Review

This is a very interesting album. Scott Brenner creates a meditative feel, as one would expect for a collection of Psalms set to music, yet he does this using rock as the primary musical vehicle. Sound interesting? Indeed it is!

The album begins with "Psalm One - Blessed Is The Man". The tune is even tempered, with a solid mid-tempo rock beat that is very appropriate given the subject. Some very nice backing guitar work is taken up a notch for the inspiring instrumental near the end.

"Psalm Two - Kiss the Son" takes on a "rock anthem feel". This may seem like a strange way to describe a Christian song, but it really does have that kind of feel. The resulting power and majesty is quite appropriate, especially given phrases such as "Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us". This song will capture your attention and will inspire you.

The third cut, "Psalm Three - A Shield for Me", brings a change in pace, content and musical style. King David's troubles consume him as the psalm begins, and the music reflects this somber tone. Strings and wind instruments create a moody and solemn tone that will draw you in. However, David quickly turns to the Lord as he states "But You, O Lord, are a shield for me". The music reflects this by taking on a triumphant feel, while still remaining solemn and meditative.

"Psalm Twenty-two - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?" also has a moody and solemn tone. David is crying out to the Lord, and you can feel his struggle in Scott Brenner's voice and in the beautiful music he surrounds this psalm with. We hear the haunting cries of a woodwind instrument, a violin and electric guitar. The song cuts to the heart. You will find yourself moved deep inside, especially as the electric guitar trades laments with the vocals, building into a soaring solo laden with tasteful tones and phrases. This song touched me at a very deep level.

This is a studio album, and it is very well performed and produced. Arrangements vary from straightforward to intricate, often including woodwinds and strings either alone or as complements to drums, bass, guitar and keys. Vocal harmonies, as with the instruments, are multi-layered and very well arranged.

"King of Glory" has a reflective and meditative feel, and is rich with depth and substance. Some of that will clearly present itself to you; some will require your full attention to appreciate. As such, the album is very suited to personal or small group quiet times. The songs, both lyrically and musically, are also very appropriate for church worship. Choral, praise band and orchestral teams will all find material to draw on, some quiet and reflective, some full of energy. Congratulations to Scott Brenner and his team for an inspiring, well crafted album.

Review by: Terry Ritz