FREEDOM WITHIN

3.5 stars. It's a coincidence that i'm reviewing this album not long after reviewing the ORPHAN PROJECT's latest.The connection between the two is vocalist Shane Lankford. This is the first time VISUAL CLIFF has used vocals and it works quite well. Like ORPHAN PROJECT's latest, VISUAL CLIFF have also increased the heaviness substantially on this one.

"Sacred" is quite heavy as the vocals join in. Guitar solo 3 1/2 minutes in. A crunchy opener. "Electric Soul" is an instrumental that reminds me of Satriani. A heavy guitar led tune. Some synths before 3 minutes followed by a ripping guitar solo. "Future Impact" is another instrumental, this time the focus is on the drums early. Great sound 1 1/2 minutes. Drums become dominant again then it's the guitars turn before 3 1/2 minutes. "Let It Ring" is heavy duty as vocals come in.

"Beneath The Sand" sounds really good to start as we get this heavy and uptempo soundscape. Vocals join in. The vocals seem to get deeper before 2 minutes. Then it settles before kicking back in. "Radiant Departure" sounds amazing. The guitar lights it up around 1 1/2 minutes. "Torn From Expression" is heavy with some great sounding guitar playing over top. Synths 2 1/2 minutes in. "Spirit Rain" opens and closes with rain and thunder. In between we get some crunch and some beautiful guitar when it settles.

Like ORPHAN PROJECT's latest I have trouble with the vocal tracks. Shane is an excellent singer but his deeper voice in this style of music recalls NICKELBACK and all the similar sounding bands that are all over the radio.That bothers me. Only 3 vocal tunes here though. I still prefer their debut "Lyrics For The Living"(barely 4 stars), although if this was all instrumental I think i'd pick this one.

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