If it wasn't for the hall-of-fame guest list, then there'd be no way I'd be reviewing this album. Throughout Christian Rock/Metal music's history, when the music is ass-kicking then God is surely a rocker. If not, then God stinks. That simple. I haven't heard the project's previous efforts - check the official website for more data - but (ending the listening 'session') it seems there's no need to have a historical knowledge of Liberty N' Justice to see if this CD is the soundtrack to your soul.
Well, Kings Of Hollywood didn't blow my head off... Average chords in a typical mid-tempo rhythm section, featuring good vocals. Another Nail suffers from a weak production (or is it just the promo copy?) but the song itself has a good, 'fresh' vibe with some nice twin leads, the American way, plus the great vocal lines of Sebastian Bach. Still, my cup of tea is something like State Of Grace; wonderful melodies and great vocals by the J.B. Jovi-influenced Russell Arcara (ex-Prophet/Surgin) but with insufficient sound (again).
Wondering when the first slow tune will show up, this was the time. Malice In Wonderland is a mild, colorful ballad (no drums) with typical 'passionate' vocals by Jamie Rowe. Then it's time for some Grenade. Modern sound, modern songwriting, a good riff with wild vocals. Neither good nor bad, yet it's a rockin' tune. The same does not apply for Show Me The Way, since it features a somehow boring basic riff that transforms into an interesting U.S. hard rockin' chorus/bridge pair. Sight Unseen, however, is probably a weird track. A good slow-tempo cut with vocals that reminded me a lot of Pearl Jam's Eddie Vader.
Up That Hill is not what I'd expect from a Saint (hail!) member, so I'd rate this 'new Rock' tune as a failure. An uncalled intermezzo leads us to Flinch with Tony Harnell handling the vocals. The guy's excellent, even if he swims in deep water with this 'modern' tune. Still, things turn 'smooth' again with Thy Will Be Done's excellent chorus line and Mark Slaughter/Pete Loran doing just great on vocals! Killer Green carries on the good vibrations, with my beloved Ratt's Stephen Pearcy in the frontline. A great hook with lotsa notable 'dirt' throughout!
If The World Could Be Mine stands somehow on the edge; pomp yet 'mainstream', this tune is an interesting one. Anyway, Joe Cerisano does a fine job. But it's guys like Danger Danger's Ted Poley who make Always Tomorrow an excellent 'atmospheric' song to listen to. Melodic Rock at its (nearly) best. I'd not say the same though, on the other hand, for Hope & Pray/Ballad Of King David since its basic riff is (at least) irritating. Thankfully, the rest of the song runs not that bad. Make Believe proves to be another plain new Rock song, while a 'message' in the outro (by 'project owner' Justin Murr himself?) is full of God loves you, bible rocks, lemme pray for you etc blah, blah for 1' 54 of wasting my time...
Well, if the love of God deserves a ten, then you ought to have this album. If you prefer the pentagram, run away (or smash all copies on your way out of the local CD store). If you care 100% for music, that's the hard point... Various melodies, various tunes, good vocals (in general), an overall American 00's 'slightly hard' Rock, but 'light' enough for even e.g. Thunder or Bonfire fans. That's the info I can provide you with. Hence, the rating...
P.S. The intro's narration is courtesy of Jack Black himself... obey!!!