Zion
Thunder From the Mount
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This appropriately-titled tape starts off with some excellently-produced harmonies, which kick into a real catchy hook. Zion has shredded their AC/DC clone sound to take on a more full, melodic sound not too unlike Dokken. Quite a change, huh? David Zaffiro produced this music - and did a great job. The guitars are upfront with a very solid and driving rhythm behind it. Rex Scott still has the same voice, which is reminiscent of Bon Scott's bluesy charm, but the music behind the voice is much more skilled than the 4/4 straight-ahead basic rock a la AC/DC. "Roll the Rock" loudly proclaims the righteous reasoning behind Christian rock, which is plain and clear: "Jesus." (He's the reason.) "Less of Me" is a slower song, which is a humble declaration of Christ being formed in each of us as our flesh is crucified. It starts off with a very British-type chording and moves into a chorus which is real harmonious, as well as the guitar sound. This song is polished. It has that sharp, stainless-steel crunch. Take special note of Rex's Robert Plant/Led-Zeppelin imitation in a small break during "Less of Me." He oozes out a "Save me" which is mixed in the middle of a real beautiful guitar bridge. It acts as a turning point in the direction of the storyline of the song. Before this point the singer is out for his own thing, building his own kingdom. He admits his filth, that he's a traitor and uses his friends. Then comes the bridge, where he repents and cries "save me" and then his attitude changes and he crucifies his old self and lives that he may be made less that Jesus may be made greater. It's a great song! God's given Rex some wisdom that we could take great care in hearing. Zion's earlier stuff was good for its time, but now is dated. Well, Zion wasn't about to sit around and get old, therefore this new energetic sound. It's hot. It could fit right there next to any of the world's bands. Hopefully we'll hear a full-length album from Zion soon. If you'd like to get ahold of this tape, send whatever you can afford to: Zion, 117 S. Lincoln #1, Sioux Falls SD 57104.