Reviewed by Greg Sammons

No Innocent Victim, it is true to say, are the forefathers of the Christian hardcore movement. They therefore have a lot to live up to with their newly reformed line-up and this new release. The opening and title track exalts the theme of the whole album, focusing on getting the fire back in our lives and to encourage us Christians to show others we have something extra - cue the next track "Set Apart". The tough guy deep growl sounds as good as ever and works well with the sing-a-longs that NIV have never had a problem achieving. Despite the fact that NIV also added an extra guitarist to the mix (two of the new line-up hail from xDisciplex AD), it doesn't really add any more depth to the music. This is bare bones, full-on hardcore with very little melody or room to breathe. This intentionally fast paced and aggressive album soon starts to get a little repetitive and lacking in variety. Lyrically it is positively charged and inspiring, this band will be listened to and should be for what they say, but for what they play it just doesn't seem all that fresh or original. The album encompasses the various styles the band has dabbled with in the past and should please long-time fans of the band but will probably not win them any more fans. I get the feeling that were this not NIV, with their reputation and history, this album could have quite easily passed by unnoticed. For a newcomer to hardcore, it's a good idea of what the genre is capable of but for a casual listener to hardcore it doesn't reach overdrive.

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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