Reviewed by Greg Sammons

Despite  this charting in the US, Atlantic UK have mysteriously chosen not to release this here. This is the second major label release for the America-based Swedish rockers and it doesn't disappoint. Upon a first listen you might find the tunes a little difficult to get into, due to them not being in the stylings of a simple tune like many of the pop rock acts that claim to be as "hard" as Blindside. But then if Blindside wanted to be loud and raucous they can be and still manage to demonstrate that side of themselves in this release but more noticeably in their earlier releases before the major label breakthrough. What is much more beautiful and creative about Blindside is what they do in their lighter moments, as is shown in tracks such as "Shekina". I believe they have more successfully than P.O.D. been able to show their lighter and more melodic moments. Whilst many, including myself, struggled to enjoy 'Payable On Death' as much as 'Satellite'. I've found 'About A Burning Fire' every bit as pleasing as 'Silence'. Standout tracks would include their first single, "All Of Us", but also some of the less radio friendly tracks such as "Swallow" and "Die Buying". But the biggest surprise is the almost rock and roll style song "Where The Sun Never Dies", which is also one of my favourites. All in all an excellent album that doesn't suffer the problem of "filler" tracks. 

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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