“On the Threshold of Eternity” by Ajalon

5/5:  The genuine power of prog-rock with lyrics that truly give glory where it’s due.

This album is the most skilled and genuine Christian rock album I have found except for Neal Morse’s masterpieces.  (Which could go with out saying, since Morse is the founder of Spock’s Beard and Transatlantic, and Ajalon is an indie band who features Morse on the title track!)  This album is actually better for a wider audience than Neal Morse because of the positive vibe throughout, no insane portions of portraying evilness.  Yes, it sounds a little 90s, but this is prog-rock!  You won’t sound cool or get the girls for listening to this band, but you will feel inspired and see some of the glory of God through the raw power and meaningful lyric in every track.

Randy George plays bass, guitar, and other stringed instruments, Wil Henderson sings and plays some guitar and bass (especially when live), and Dan Lile plays drums.  Though not officially part of the band, Rick Wakeman (of Yes) adds a good amount of synth.

All instruments play skillfully and solo throughout the album (after all, it’s prog-rock).  There is a good mix of tracks—some more upbeat and contemporary sounding, some more epic prog-rock type, and others more straightforward rock feel.  The title track is a killer 16 minute story with ups and downs of a man coming to free himself in the arms of Christ, and has some of the most uplifting and exciting passages of the disc.

As already noted, Neal Morse sings on that track, and (if you want a second note) Phil Keaggy sings and plays guitar on “Holy Spirit Fire.”

An absolute must-have for any christian rock fan, and worth hearing for any prog-rock fan for the musicianship.

Buy this album before they run out!