Reviewed by Paul S Ganney

This debut from an Indiana-based band kicks off the way it intends to go on: heavy rhythms, classic riffing, melodic vocals. All taken at a decent pace (but not speed metal: this is more classic territory). "Darkness" is a track that is worth describing: the guitar sound borders on thrashy, but stays just the right side of classic rock. There's a good chanty chorus that must go down very well live, but I wasn't so sure about the reading of Psalm 23 - it didn't seem to fit. But then it breaks into a glorious solo (although the one on "I Am Pain" is better and "Under God" beats them both). In truth, 'Outer Sanctum' is rather inconsistent - some bits of it are really, really good, other parts simply don't work. A greater consistency and it would be a fine set. Let's hope they get to album number two.

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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