SOLA GRATIA

I almost thought of this as a 5-star...I really did! First off, it's not really a great sequel (prequel?) to Sola Scriptura, in that when Sola melodies are introduced, they do seem a bit forced, and they are largely limited to interludes. Having said that, this album--to me--represents a milestone in terms of comparing where Neal was 15 years ago to where he is now. Back them, he was hungry with the spirit, driving very creative and energetic writing. Now, he may still be as hungry with the spirit, but the tenor has changed, at least to my ears. Rather than browbeating the world into seeing his light, he is more accepting and understanding. The goal is still to lift glory to God, but the method seems different.

Thematic storytelling in music is risky. Rick Wakeman's versions? No thanks. Neal's story of Saul's conversion from Christian slaughterer to Jesus disciple? It took me over a year, but I will give that a try...

...and thank goodness I did! Fans will expect a reprise of Sola, but what we get to my ears is a great combination of early solo Neal (dainty melodies from Testimony and ...Nother Trip) and the more recent JC Exorcist (featuring choirs and roots/thumping tunes) that genuinely take me back in time. I'd also like to discuss Neal's voice. What used to be a softer register tone that could amp up for climactic moments has become the opposite: a very rough experience at low volumes that becomes an absolute assault rifle when cranked up. Being able to pierce through metal-based music isn't just something you can practice. You can't predict how your voice will age, but you can adjust based on the passage of time, and I think Neal has provided an exceptional example of how to do that effectively.

To me, what Neal has accomplished here is nothing short of astounding. It really hit me at my first Morsefest. He has had incredible ideas throughout his professional life, but the mechanics of bringing them to life have been difficult. Now he has a mini choir, and mini orchestra, ready to record, not only as session musicians, but as believers in the cause, and the result clearly comes through on the albums. No one is cashing a check...the passion is there, and believer or not, that makes a difference in the music, and amazingly that edge is still there in this album. I did not think Neal could deliver and album like this, in these circumstances, but he freaking did, and I will treasure it forever.