Reviewed by Tim Holden

'Guiding Light' is Belfast-based worship leader Aaron Graham's first album after signing for American label Raven Faith Records. From the opening power chords it is very obvious that this is '80s powerchord hair metal through and through and it would certainly hold its head up high if released when the genre was in its heyday. The guitar work is excellent with great tone and screaming solos but somehow it does not mesh well with the songwriting and the vocal delivery. The lyrics are a little forced - sometimes tripping over themselves to fit the music - and feel somewhat dated - in fact, it sounds like someone has taken a Songs Of Fellowship album and rocked it up and it can often feel a bit twee. The two versions of "So Near Yet So Far" highlight this issue well, with the acoustic track feeling the more complete version. Some do work well, with "Found" and "Powerful Cross" - featuring previous collaborator Felipe Gonzalez - both having presence. This is not a bad album, the production is good - though the vocal effects are a bit overdone - and the musicianship is excellent but it just feels a little dated and forced.

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