Reviewed by Ian Webber

With a no frills approach, this South African four-piece have produced a straight-up metal album as their first release on Rottweiler Records. Although the band have been around for well over 10 years this is their full length studio debut. From the outset, it is obvious that it is going to be an epic offering with its arresting, progressive intro. Featuring spoken words of Scripture over keys and strings it really draws the listener in. Initial highlights for me were the bursts of punchy bass guitar that appear at times throughout the recording and reminded me of Living Colour. These are matched by the edgy, distinctive vocal style of Kenny Smith that lurches between rasping metal growls and a throaty, clean style that would sit well in a Demon Hunter number. A traditional metal mix can be heard in "The Dagger Held By Mary" with a sound similar to Nickleback. A whole range of styles are thrown into the melting pot to add weight to the concept feel of the recording. Clocking in at over eight minutes, the album's axis is the epic "Seven (Part 2)" which features a vocal cameo by Fit For A King's Ryan Kirby. His haunting rasp sits well over the crunching and immersive riffing before more melodic sections build on the aggressive base. Throughout the recording, forthright faith-based lyrics take centre stage and at times even verge towards a worship style delivery as in "Fractured God". There is plenty for the hard music fan to appreciate here with 14 hard hitting tracks on offer. Whilst not all of the tracks gripped me with the same intensity, it is clear that FTU are a talented bunch that are worth seeking out for crunching, inventive metal, with a fresh take on metalcore vocals.

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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