Reviewed by Gavin Hand

"Firmly committed, spiritually driven, pedal-to-the-metal punk" is a phrase best used to describe the Virginia-based True Liberty's style. 'Marked For Life' is an intense, blistering-paced album; almost every track carries True Liberty's unique sound but manages to stay grounded in the classic punk influences that the band take. They have been compared in the past to bands like The Clash and The Ramones, but this album sounds more reminiscent of the punk bands that emerged during to skate punk era of the '90s like Anti-Flag and NOFX. Skate punk of the '90s consisted of constantly fast paced music accompanied by old school punk vocals, but this team manage to branch away from this formula by adding metal and rock-style guitar solos, double kick drums and even letting the bass play some intricate licks rather than just following root notes. Lyrically, 'Marked For Life' also has a wide variety of lyrical themes: from the problems of teenage life ("Broken Dream") to how the band worship God ("Take Up Your Cross"). However, the most interesting track is the final one, a very out of place country/Southern rock/wild-west sounding track that could feature in any Clint Eastwood film with brush played drums, acoustic guitars and Johnny Cash-style vocals. This track really breaks up the album and adds variety in an otherwise purely punk experience.

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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