Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Canada's Manafest is back with another blistering mix of hip-hop and rock. In "No Plan B", Manafest affirms his passion to stick to his destiny and fulfill God's purposes, over crunching guitar and driving rhythm. Truly an anthemic and uplifting start, prefacing an album laced with catchy hooks, huge energy and rap-rock immediacy. "Supernatural" is a song of praise back up to God expressing how God takes our lives from despair and saves us - "you showed me the light when I was blind." Standout tracks race past as the album accelerates you through huge tracks. "Fire In The Kitchen" has another catchy feel with guest Trevor McNevan from Thousand Foot Krutch adding a vocal hook. The accompanying video found online is equally intriguing. There's fighting talk in the excellently aggressive "Bring The Ruckus" as Manafest declares his intent to stand ground and to fight. Manafest takes us through his struggles and journey of faith in tracks like "Renegade" and "Avalanche" where once again production and track mirrors the subject perfectly. "The Chase" also reveals Manafest's journey, fight with pride and being caught up in the chase. But each time he returns to God. Many songs have radio-friendly pop appeal, and would easily grace secular charts (which they probably will do in Japan where Manafest became a big name). Another striking tune, "Breaking Down The Walls" expressing Manafest's heart to be free, to find God's road and stay on it. We end with a drum 'n' bass tip in "Impossible."

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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