Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

This band were a Christian prog metal outfit who had a shortlived career in the late '80s/early '90s that ground to a halt with the demise of the label to which they were signed, REX Records. This was Haven's debut album and there's plenty to enjoy here especially the vocals of Kevin Ayers who manages to avoid the high pitched histrionics that was featured on a lot of metal of that era. 'Your Dying Day' immediately grabs attention with the opening "On Judgment Day". Elsewhere I love "Below The Grave" which is almost speed metal and proceedings close with the brilliant title track where Spanish guitars are fused with a full on work out from the band. The results still sound dynamic more than 20 years later and that's a tribute to the guitar skills of Andy Bruner. Whilst not an absolute classic, the band had a few golden moments on this debut and this digipak re-issue is to be welcomed.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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