Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Of this, the fifth studio album from the Nashville-based CCM hitmakers, the critics have been well and truly divided. But then the same thing happened to Red's 'Release The Panic' album with one reviewer declaring it a classic and another saying succinctly "it sucked." Its intensity and sense of the epic make 'Of Beauty And Rage' seem like a return to their 2006 equally intense debut 'End Of Silence' and although some fans will be irritated by the film score-like instrumental "Descent", a track like "Imposter" reaches for the heights in an orchestral, bombastic climax. Singer Michael Barnes has got back the fire and energy he seemed to momentarily lose on their last release while producer Rob Graves brings dramatic flourishes continually to the fore. With its peaks and troughs 'Of Beauty And Rage' is an album you need to listen to from start to finish at full volume. But on balance, I would agree with a reviewer who claims that this is Red's best project to date.

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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