Reviewed by Graeme Crawford

The demise of Beloved in 2005 shocked many fans, but drummer Joe Musten returns as frontman for Advent, along with ex-bandmates Matt Harrison (guitar) and Johnny Smrdel (bass). Forging a more aggressive musical path than Beloved, Advent utilise down-tuned riffs and pounding rhythms as the soundtrack to their messages about the state of the world and their faith. Musten roars and grunts his way through the 10 tracks on offer, but the songs are very one dimensional. As a result, the album fails to hold your attention and the tracks merge into an uninspired, cacophony. Not even a guest appearance from Demon Hunter's Ryan Clark can lift "Hanging The Giants" above the mire. "Blackout", about the current culture in America, and "Doubt. Fear. Desolation", about a crisis of faith, are probably the best of a disappointing collection.

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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