Fans of Big Bang, the first release under the name Magdallan (note the different spelling) should not be expecting a repeat of that style. The first project, a collaboration between Ken Tamplin and Lanny Cordola, carried many of the Tamplin trademarks of heavily layered vocals and straight-ahead rock and roll. This time, without the presence of Tamplin, who has gone on to form his own group, Cordola's influence is at the forefront.
Consequently, the music has become funkier, bluesier, and more soulful. Teaming up this time with vocalist Philip Bardowell, bassist Chuck Wright and retaining drummer Ken Mary from the first album, Cordola has forged a standout, definitely one of the best I've heard this year. The musicianship is tight-Bardowell has a great voice for this type of music, and has some awesome moments. Cordola displays his well-known talents, without overwhelming the songs, as some guitar "heroes" are known to do. Wright and Mary provide a solid, grooving frame from which Cordola and Bardowell can take off from.
Those familiar with Cordola's solo albums and his work with Shack of Peasants are well aware of his love for blues music. Coupled with Bardowell's penchant for funk and soul, the duo has crafted a bunch of songs that combine these elements with rock to create a sound that is fresh.
Although there isn't a bad song in the bunch, some standouts are "Revolution Mind," "Baby Insane," "Soul Child," "Waiting For the Son," and "Testimony." The first two are rockers, with some great rhythm work by Wright and Mary. "Soul Child" and "Testimony" are acoustic, with nice percussion work and touches of violin on "Testimony." "Waiting For The Son" is a cool, bluesy number that has a great solo by Cordola.
Lyrically, Cordola and Bardowell comment a lot on the state of the world around them, pointing to God as the only answer to all of the problems. This isn't a praise album, but one that confronts some of the things that people try to ignore-apathy, poverty and violence are just some of the topics.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes music that grooves and lyrics that provoke thought.
Other coverage for this album
Heaven's Metal #43Reviewed by Doug Van PeltSome Christian albums sound like they were recorded for the small Christian market. This one wasn't. This sounds like a big league rock and roll record to be taken seriously. Someone could A/B this record (producer's jargon for playing one album and then playing another right after to compare the two) with a Foreigner, Asia or Mr. Big album and not notice a let down in production. Besides the…Similar sounding releases
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