What can be said about a group who spent so much time on their first cd, that the group almost broke up over it? Quality time is placed into these men's projects, so for a follow up album, how would themes from Dante's Inferno sound?

Much like the first cd, this project starts out with an intro of piano and underlining (what I like to call) subliminal messaging, that is, I still havent figure out what it says. Then enter track two, and you are head banging withing seconds. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a good thing. Lets face it, these guys are as good as Evanescence, have started out as strong as Skillet has gotten over several cds, and this is just their second project. The overall message of this cd scores the fight between man and the sin within in respect to God's interaction with God's creation. With this second track called "The Fight Inside", it doesnt take much to the imagination to understand where this going.
The third track is then called "The Death of Me", further, do we need much imagination? Still, I like how this song starts a bit more upbeat, with orchestral movement supporting the heavy guitar. It has a hard punk feel to it, but then it moves into Red's classic hard rock anthem.
Now, without saying much of the same about many songs of the album, I will point out some of the better tracks of this album. I would say one of the strongest tracks is "Start Again". This song really embraces the hard rock anthem combined with the soulful feel of their lyrics. Piano slips into this song, whcih is amazing support for the lead singer's vocals. The type of questioning lyrics makes the listener think deeply about choices they may make...What if we start again? What if w were able to live it all over. How would it look? Who would we be? Would we find redemption?
Never be the same is also a good track, slowing down again with this acoustic ballad. I am not sure why they remixed Duran Duran's "Ordinary World", it really is just a modern feel of the original.
Overall, this is a strong second attempt. They develop on more of what they did in the first album that got them recognized, and only mature in doing so. Fans will get what they were looking for, lyrics are though provoking, and the head banging continues. This is pretty good, and not your typical spirit inspired album.

Recommended for fans of Evanescence, Skillet, or Demon Hunter

Overall Grade: A-