Michael Sweet has always been known for his exceptional voice that we can safely say is original in the CCM universe, beginning with his first appearance on Stryper's The Yellow and Black Attack in 1984. From there, Stryper would open several doors for the Christian hard rock and metal genres with their popular platinum-selling To Hell with the Devil. Transformations took place with Stryper after the release of Against the Law in 1990, and we would not see another album from Stryper for almost 15 years. During this time, Micheal released his first solo album in 1994 with a self-titled project. This reviewer was able to see him in concert that same year, and it was quite a sight to see his new group along with his bandmate, Dennis Cameron (Angelica). Through his solo music, Michael was able to break new ground in a different genre. Now, Sweet is entering a new chapter where he is discovering a new sound again 32 years later with his latest release, The Master Plan...

Veteran rock and rollers NEEDTOBREATHE could throw their hat in the ring for the title of "hardest working band" in show business (perhaps competing with the Black Keys and Coldplay). Since their beginning in the mid-aughts, they have put out an album nearly every other year, toured extensively and even found the time and bandwidth for solo albums (the fantastic Wilder Woods albums) and non-profit humanitarian causes. And to the band's credit, their track record of solid albums continues with the dusty, downbeat, and soulful The Long Surrender.

The album begins with the poignant and affecting title track that finds lead singer Bear Rinehart testifying about the tough moments in life against a...

In 1984, Les Carlsen joined forces with Michael Bloodgood to form what would become the notable Christian metal act BLOODGOOD. Sadly, Michael Bloodgood passed away in 2022, and the group disbanded. Even though Carlsen was into his seventies at that point, he continued on in a solo capacity, and his latest offering, Free Will, showcases that he still has plenty of creativity and prowess left in the tank.

The crowd-funded record opens with "Truth and Love," a perfect statement about what Carlsen hopes to accomplish throughout the album: "The mission, the metal, the message / Truth and love." The two singles released ahead of the album follow, starting with the title track...