Reviewed by Ian Webber

In a refreshing change to run of the mill compilation albums, this 15 track offering from Roxx Records was released in time for Easter and was put together with a particular theme in mind. Bookended by two classics from the pioneering Bloodgood, the musical section of this disc combines acts both past and present. The classic sounds of Neon Cross and X-Sinner sit side by side with Theocracy and Grave Forsaken. Weaving throughout the cuts is the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus, pieced together by specially selected tracks from the different artists. Whilst most of the music sits nostalgically in the power metal days of late 1980s, a more modern twist is added by the likes of Worldview. A couple of ballads are included, but the heavier sections carry this recording. Particularly impressive are Ray Para's powerful vocals as he soars through Worldview's haunting "The Last Cry". The volume is ramped up with the crunching "Flesh And Blood" by Deliverance and there is even an appearance from thrash veterans Vengeance Rising. Thought has obviously gone into the selection of music on offer as a coherent strand is easy to follow, helped by the unifying lyrical themes. On top of the music this CD opens with a short message from Pastor Bob Beeman, the founder of Sanctuary International and with a proportion of the proceeds from the sale of the disc going to one of their homeless projects and this being an excellent way to sample a flavour of some of the pioneers of Christian metal the album is well worth investigating.

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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