(Photo :Mouth of the South' "Transparency" )

With the metal scene slowly diving into this seemingly contagious repetitive and lifeless rut, it is always a treat to come across a band that not only strives to produce creative, fresh, and inspiring music, but screams out truth and uplifting lyrics. Mouth of the South represents that and more with their sophomore album, Transparency. It's rare to find a metal band that can get you pumped, excited, and have you bouncing around like the energizer bunny while feeding the ears with positive messages. Since their debut album, Manifestation, this band has matured musically and lyrically in such an amazing way that we had to come back for more!

The album kicks off strong, with the attention grabbing lyrics of "Prologue." Even though the track lasts a bit more than 60 seconds, it gives you a chance to prepare for the tidal wave of heaviness coming ahead. 

The second track "Uprooted," which is the first single from the album, is one of the best tracks throughout. It brings together the perfect formula for what makes one epic metal song: heavy riffs, double bass, passionate vocal delivery and meaningful lyrics. "I've been given a purpose," "I will not conform to your way of living." These lyrics will reach out to all listeners young and old. Striving for your purpose in life while not conforming is challenging to do in this world, but they acknowledge that with God, anything is possible.

1. Prologue

2. Uprooted

3. Selfless

4. Whanau

5. Monologue

6. Part Two

7. Riddance

8. Convictions

9. Epilogue

10. Nothing but the Blood

 "Selfless" and "Whanau" have the best musical intros, blending between the heavy metal and metalcore genre. "Monologue's" vocals jolt the ears, instantly claiming your attention more than any song on the album; but no matter which track you listen to, a different story is told. Nothing is repetitive. 

 "Nothing but the Blood" finally gives you a chance to catch your breath, sit back and let the music and lyrics seep in. Some listeners may be caught off guard by the dramatic genre switch, but the acoustic style shows off the band's softer, more personal side. As you listen, it feels like you're sitting there in the studio with the band. The simplicity of the music allows you to focus on the honest and heartfelt lyrics, "what can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus." This track is a great way to end everything off.

From beginning to end, Mouth of the South produced a well-crafted Christian metal album. With Transparency, the guitar riffs were heavy, not one track sounded like the last, the vocals were powerful from start to finish, and most importantly, each track had a godly message. Sometimes, the genre of Christian metal can go unappreciated because people tend to write it off as "just screaming," but this band proves it's much more than that. The passion and conviction this band has is very visible and sometimes your love for God is so strong you just want to scream it out. It's only a matter of time before Mouth of the South becomes the leader in this genre.

You can catch Mouth of the South on the "Scream the Prayer" tour as well as the "Random Acts of Kindness Tour" kicking off August 9^th, 2013 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.