Reviewed by Rob Birtley

As all their fans will know, this is the fourth studio album for the Texas-based rockers since the departure of singer Lacey Sturm. Her replacement, former Vedera singer Kristen May, rises well to the challenge with a more metal edge in her vocals, a little like Lizzie Hale of Halestorm. The band says they are "Christians who play in a rock band, and their faith is heard within their music." The message can be heard in a number of songs such as "Righteous Fire" while "Traitor" is all about trust and betrayal. "Magnetic" most closely resembles their song "New Horizons" musically. It's a song that's about relationships, between whom is left up to the listener to decide. Kristen heaps up the emotional impact on the vocal the words dripping honey-laced with bitter ire and all the more compelling. "Platonic" follows on in much the same way whilst drawing a map of how life today can devalue and cheapen commitment. All in all, 'Between The Stars' is a fine example of female fronted Alternative Metal and holds its own in the mainstream but it's heartening to detect a faith-based sensibility.

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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