Haven

Item: Dying Day
Author: D_Lister

Dying Day

(1990)

Reviewed by D_Lister

Discogs YouTube

Label R.E.X. MusicDead Zine2002

hard rock heavy metal melodic metal progressive metal

1990, R.E.X. brought us yet another great metal band. Seems to me in the early 90's R.E.X. was more focused on metal than at any other time in their history as they tended to drift into more mainstream music later. The new band they would present us with this time was Haven, their debut album Your Dying Day would become a measure others would have to live up to.

A combination of older Queensryche and Dokken influences this album simply put rocks. Finding simple yet very catchy metal riffs to build songs around Haven pulls off their sound distinctly yet on par for what a lot of what was being offered in the secular world at this time. Mid-paced guitar leads fill this album and every time I listen to it I really am reminded of George Lynch's (ex-Dokken guitarist) style. Kevin Ayers handled rhythm guitar and vocals with his style being very clean and sort of high pitched (ala Geoff Tate) he is able to at both sing in the long held notes and the faster choppy spit out vocals. The beginning of 'Deliver Me' as well as most of 'Murder' features vocals that lower and more spoken then go into the high vocals, rendering a sound that is just like Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime style vocals. It's amazing. Further the drummer on this disc is really really good. A lot of the times when you listen to bands in this style of music the drumming is extremely average, and holding back, afraid to hit that double bass. NOT HERE, Tim Benton gives his kit all its worth. Musically you've got hot leads, thick rhythms, and drums that keep things interesting all laced up with vocals that are pristine.

This CD wore the badge of being a 'Christian band' proudly as the lyrics are unashamed of the only true loving savior Jesus Christ. Indeed His name is used several times. You can't help but love the gruff vocals they use in 'The Calling' in quick blasts that speak the name of God's son. Song topics range from several evangelical songs, to abortion, to the state of this Country, to the struggle of the Christian walk in a world of temptation. Never confusing or diluted this album stands in my mind as strong as any of the great Christian albums out there.

As we all know R.E.X. met its demise back in 1996, and the status of this album is as so many others well out of print. It is not too terribly hard to find yet at the time of this writing (2-25-01) you can't hardly touch it for less than $30 for a CD copy. In my mind that's too much for ANY CD, but if you get lucky and spot this one in a pawn shop or used CD store and it's reasonably priced I'd highly suggest this master piece to you. You will find many enjoyable hours listening to this one.

9/10