Living Sacrifice returns to the hardcore scene with their 2002 release Conceived in Fire. Stronger than ever, Conceived in Fire is full of in-your-face guitar solos, heavy vocals, and offbeat rhythms that Living Sacrifice is known for.

This album's main focus is on the problems that we face in daily life- war, suicide, failure, temptation, and other things that get in the way of our relationship with Christ- and how God helps us get through them. One of my favorite tracks on the album, "Send Your Regrets," talks about how we drift away from God and fall into despair, and we just have to "take a flying leap" and trust in Christ.

Musically, Living Sacrifice has taken another step forward. Mat Putman (Eso-Charis) returns for a second time with Living Sacrifice as a percussionist, giving Living Sacrifice a unique sound. Living Sacrifice's hardcore style is balanced out by "Into Again," a calm instrumental song with clean, moving guitars. Despite this, the music can get repetitive, as Living Sacrifice repeats certain rhythms multiple times throughout the album.

Personally, I think that Conceived in Fire is one of Living Sacrifice's best albums yet. They continue to mature while keeping their old sound that Living Sacrifice fans have grown to love. If you're not a fan of hardcore music such as Figure Four, ZAO, Norma Jean, or Demon Hunter, I suggest steering clear of this album- Living Sacrifice's brutal vocals are prominent throughout it. But if you are, this would be a great addition to your CD collection.

written by Steve Rozema for Jesusfreakhideout.com