Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Big Methuselah is the excellently named explosive rock outfit fronted by Ted Pierce whose previous group The Nomadic Farmers were reviewed on these pages a few issues ago. Ted has a new band and this time he's gone for a more radical rock'n'roll attack. Not simply in terms of being loud but rather in combining rock sensibilities, well written songs and catchy guitar-based music with songs that have much to say. Lyrically this is strongly focussed on God and there's no doubt that this is a band who want to make a difference. Highlights include "The New Millennium" and the edgy "Breathe Into Me", "Abundant Life" and shockingly honest "My Self" both employ horns for added punch. However there are two songs that really make this album something special. "My Child" is a love song from God which cuts through all the rubbish and insecurity to remind the listener of God's love. The epic "Forgotten People" which illuminates the plight of the suffering Church in Sudan which stands as the most powerful song here. It's stark and it's not pretty but then being persecuted and murdered for your faith is always going to produce songs that will cause you to be in prayer for brothers and sisters who are suffering whilst the majority of the Western Church remains silent.

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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