Reviewed by David Cranson

KMG Records have been releasing early albums by groundbreaking noisy bands, letting the unsuspecting public know what all the fuss was about the first time around. These are the second and third albums from the "quiet, unassuming" (ahem!) Australian/Americans who "evolved" from Lightforce - Steve Rowe being the only permanent member. The first thing that springs to mind is AARRGGHHH!!! Along with Vengeance (Rising) their albums were LOUD but not much use without lyric sheets. These re-issues don't have lyric sheets, so listen carefully. Some of the better known tunes (TUNES?) being "The Destroyer Beholds" and "The Majestic Infiltration Of Order" from 'Mortification' and the title track from 'Scrolls...'. Sometimes understanding some of the meaning is difficult too. Take for example "Lymphosarcoma" (huh?), a touch of Tourniquet sometimes. Over the ears they covered a range of styles including death, thrash and doom. On a global scale, however, this is how it all began. Let me quote from the liner notes: "To Steve, this band is...a ministry to a small and segmented part of today's society. The anger and hate that is often...in the lyrics of this style of music is replaced with a message about salvation in Jesus Christ. The...music was never compromised, yet the message remains a...presentation of the Gospel. Sometimes the audience...consists of hateful opponents of Christianity, but...Mortification have remained resolved in their passion to share the good message." You may not like it or understand it, but you cannot deny God the right to use who he wants in whatever genre he wants.

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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