Reviewed by Richard Clark

In 1987 Regency Music released a compilation album called 'California Metal'. It featured many up-and-coming white metal bands from, you guessed it, California. Among others it featured a mysterious band called Mastedon, the track recorded, "Wasn't It Love", is soon to become some kind of a classic. The only clue as to where this track had come from was that it was written by John and Dino ^lefante, the two who so excellently produce the likes of Barren Cross and Petra. In '88 Mastedon appeared again on 'California Metal 2' with "Get Up". This, like "Wasn't It Love", is great AOR, the kind of musical excellence that should be, but unfortunately isn't shown on all Christian rock/metal albums.  'It's A Jungle Out There!' has been available on import here for several months, receiving rave reviews from secular music mags such as Kerrang! and Metal Force, and after listening to the album it's easy to hear why.  I don't think there is a dud on the whole album. "Shine On" is an excellent rock ballad, "Glorybound", "Love Inhalation" and "Right Hand" have to fight for the top spot while "Love Inhalation" features a wonder­fully catchy chorus.  But "Right Hand" has first place simply because of the excellent music. I can't really recommend this one enough. Buy two copies, one for yourself and one for that friend who says he won't listen to Christian rock 'cause it's second class music.

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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