Most groups that are fortunate enough to still be around to put out a fourth album have been playing together long enough to tell whether or not the band can grow in expanding its musical horizons. Having seen Sacred Warrior (a year and a half ago) live, and having reviewed Wicked Generation (a year ago), I can't help but to sit here and feel that this band has horizons beyond their comprehension! This senior effort entitled Obsessions is quite impressive. The album has a more overall melodic overtone than the previous albums, but maintains the hard edge Sacred Warrior is known for. There is a feel of artistic flair in the song structures and the last cut on the disk, "Mad Man", displays it very well. Containing a wall of sound with guitars, vocals, drums, and acoustic guitar, but each has its own place where they come through and shine, which gives the song a lot of incredible dynamics that takes you through peaks and valleys. "Sweet Memories", "Turning Back", and "Remember Me" are three power ballads that are highly emotional and explosive. "Remember Me" is the account of the thief on the cross next to Jesus. "I turned my head to see Your face/You don't deserve this cheap disgrace/When You leave here, let me follow/Please remember me." Stepping up the pace, I found myself head slamming to the guitar blazing and double kick endeavors, such as "Fire From Heaven", which speaks of the destructive road that America is on. "If Sodom and Gomorrah came to a fiery end/What makes you think that this place will stay in God's right hand?" Very eye opening lyrics, which are based on truth. Rey Parra's vocals are not only powerful, but now have a more smoother flow, which he controls very nicely. Bruce Swift and (newcomer) John Johnson not only show technique and great riffs, but show that maturity and subtleties are the difference between a good album and a great one! Tony Velasquez is once again very impressive in remaining solid throughout the album, along with bassist Steve Watkins. In closing, it seems the band really reached within themselves and brought forth honesty and integrity to this album and in my opinion, I believe this band has the capability of one day putting out albums equal to or above Queensryche's Mindcrime and Empire.