How can Holy Soldier top Favorite Metal Album (CCM 1990 Reader's Poll) on their debut album? It's easy, just put out their second album. This new release Last Train comes rollin' down the track laden with, yes, good metal, and yes, good hard rock; but what delivers the most on this album is just great rock sensibilities. The production (David Zaffiro again) is big and juicy, the mix of styles and content of songs shows a maturity that is definitely welcome in the Christian music arena, and the musicianship comes at you like a runaway locomotive. Hi-lights are definitely "Hallows' Eve", which showcases vocalist Steven Patrick's gutsy and wide range throat, the guy has got the pipes! The next tune to mention puts them in the record book as the first Christian band to cover a Rolling Stones song, they nail "Gimme Shelter" (even though Steve's lips aren't near as large as Mick's). You've got to hear this one, what a treat, and as in the original, the background vocals (Jackie Gouche on this version) put the emotional drive and punch to it. "Tuesday Mourning" is a haunting song on the loss of a mother. Patrick's vocals show sensitivity and then transform by the end into a pseudo-Queen feel. Thru-out the album bassist Andy Robbins and drummer Terry "how does he play with baseball bats?" Russell more than hold their own, but of course what comes cutting thru is the double guitar assaults of Jamie Cramer and Scott Soderstrom (replacement for Michael Cutting). Give Zaffiro some credit here also because the guitars have "tones thru the bones". You want proof? Just listen to the opening riffs on "Fairweather Friend", it's worth the price of admission right there. For you pop-power-ballad types looking for a sweet song to play at your wedding, check out "Love Is On The Way". The album ends with one of the strongest tunes, the title track, "Last Train", a moody tune with a classic rock feel that shows you the versatility and musicianship I've been talking about. This is one good album. Rush out and get the tape or CD and get ready for the concert; Holy Soldier's Last Train is right on track...and it's headin' your way!