has … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 149 – ATLUTD vs Seattle Sounders – False Hope? Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Tonight Tim and Kevin are joined by long-time pal Eric Quintana of Mouths of the South. They talk about the most recent match that led to the 1-1 draw for Atlanta United on the road against MLS leader Seattle Sounders. They talk about the state of the club and whether the 5 stripes outlook has … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 149 – ATLUTD vs Seattle Sounders – False Hope? Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
After lulling fans, spectators, and even Montreal to sleep for 94′, Atlanta United slots home the winning goal at the death to defeat Montreal 1-0 in the first full capacity game at Mercedes Benz stadium since before the Covid-19 pandemic. Tonight the boys talk about ATL’s performance and the question marks many people had throughout … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 148 – ATLUTD vs Montreal – King in the North Read More »
After lulling fans, spectators, and even Montreal to sleep for 94′, Atlanta United slots home the winning goal at the death to defeat Montreal 1-0 in the first full capacity game at Mercedes Benz stadium since before the Covid-19 pandemic. Tonight the boys talk about ATL’s performance and the question marks many people had throughout … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 148 – ATLUTD vs Montreal – King in the North Read More »
This week the boys recap the 1-1 draw against Miami on the road. A game which saw the return to goal scoring glory for Josef Martinez, long may he reign. Unfortunately it was a match which the five stripes were poised to win until a late game equalizer from Miami. This week will allow players … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 147 – ATLUTD vs Miami – Long Live the King Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
This week the boys recap the 1-1 draw against Miami on the road. A game which saw the return to goal scoring glory for Josef Martinez, long may he reign. Unfortunately it was a match which the five stripes were poised to win until a late game equalizer from Miami. This week will allow players … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 147 – ATLUTD vs Miami – Long Live the King Read More »
Well, it can’t get much worse… right? Tonight the guys recap back to back Atlanta United losses against the Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution. Following these matches which had their fair share of ups and downs, ATLUTD seems to be on the mend by salvaging a draw on the road against the Union, even … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 146 – ATLUTD vs the WORLD – New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union CCL Fallout Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Well, it can’t get much worse… right? Tonight the guys recap back to back Atlanta United losses against the Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution. Following these matches which had their fair share of ups and downs, ATLUTD seems to be on the mend by salvaging a draw on the road against the Union, even … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 146 – ATLUTD vs the WORLD – New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union CCL Fallout Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
This week, Kevin, Dan and Tim recap the CONCACAF Champion’s League win vs Alajuelense and preview the MLS opener against Orlando City SC.
This week, Kevin, Dan and Tim recap the CONCACAF Champion’s League win vs Alajuelense and preview the MLS opener against Orlando City SC.
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Finally a game to talk about!!!! The boys are back this week to talk about the 1-0 ATLUTD win over Alajuelense in round one of CCL! They talk about all the keys to the match which saw a lot of new faces in the lineup, including a standout performances by Sosa and a GK substitution … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 142 – YOU JUST GOT CONCACAF’D! Read More »
Finally a game to talk about!!!! The boys are back this week to talk about the 1-0 ATLUTD win over Alajuelense in round one of CCL! They talk about all the keys to the match which saw a lot of new faces in the lineup, including a standout performances by Sosa and a GK substitution … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 142 – YOU JUST GOT CONCACAF’D! Read More »
Tonight the boys are missing their third compatriot Dan, so they talk about all the things they didn’t get to on the return show and look ahead to Atlanta United’s run in CCL. Tim and Kevin are here to bring you a weekly look at their hometown MLS team – Atlanta United FC. They look … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 141 – It Takes Two to Tango Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Tonight the boys are missing their third compatriot Dan, so they talk about all the things they didn’t get to on the return show and look ahead to Atlanta United’s run in CCL. Tim and Kevin are here to bring you a weekly look at their hometown MLS team – Atlanta United FC. They look … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 141 – It Takes Two to Tango Read More »
Tim and Kevin talk about the impact that Moreno has continued to bring to the Five Stripes, even coming off of another loss at the hands of DC United. Will Atlanta United find their way to a MLS playoff spot? It seems unlikely, but in a year where anything is both possible, and impossible, it’s … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 138 – ATLUTD vs DC United, Orlando Hate Week, FC Cincy Read More »
The gang’s all here! Tonight the guys talk about the Toronto FC loss and the upcoming match against DC United. Most importantly, the boys play the most confusing game in show history that will leave them as confused as you are. Ultimately, there isn’t much that’s good to talk about Atlanta United right now, so … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 137 – ATLUTD vs Inter Miami, Toronto FC, DC United Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
The gang’s all here! Tonight the guys talk about the Toronto FC loss and the upcoming match against DC United. Most importantly, the boys play the most confusing game in show history that will leave them as confused as you are. Ultimately, there isn’t much that’s good to talk about Atlanta United right now, so … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 137 – ATLUTD vs Inter Miami, Toronto FC, DC United Read More »
Tim and Kevin ramble about almost everything but Atlanta United in tonight’s show, discussing Halloween candy favorites, shows they’re watching, and a little about the Five Stripes as they come off of a draw against Orlando and a loss at the hands of New York Red Bulls. Tim and Kevin are here to bring you … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 136 – ATLUTD vs Orlando City, NYRB, Inter Miami Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Tim and Kevin ramble about almost everything but Atlanta United in tonight’s show, discussing Halloween candy favorites, shows they’re watching, and a little about the Five Stripes as they come off of a draw against Orlando and a loss at the hands of New York Red Bulls. Tim and Kevin are here to bring you … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 136 – ATLUTD vs Orlando City, NYRB, Inter Miami Read More »
Dan and Tim talk about the recent thrashing of DC United at the hands of Atlanta United and preview the Orlando City match. Does the win over DC United change their opinions of the team going forward? Will this new found confidence jump start Atlanta in a struggling 2020 MLS campaign? Will Atlanta go winless … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 135 – ATLUTD vs DC United, Orlando City, Red Bulls Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Kevin is finally back with Dan and Tim to discuss the recent mixed bag of results that we’ve seen from Atlanta United. They talk about the state of MLS as a whole and what changes they would make to improve its standing on an international soccer stage. They also provide their thoughts and expectations for … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 134 – ATLUTD vs FC Dallas, Chicago Fire, Kevin Returns Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Dan and Tim talk about the recent thrashing of DC United at the hands of Atlanta United and preview the Orlando City match. Does the win over DC United change their opinions of the team going forward? Will this new found confidence jump start Atlanta in a struggling 2020 MLS campaign? Will Atlanta go winless … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 135 – ATLUTD vs DC United, Orlando City, Red Bulls Read More »
Kevin is finally back with Dan and Tim to discuss the recent mixed bag of results that we’ve seen from Atlanta United. They talk about the state of MLS as a whole and what changes they would make to improve its standing on an international soccer stage. They also provide their thoughts and expectations for … Atlanta United FC Weekly – 134 – ATLUTD vs FC Dallas, Chicago Fire, Kevin Returns Read More »
Atlanta United FC Weekly - a Home Before Dark Atlanta United Soccer and MLS Podcast
Dan and Tim are back discussing the recent, and sudden departure of one of Atlanta United’s designated players – Pity Martinez. They also talk about rebounding against heated rivals Orlando City to steal a point down in Exploria Stadium.