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When
this album first started I thought ... 'what the heck? ...' as a spoken
introduction reminiscent of robotic character in a B movie horror film
came flooding out from my speakers. Quite what to make of this I wasn't
sure. And then the guitars hit in ...
Although I have to admit to not being familiar with the name Slav
Simanic, the name of the lead singer on this release was very familiar.
Phil Naro's the name and 24K is where I first came across him. A man
who's voice changes character with each and every song he features on.
At times his voice sounds so different I have to check it's still him
singing on not another person come in to do the duties on that track.
Having read through the insert sleeve I now know that Slav is in fact
the guitarist on this album, and a hugely talented one at that. Why have
I not heard of him before?
Hailing originally from Smederevo, Yugoslavia, and more recently
Toronto, Canada, Slav brings forth this offering which is more a journey
of discovery and self belief than anything else. In fact the first
paragraph in the insert sleeve actually states ... 'The album "Let
It Go" was made as a result of my exploring the Holy Scripture and
experiencing the message of God's precious Gospel.
I guess that means he's finally found some inner peace with himself and
his role in God's work because he's managed to capture these feelings in
this epic adventure. He's not a religious nut though, oh no, he's just a
happy man who isn't afraid to share the wisdom of the Lord's work with
his fellow man.
It's been a long time since I've come across such an impressive
Christian Rock Band. If you're looking for a genre then Progressive Rock
would probably be the best description of this young mans music. Having
said that there's some pretty hard rocking tunes on here. For instance
they don't come much heavier than 'The Fallen Angel'.
Religion is a very personal thing and something that for a large part
gets people's backs up if it's preached to them in their music. However
considering the amount of 'adventure/epic tales' albums out there in the
Progressive Rock market at the minute, I don't see why this particular
album should be treat any differently to them. Instead of singing about
dragons and vikings, Slav's bringing forth a far more exciting journey
to you.
There's never been a more action packed and thrilling story than that of
Our Lord. Good on you Slav. You've done a very brave thing here and
you've done a wonderful job of it. The words you've put together in the
songs are so beautiful and meaning. You've captured the essence of what
really matters. 'Promised Land' is my own favourite track off the album.
Mixed and mastered by Emerald Rain's Mike Dmitrovic, the European
release of this album includes a bonus CD of Slav's first solo album
'Water of Life'. An intense, aggressive hard rock/metal album which
again spreads the good work of the Lord.
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