Let's get this right out in the open: Whitecross' Unveiled, like so many Christian albums, is an album full of derivative and unexceptional tunes. There is nothing here that hasn't been done at least as well elsewhere. Having said that, Unveiled does have its modest charms. While most songs are reminiscent-sometimes uncannily so-of earlier tunes from AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, or the like, this is perhaps not an altogether bad thing. Vocalist Scott Wenzel sounds as though he was born to belt out tunes like these. If what you want is an album full of solid rock songs you can crank up to "11" Whitecross delivers. The obvious difference is that Unveiled's lyrics are generally more uplifting than those of their secular counterparts, praising God's mercy and love instead of some groupie's more carnal attractions. Again, there are no deep insights here, nor are the lyrics especially clever, but Whitecross does speak the truth of the Gospel in their straightforward way.
No one will mistake the members of Whitecross for musical geniuses, but this album deserves the kind of airplay and appreciation that any solid rock album would receive. Guitarist Barry Graul (formerly of Halo) may be no Eddie Van Halen, but he's smart enough to spare us the gratuitous solos other guitarists of his caliber might inflict upon their audience. Likewise, bassist Tracy Ferrie and drummer Michael Feighan lay down a solid foundation. Unveiled may be uninspired, but it does display a level of workmanship that is at least above average for the industry.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Brian A. SmithHair metal returns with the re-release of Unveiled, one in a series of reissues from Retroactive Records. Scott Wenzel and company sound really dated here, but the disc is a fine example of the style of the day -- big guitar solos, pounding drums, chanted choruses, and the like. Two demos from the original session that got Whitecross signed are added as bonus tracks. "If You Believe" is standard…Heaven's Metal #49Reviewed by Brent HersheyMake no mistake, this new release by Whitecross qualifies as a comeback attempt. All of the ingredients are here: new members, new record label, and, most of all, a couple of disappointing (even, at times, boring) records in dire need of a rebound. Unlike many, Whitecross has much to rebound to. Namely, its status as one of Christian metal's most successful bands. But, with the departure of crowd…Syndicate Aug 1994Reviewed by Arsenio OrtezaChristians who number the Vince Neil-era Motley Crue among their guilty pleasures will find in Whitecross's "new" sound an acceptable substitute. Scott Wenzel still sings like Neil, and, if anything, the production of Jimmy Lee Sloas (who's produced such un-Crue-like acts as the Imperials and PFR) enhances, rather than smoothes out, the band's metallic contours. Between crunchy nuggets like "Salt…
