VERSIONS OF THE TRUTH

It's rare for me to go into a band's latest studio album having already heard most of it from their most recent live record but that was the case here. I knew six of these songs because of the live "Nothing But The Truth" so the love for this was immediate. Sure hearing this band's new sound on that live one was actually unsettling at first, too commercial sounding at times but man I became addicted to these songs very quickly. I'm pretty much a fanboy here so take that into consideration but this is a strong 4 star album in my world. Soord is a master lyricist and Gavin Harrison helps in that regard here along with being one of the greatest drummers on this earth.

The first two tracks "Versions Of The Truth" and "Break It All" opened and closed disc one of "Nothing But The Truth" and what a way to get the album rolling. "Break It All" is a top three in particular with Harrison impressing around 2 1/2 minutes. Some powerful music here. "Demons" is so uplifting at times as the sound drifts and the next one "Driving Like Maniacs" is a favourite of mine and I'm glad the live recording has them back to back as well.

"Leave Me Be" is pretty intense at times in a TPT manner. Check out the bass and organ after 3 minutes. "Our Mire" has this 80's sound to start before calming right down with vocals. So catchy when it picks up. Love the lyrics too. Uplifting stuff and a top three. Some emotion on "Out Of Line" with those vocals. Love that bass. Restrained with some beautiful guitar after a minute. A top three. I will admit the last two tracks are a little disappointing the album could have ended stronger than this.

Still fighting for this band in 2022 but I am really interested in what is coming next.