“"13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all [who are] in the house. 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew
The Prophets of Doom
MALACHI (VOCALIST)
We know the score, we’ve been about, now we’re back! Alright, a little reinvention here and there, a refocus, some pretty hot topics and boom it’s. ‘Just Before You Go!’ We have had years of live performance and gigs, well seasoned!
Our last album (Souls Cafe), was as the then ‘The Thomas Carr Affair’ way back in 2006. We have always loved the live stuff and we kind of kept going with it in various forms up until say, five or six years ago. Around that time the Lord led me and a mate from the collective to study at uni. A cheeky music degree later, and some different doors started to open. I carried on with study, it was like the Lord was giving me new tools to work with. It wasn’t until more recently, lockdown, or house arrest to be precise Lol, I began to write music again, I could’t stop.
The collective began to realise that in the last decade, so much had been happening in the world, prophecy after prophecy taking place particularly in the last couple of years. Anarchy, wars, pandemic, earthquake, famine, persecuted Christians. This is the end of the age as described in the bible literally happening before our eyes, and we are living it. This drove us back into to the studio. A new name, different style and a fresh focus. We ain’t pretty, but we’re pretty determined.
Get your musical surfboards ready, there are some big sound waves about to hit the nations. ‘Just Before You Go!’ By The Prophets of Doom rocks straight from the UK! Grab a bible, put your headphones on and dial your volume to max. Malachi hurls down the lyrics for some fierce, slightly alternative rock tunes. It’s all Guitar licks, drum chops, dissonance, consonance wrapped up and seasoned with prophetic bible scripture. And while you listen why not download the stylish comic bible study pages that accompany each track. After all, “These are the last days, the revelation of John!”
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By David Lang, October 21
The Prophets Of Doom Discernment Media.
I do not listen to or buy “Christian Music”. Most of what is called by that name is simply sub standard pap made by undoubtedly talented artists for whom the production of aural wallpaper can somehow be equated with holiness and sanctification by sameness. Our God is the original original thinker - so, what happened?
I bought this because it has musical nouse and a strong desire to get an unpopular message about a very unpopular subject out into the world before such things become impossible. Before to quote Jesus, “the night comes when no one can work.” Before the algorithms really kick in. Perhaps the best context to give this record is found in the following: Worldwide nearly 400 million Christians live under situations of active persecution every day of their lives.
The Prophets Of Doom are a collective featuring the talents of Malachi, Devorah, Habakkuk and Obadiah, and yes that’s a clue; there’s a whole lot of Bible on this album - thank GOD!
Oh! Did I mention the killer riffs, ear-worms, tap-worms, and - despite the very serious content - the overall dance ability of the entire project? Yes! Danceable!
Exquisitely constructed and performed the musical elements range through multiple genres elegantly juxtaposed with seamless production all held in tension by Habakuk’s at times searing but often tender vocals beautifully balanced by Devorah’s parallel lead and vocal backing lines. Malachi drums up a storm - also a very good description of the entire project; a storm. This record is a squall, a tornado of clear cut verifiable facts set to music. Music no Muzak here just honest, straight up exasperation mixed with a real sense of mission to say the unsayable as loudly and as clearly as possible. As an added bonus, all profits go to Barnabas Fund, the relief organisation for persecuted Christians of which your reviewer is a supporter.
All The King’s Heroes:
Imagine a world where people say what they mean and mean what they say? Some of us are still able to remember when everyday life was a possible conversation between people who held differing opinions and ideas. Somehow we all managed to talk to one another. Imagine. “They tore down all the King’s heroes/... But they don’t know... they don’t know the cost/ The King comes back/ Jesus comes back”. And yes, “they” did indeed hijack the freedom train” ensuring “things will never be the same”. What price security? Just saying.
“This house is trash.../ ...Redefine, everything. Everything!” Sounds like the modern world to me.
Jezebel:
Opens with an insistent riff and a wolf whistle followed by a car crash! Says it all really... The story of Jezebel found in the first part of the Bible (remember that book?) the one no-one reads anymore? A beautiful double tracked, understated vocal performance acts as a foil to the punk/ reggae backing as the lyrics rightly lambast a “religion” which looks set to replace the real Christian faith with post modern flatulence and it’s Christless cross and cross less Christ. Yeah, real fun stuff. Did anyone else spot the Lene Lovich parody - or is it just me? Someone’s lucky number perhaps?
“Je-je-je-je-je-je-je-jeJezebel/ destroyer of God’s people and Ahab’s girl!” Like the man says, she is still around so watch out... Funnily enough Jezebel’s husband’s name was Ahab - a variant of the Hebrew word for father. Might help explain why so many “Christian” leaders today have given up on Father God in favour of other “father’s”...?
“She’s in it to win it./ she’s seductive... /Dinner served at six (six, six).
Twisted:
Reminiscent of early Police “Twisted” “Help Lord! for the godly man ceases”. The spirit of rebellion lives! The right rebellion; the one that rebels in obedience to God’s word on God’s behalf against this world’s increasing insistence upon complete surrender to its agenda.
Then again, “Raise a glass for the godly man ceases
Persecution:
Killer riffs delivered with lacerating efficiency and underlying resignation, the storm which is this entire record continues to develop: “They murder Christians”, “... death camp for Bible men...” Just two lines which are guaranteed to ensure that this album will never sell a million. If that were a point of any relevance then “The Prophets...” have miscalculated big time. Of course, it is not and they have not. This is not tomorrow calling, just today; here and now. “Yeshua sees His people’s plight/ Their blood cries out by day and night.” Remember: 400 million people, today. And yes, if you are a real Christian Believer then it is increasingly likely to be you - and me.
