Reviewed by Greg Sammons

‘Hard Rock And Nu-Metal’ is not the sort of title that will ever win prizes for originality but then it was never the aim to do so. It’s part of a series called ‘What are you listening to?’ that aims to show people that Kingsway deals with a variety of musical styles and that every genre of music does have quality CCM artists. There are songs on this album, which range from the catchy pop rock style punk of Pax 217, Slick Shoes and Cadet, to the screaming passion of power bands such as Dead Poetic and Me Without You. Would the former be considered “hard” enough for this CD? In my opinion maybe not but it certainly is for the compilers of this good sampler CD. The tracks that stood out for me were ranging to both extremes: the fantastic musical arrangement of “Alone” (Slick Shoes); the passionate and well crafted “Yours” (tobyMac); the heartfelt obedience shown in “Fireproof” (Pillar) and a special mention must go out to “A Green Desire” - Dead Poetic managed to successfully shape a tune which is both melodic and extreme. The track’s savage screams are segued by sublimely melodic hooks. This sampler managed to achieve its main aim, to open my eyes to more artists in my favourite genre.

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