SORROW AND PROMISE

One-shot US Christian Prog band from Lombard, Illinois.Divine In Sight consisted of Bartholomew Boge on guitar and vocals, Jonathan Dexter on bass and occasional keyboards and Frank Ralls on drums and percussion.Their sole album ''Sorrow & promise'' was recorded at Ark Studios in Appleton, Wisconsin and appears to be a Rock Opera with a religious content.It was released independently in 2001.

Far from some cheesy and uninteresting Christian-inspired concepts, ''Sorrow & promise'' is a very good effort of mostly RUSH-influenced Progressive Rock with a fantastic comfort on changing tempos and executed with passion and sheer energy.All tracks are interesting with mascular guitars and absolutely marvelous bass work, very upfront in the mix, passing through impressive rhythmic parts to bombastic tunes and melodic themes, while there are also some keyboard background to add a slightly orchestral feeling to the music.Surprisingly Bartholomew Boge's voice has a slightly female angle but also an excellent voice depth, a bit reminiscent of RELAYER's John Sahagian.Other good reference point are also compatriots TILES and ENCHANT.Without being very complex or flexible, the album is very interesting with plenty of breaks, a pure rockin' power and some complicated guitar moves, while lyrically it appears to have a nice value as well.Among the energetic guitar-oriented moments there are some clever passages with a mellower approach, led by atmospheric keys and Boge's unique vocals.Moreover the guitar does have a strong Neo-Classical edge at moments, occasionally breaking from Heavy/Power Rock grounds to Orchestral Prog Rock with an angular vibe.

Overlooked and underrated band, which seems to have disappeared after its sole effort.Powerful, RUSH-influenced Heavy Prog with a fair dose of different atmospheres, full of pomposity and grandieur.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.