Fight:
Solid Rock based upon THE Solid Rock who cannot roll this song exhorts the listener to “fight now/ don’t let your guard down. Including a nicely almost hidden encouragement in the words of Saint Paul’s instruction to “put on the armour of God/ stand firm”. Based solidly upon Ephesians chapter 6 - a description of the uniform of the Believer’s armour as we engage in what the bible describes as the ongoing war between God’s plan of salvation for ALL mankind and those who actively and consciously set themselves against His Will.
The Blood Song:
A short - very short interlude of gentle reggae gives way to a tightly disciplined but furious backing to which are set a scathing collection of pertinent observations firmly based upon the events of the last couple of years: “... vaccination is complete...” “Overcame the dragon by the blood of the lamb”. “ I keep a Bible by the bed” do you ever read it? Just asking.
The Beast:
An introductory sound clip from Christian teacher Jacob Prasch sets the scene for one of the albums more laid back songs; a dub reggae crowd pleaser which retains its visceral message - and is reminiscent of “Lodger” period Bowie. Spookily eerie this ear worm vocal seems straight out of a sci-fi show but is based on forthcoming reality... “
An Ode To Israel:
Set to a list of reasons why we as Christians must worship the Lord Jesus as the Son of the Living God set to a beautifully composed and constructed Middle Eastern groove. All of which belies one of the records most potent comments; “gentile nations judgement is reserved for you.”
By Prudence Skiffleworth, September 21
WOW! Rebels with a cause, musicians willing to confront the plight of persecuted Christians, a lack of freedom of speech, the erosion of civil liberties and much more!
‘Just Before You Go’ is without a doubt a wake-up call to all who will listen, The Prophets of Doom point to the spiritual war and impending righteous judgement on those that would persecute Christians, and manipulate, or dismiss the bible.
Boasting a degree of freedom and honesty, akin to song writing legends such as: Kieth Green (1953-1982), Bob Dylan (1941-) and Johnny Cash (1932-2003) but with the musical protest of rebels like David Bowie (1947-2015), Sex Pistols (1975-2003), Bow Wow Wow (1980-2003), Lene Lovich (1949-) and even Kate Bush (1958-), IDLES (2009-), to name but a few.
The album opens with the Bowiesque ‘All the Kings Heroes’. An enthusiastically bright and optimistic number, that highlights the silencing of the discerning Christian voice quietly being eroded from mainstream society, and within the church.
‘Twisted’ borrows from the poetry of Psalm 12 and speaks of a time when “the Godly man Ceases” to which Malachi likens to the Christian’s experience today… for ‘The Prophets of Doom’ times are changing and perhaps persecution is on its way. Clearly, “The Revolution will not Be Televised”, Gil Scott Heron (1949-2011).
‘Persecution’, for me is reminiscent of the likes of ‘Mississippi Goddam’, Nina Simone (1933-2003), it’s like we are all aware of the persecution of Christians, but no one wants to talk or do anything about it… not even the world governments shocking!!! A theme which is continued in ‘The Blood Song’ warning and reminding Christians of their faith and the impending doom advancing towards them in these last days.
‘Just Before You go’ closes with the mammoth ‘Ode to Israel’. This song is a plea to the Israeli people to “fight the power,” the power of the “powers that be” (Fight the Power, Public Enemy 1989), their own Rabbis, the politicians, the terrorists, and main-stream medias false narratives. How, might you ask? through the truth and power of the Holy scriptures and the power of prayer! The mega-phone voice of proclamation, the unpredictable driving rhythms of the music and the exquisite drum pattens culminate into an explosion of haunting melodic protest, calling out the nations and encouraging the Israelis to read all of Isaiah including chapter 53, even the Jewish book of revelation!
The stripped-back version of the ‘Ode to Israel’ bonus track, is a sublime cocktail of drum and bass, rhythmic vocal delights, shot through with the sharp clarity of the lead’s visionary lyrics. Once again, Public Enemy’s anthem comes to mind.
Recently Van Morrison asked, “where have all the rebels gone?” I suggest he has a listen to ‘Just Before You Go!’ By The Prophets of Doom, he will undeniably be inspired by these rebels with a divine cause...
Where have all the rebels gone?
Hidin' behind computer screens
Where's the spirit, where's the soul?
Where have all the rebels gone?...
Artists: Slowhand & Van, “The Rebels,” Bushbranch/Surfdog Records, 2021.
Artist: Van Morrison, Latest Project, volume 1, 2021, Genre blues
Keith Green – Dear John Letter (to the Devil) (No Compromise/1978).
Bob Dylan – A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall (the Freewheelin’/1963).
Johnny Cash – What is Truth (Man in Black/1970).
David Bowie – I’m Afraid of Americans (Earthling/1997).
The Sex Pistols – God Save the Queen (Never mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols/1977).
Bow Wow Wow – I Want Candy (I Want Candy/1982).
Lene Lovich – Lucky number (Lucky number/1978).
Kate bush – Army Dreamers (Never for Ever/1980).
IDLES – Joy as Act of Resistance (Joy As Act of Resistance/2018).
Gil Scott Heron – The Revolution will not Be Televised (The Revolution Will Not Be Televised/1971).
Nina Simone – Mississippi Goddam (Mississippi Goddam/1964).
Public Enemy - Fight the Power (It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back/1989).
By Lucy Cortez, October 21
This exciting album packs a punch and gives a very clear message. Freshness of sound and written using an eclectic manner. You need to listen to the complete album to appreciate all the different sounds used with a strong rock rythmn. I love it!!!
