Reviewed by Tim Cockram

Ajalon are a 3-piece Seattle band who break the mould that has constrained so many Christian artists in the past. "Light At the End Of The Tunnel; is their first album and is released on Rick Wakeman's Hope label (the first non-RW product on Hope, to boot). Take AOR, add a liberal pinch of progressive (good quality European) and finally add a touch of a classic wordsmith/songwriter (Randy Stonehill or Larry Norman) and you might be getting close to the mix that makes Ajalon so good. Well written and performed songs with lyrics so sharp that they almost hurt. All I can really say about the album is that it is the best Christian album that I have heard in years. It's so good that I had to convince my wife that it was a Christian album and not an album by a major secular band. Okay, there are a few sounds that don't sit too well in the mix such as the "organ" on the otherwise stunning "To Fly With You", which incidentally is the only track that comes in under five minutes in length (and then only by a second). There is also a "crowded" feel to the sound of some of the songs, which is probably a result of too little money and time whilst recording. Let's be realistic, it's not perfect but I can't remember when 1 last heard a debut album of this cadre. If you appreciate good rock, Ajalon will NOT disappoint you.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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