Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Tulsa-based rockers Hardie Avenue have notched up 10 years together and their self-titled latest release sees the band present a collection of tracks that deal with heavier matters such as self-harming, suicidal thoughts and depression whilst offering up hope through a relationship with Christ. Set to the group's trademark heavy rock style that takes no prisoners, proceedings kick off in pounding and riff-laden fashion with "Can't Live Like This" to set the scene for an album that maintains a sense of urgency throughout on account of a thundering performance from drummer Steve Allie whilst lead vocalist Yuriy Mayba shouts and growls his way to good effect through some undeniably angst-ridden lyrics. Reading between the lines, it's clear that the band have a ministry of sorts that reaches to the broken - their website states that a girl was saved from committing suicide after attending a Hardie Avenue gig - and this release yo-yos between triumphant declarations of victory through Christ and songs about being in the depths of despair. For instance, the likes of "I Am A Christian" and "Indestructible" - the latter featuring a cameo from Pillar frontman Rob Beckley - are shouted from the mountain top before the band swoop down into the valley with the intense spoken word track "Ceremony" and the hard-hitting "Vapor In Air". A collaboration with rapper Manafest on the more pop-orientated "Dance With My Hero" closes this worthy release on a much needed upbeat note.

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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