Reviewed by Matt Anderson

Here we have a wonderful album, without doubt the best of all the Haven releases. Although it is a reasonably dated album, from 1995, the songs are considerably more modern and musically acceptable. The production is commendable, especially as it was Independently recorded over two years by the band on a single Tascam 48S recorder. Admittedly, the only weakness in the presentation of the album was the album sleeve, the amateurish artwork is definitely not a reflection of the quality of music. The opening song "Haven"" has an outstanding anthem and represents all that is good in 'hay-day' Christian metal. Haven have now opted for a more melodic and rhythmic orientated sound, replacing the progressive metal sounds of the early '90s with catchy and alternative riffs, every song has a strong point, but the songs which really inspired me were "Her Eyes Can't Hide" pans one and two, "Falling Down". "Don't Let The Moment Slip Away", "I Will Follow", but most of all "When Jesus Lights The Way", which is the definitive Haven song. It displays both the best songwriting and vocal qualities of Kevin Ayers and is a song only fully appreciated when played at excessive volume levels! I love this album as Haven show the ability to transit from the dying heavy metal scene to an alternative hard rock and also maintain the appealing qualities that made Christian metal so successful.

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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