In 1996, EDL emerged as a contender in Christian rapcore with their sophomore American Standard. The album secured EDL a solid fanbase with its pop-influenced touch, but both the market and EDL were ready for a heavier, more underground sound when it came time for a third project. Produced by Eric Stenman of Tinfed, Moment of Clarity takes EDL deeper into the rapcore scene with energized hip-hop vocals floating over heavy, angry guitars and rhythms. Several songs are geared less toward radio and more toward genuine rapcore, with hard/soft tempo changes, angry vocal inflections, and violent, pent-up bursts of energy. Other songs, such as "Never Fails," actually have a shot at mainstream alternative radio domination. Tedd Cookerly's vocal and rap performances are stellar on Moment of Clarity. He still screams at times, but most of his vocals feature a crisper, more enunciated rap flow. The closest musical comparison would be Limp Bizkit, though some songs, like "The Choice is Yours" and "Wrecking Ball," resemble straight hip-hop a la House of Pain. With "Time to Change," Cookerly even does some actual singing, nicely breaking up any hint of monotony. Most importantly, Cookerly's much-improved style helps separate EDL from the overplayed barrage of rapcore frontmen trying to imitate vocalists like Rage Against the Machine's Zach de la Rocha or Korn's Jonathan Davis. The new album also benefits from the excellent guitar tones and heavy crunch delivered by guitarist Carl Weaver and a solid, forceful beat laid down by Eric Wilkins. Moment of Clarity also benefits from the fresh perspective of new bassist Jeff Elbel (Farewell to Juliet, LSU), who offers a well-placed melodic sensibility in addition to holding down the low end. KMG, label home to EDL, recently made a weaker stab at rapcore with the band American Made; don't judge EDL by their labelmate's shortcomings. EDL makes up for them with a solid album which serious rapcore fans and musicians will respect and admire. Without question, Moment of Clarity has the potential to help EDL break out hugely in the rapcore scene. Regardless, EDL's genuine rapcore sound stands to influence the entire Christian hardcore scene while making substantial waves in the general market underground.