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The vision of Montana band Rend The Heavens is to 'see a nation of people longing for God, calling out
to Him, desperate for Him'. Such evangelistic thrust - stemming from the team's YWAM roots - is as evident on this volume of brand new compositions as it was on their self-titled debut a year ago. RtH
has seen a couple of line-up changes since that time; while founders Aaron and Jilian Sternke, along with lead guitarist Chris Campell, remain as core members, Shane Lunsford, Rob Kroehler and aussie Bridget
Kempers are new names on the sleeve credits.
Longings aptly describes this work's essence, for while every one of the 10 songs is utterly faith-focused, tracks such as the
self-descriptive 'Oh how I long to see you', 'How long' and 'We're waiting' all depict a restless and unquenchable yearning for the return of the Lord. Others, such as 'All the earth
sing' and 'All I can do' centre on the majesty, love and amazing sacrifice of our heavenly King, most poignant of these being the moving passion of 'Glorious martyr', who's unhurried gaze
builds in intensity before settling once again. In fact, this sophomore release holds more of a musical mix than the debut, moving from edgy roots-rock sounds to the quirky pop-rock of 'Arise', to a
totally acoustic, melo-dramatic ballad, to a couple of classical piano solos from Ms Kemper, these appearing as surprise 'hidden'
tracks at the close of the disc (tho' not as much a surprise now that I've told you!), true meditative delights both.
Aaron wrote or co-wrote all songs, and it is he who provides the
convincing lead vocals throughout. Rend the Heavens has a strong core following in their home state, and are known to be a killer act live (in fact a 'live' disc is already in the making). But they
sure deliver a dynamic studio set too, with the production/mixing aid of Dennis Ooms again doing the biz. Be enthused by their vision, be invigorated by their passion - and be blessed by their compelling
music sounds!
Review by tom lennie |
