Anthem for the Underdog (CD - 2007)

Audio Mixers: Skidd Mills; Chris Lord-Alge.

Recording information: 747 Studios, Memphis, TN.

Illustrator: Dougie Cowan.

Jesus was the most popular (posthumously at least) underdog in history, so it comes as no surprise that CCM band 12 Stones would devote their third album to that aspect of His divinity. What does surprise, however, is the almost prog-rock complexity that such a simple sentiment inspires. With interesting guitar leads that explore all the possibilities of the bottom strings, and almost symphonic codas and bridges, the title track leaps out and sets the stage for the monster riffs and sophisticated ideas to follow. The other stand-out track is the power ballad "Lie to Me," which highlights Paul McCoy's gritty, Eddie Vedder-esque vocals. minimize