Reviewed by Ben Martin

Ohio-based Inhale Exhale's second album draws on slightly more experimental influences, with new vocalist Ryland Raus bringing a fresh sound to the band. From the start, this album begins to move away from the strong metalcore influence of their first album, 'The Lost, The Sick, The Sacred', into a newer, but by no means tentative, experimental sound. Lyrically, 'I Swear...' contains more metaphorical pictures, in the vein of lyricists such as Ryan Clark (Demon Hunter) and Howard Jones (Killswitch Engage) however this does not by any means hinder its message, the same passionate heart for introducing and bringing the lost and faithless to Christ which crafted the debut album in 2006 is ever present. This can be found in such songs as "The Impatient Will Suffer" (the move from spiritual emptiness to searching for Christ). Musically, the heavy, brutal riffs of tracks like "No One Is Invincible" and "It's Myself vs. Being A Man" blend well with the softer, yet still as passionate, "Knowledge = Priceless". With something new always jumping out from the album, this is another very fine release and one which will only solidify Inhale Exhale's growing reputation.

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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