The Sacrificed is a Heavy Metal band from Lakeland, Florida that formed back in 2005. The Sacrificed sound can be compared to bands like Queensryche or Sacred Warrior. After forming in 2005, the band got to work and entered the studios to record material for a debut project. In 2007 the band released their full-length debut album titled 'The DaVinci Hoax' which helped the band step onto the Christian Metal scene. After the release of their debut, the band returned to the studios to record a follow up project. 

        In 2010 The Sacrificed released their sophomore full-length album titled '2012 on Roxx Productions. This release hits all the marks and has earned its way into a regular rotation of mine of more frequently listened to albums. The production might be slightly muddy but actually adds to the over-all sound and mood of the album in a good way. The duo guitar approach performed by Eli Prinsen and Johnny Bowden, really help to set "2012" apart from others giving them their unique sound. The guitars sound comes across as a hippy-groovy-style if you will, that is very melodic and easy to embrace. It doesn't hurt my feelings that there's not a dominant lead guitarist because it helps to distinguish The Sacrificed from other bands. Power Metal fans have a lot to get excited about here with the intense riffage laid down by our axe bearers.
        Eli Prinsens' vocals sound better than ever on this '2012' album. He reaches the high notes flawlessly and does a good job of mixing up his vocals with some operatic styles. Eli's souring-vocal-style comes across as a haunting vocal work at times that connects well with the musical arrangements. The Emotion that is reflected in the songs is hard to find in music today. 

       It's worth noting that you will even find a cover of Deliverance's song "Slay the Wicked" on this 2012 which was done very tastefully.

       The lyrics for this project are Christ centered as one can see in the following excerpts:

2012
December twenty first two thousand and twelve
Two thousand and twelve
Jesus warned about false prophets and their evil schemes
Nostradamus quatrains =Bible code matrices

Oh it's so plain to see - we're just searching for some way-
To give our lives some meaning
Intrigued and Mystified with the unknown
We want life to matter more to us than mere flesh and bone
We have eternal souls and Jesus is the key
The only path way to immortality


BELIEVE
Jesus paid the price for me
Free to all- no hidden fees
All you have to do is believe
Many fearing judgment day
But with the truth, the light and the way
Heaven’s just a heartbeat away

Almighty God forgave me
The Holy Spirit guiding me
Onto the path I need to be nourished by His every word
I recognize just how absurd the foolish lies of the enemy are!

IN HEAVEN
 As I close my eyes and say goodbye
I realize I'm floating high above those by my bed
I feel such a peace that the worries of this world
that I leave seem never to have existed
An angel is my guide
as we fly fast towards the light
that's approaching at the end of the tunnel
It's actually happening my first day of eternity
Next stop the pearly gates I can hardly wait


To behold this place to see Jesus face
There are no words to describe this
Thousands of angels sing praise and worship to our king
And I cannot wait to join with them In heaven
Walking on the streets of gold
listening to the stories told
ancestors all the way back to Adam
First hand accounts of the past,
answers to all questions asked and forever to learn
No sun needed for light our God is shining bright
One days a thousand years
no more pain and no more tears


In this place we see Jesus face
There are no words to describe this
Thousands of angels sing praise and worship to our king
And here I am singing with them


In this place we see Jesus face
There are no words to describe this
Thousands of angels sing praise and worship to our king
And here I am singing with them
I know we'll meet again
I'll be waiting for you when you enter in
to the place Jesus prepared for you
​ Can't wait for you to see the things I've just begun to see in heaven

(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)

       It's Hard to compare "The Sacrificed" to any other band due to their distinct sound. If you are looking for a great Metal album to add to your Collection, then I highly recommend this release because it delivers the Metal goods holding up to repeat listens with outstanding Christian lyrics. 
       I'm always encouraged when I listen to The Sacrificed '2012' album as it is one of the few albums that you can put in and sense the power of God on the band and on their music! Help support Metal music and the band by picking up your copy of 2012 today!

Musicians: 
Eli Prinsen - Lead Vocals, Guitars
Mike Phillips - Guitars
Daniel Cordova - Bass
Jay Williams - Drums