Third Day Still Rocks with Revelation

The first track takes off like an F16 launch from an aircraft carrier steam ram.

Hard hitting guitar riffs start in instant synchronization with Mac Powell's unique vocals. "This is Who I Am" makes your blood start pumping and you instantly want to crank it up, roll the windows down, and annoy everyone sitting next to you at that red light.

The band that scratched and clawed it's way into the sort of recognition Billboard magazine provided when it said they were "not only one of the best Christian bands of the '90s but one of the best rock bands, period." has produced another hard hitting rock collection in 'Revelation' to prove that quote should be updated and applied to this decade as well.

"This is Who I Am" has lyrics that fit well with the rock and roll spirit of defiance and the submission of the Christian faith. This paradox shines in the song's unapologetic statements of what we are now and the simultaneous desire and willingness to be made into something better. It seems to be the path of the band as well, when one examines their history and steady climb into the limelight of both the Christian and mainstream music worlds.

I saw third day earlier this year at The House of Blues in Las Angelas. The most striking thing about this band is that they can play a large bar like the HOB and and succeed in delivering a Christian message without seeming judgmental or preachy without diluting the gospel. They have a unique stance as a group of Christians performing together in a rock band, subtly different from a "Christian rock band".

Third Day also benefits by being one of those groups that sound equally as good live as they do on their recordings...it's all quality rock and roll. The crowd at the House of Blues near Hollywood was certainly impressed. Third Day blasted out a vast mixture of hits from years gone by as well as a couple of numbers from Revelation, which had yet to be released at the time of this particular concert.

It was entertaining and uplifting. Third Day succeeds in being Christian entertainers, giving their fans wholesome spiritual entertainment without forcing their concerts into the watery Christian concert/worship service mold. That's why they come across as genuine. They stand in stark contrast to the Christian bands that seem to use their concert services as worship services peppered with "buy our album and t-shirt" promotions.

Front man Mac Powell tells you he loves to sing about Jesus. That's his way of life, and it's not a religious push, just him stating who he is.

Third Day gets on stage and rocks, and they let you know they follow Christ. Plain and simple.