Reviewed by Paul Woodward

This secular compilation of Edinburgh's (as yet) unsigned metal and punk bands may have Scottish record company execs rubbing their hands together with glee at the array of hard rock potential in the nation's capital. From a Christian perspective though, this album has little to offer. The mood is dark throughout, as groups with such uninspiring names as Sons Of Slaughter and Legless bellow out messages of angst and dysfunction. The language is also rather colourful throughout. There is one exception however. Christian alt punkers The Voice Of The Mysterons provide, probably, the softest track on the album (but only by a whisker!) Their track entitled "You Don't Understand My 25 Year Transmogrification (An American Werewolf In Glasgow)" shows promise. There is a need for the listener to have a copy of the lyrics however, as, with the exception of the chorus, which repeats the title, the words are difficult to make out. A cry of "Christ is the master!" can be heard at one point though. Like most good punk bands they keep it very short and sweet, the track at one minute and 20 seconds in length! This leaves the listener wanting (a lot) more. Some may question the appropriateness of a Christian group being represented amongst such dubious company. However the Mysterons, who describe themselves as evangelical sci-fi punk, would argue they are providing a bright alternative in an otherwise dark scene. If this had been just Mysterons stuff it probably would have got a nine. As it is, all those gruesome mainstream tracks takes the rating down.

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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