Reviewed by Alex Figgis

After a two year hiatus battling with acute lymphatic leukaemia, Steve Rowe celebrates his healing with Triumph Of Mercy'. Produced and engineered by Mark McCormack, Mortification's latest disc sees the return of Keith Bannister (drums) and guitarist Lincoln Bowen - who made his debut on the band's '96 opus, 'Envision Evangeline'. Triumph Of Mercy' boasts some well produced and executed pieces of music, exposing a number of interesting and compelling compositions ("Influence", "Drain Dweller", "Raw"). Lyrically, as one would expect from Mortification, the gospel message stands crystal clear for those who have ears to hear it. In spite of this, however, Triumph Of Mercy' seems to be lacking somewhat; though it is hard to say in what way. Certain songs, while deftly executed, seem all too predictable ("Paladrome"). The title cut, as a narrative, stands as a beautiful testimony of how God healed Steve; however musically it fails. Written in narrative form - with neither chorus nor verse - the composition naturally comes across as having no real structure. Overall, when all is said and done, Triumph Of Mercy' is a fair -though disappointing - album from one of Christendom's finest extreme metal pioneers.

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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