AtomicCrimsonRush
A great symphonic sound blended with heavy distorted driving rhythm guitars, worth getting hold of for sheer musical virtuosity. This album was produced before Shane Lankford joined the ranks with his crystal clear vocals. Here is a range of instrumentals all played with well executed finesse. Piano is heavily featured and although the guitars are distorted the sound is very uplifting.
There are a wide variety of time sig changes and progressive structures throughout. Some tracks are very melodic while others feature the raw intensity of a metal sound.
The Return begins the album well and is featured in two part form. Romans 10 is apparently based on the Bible chapter of the same name and is very catchy. Living Proof has a jagged guitar riff and is edgy music that features a soaring guitar solo that rises above the other instruments like a double edged sword. Angleic Shield is melancholy prog with flute and clean guitar picking. The guitar solo is wonderful again. The Message has clean guitar and tom tom drums and creates an ambience to end the album on a high note.
I have not heard a bad Visual Cliff album from their first 4 albums. I recommend them to any one who likes a heavy but not too intense metal sound.