When SONICFLOOd debuted nearly six years ago, the band helped begin the tidal wave that became known as modern worship. Only two years later, the band was given a complete makeover with every original member leaving to pursue other projects, allowing new members to step in. Former Big Tent Revival bassist Rick Heil assumed the band's leadership and the group has somewhat struggled to fill some pretty big shoes. Their latest release offers yet another roster change (which, believe it or not, changed again before the album's release) with Heil fronting an all new band. Unfortunately, This Generation is an overproduced and over-polished effort.

Fuzzy guitars and Heil offering up his best Bart-Millard-meets-Chris-Tomlin impression open "This Generation." The music is so crisp and clean it almost loses any kind of resemblance to real instruments. The guitars sound more like a keyboard effect than the real thing. The harmonies and melodies also give the album an early 90's rock throwback feel, something that would have worked with a more modern feel had it been given a raw approach to production. "All I've Failed To Be" is significantly reminiscent of UK worship band Steve and new labelmates The Afters (however, the latter pulls it off with greater results). "You Are" is an anthemic worship tune that is as catchy as they come, but at the same time just as common.

With lyrics somewhat cliche at times, This Generation doesn't stand out much from the abundance of existing modern worship records. Fans of the new Sonic team fronted by Heil will most likely enjoy this release, but anyone looking for something new, fresh, or different in modern worship should look elsewhere.

- Review date: 3/6/05, written by John DiBiase