In 1996, with the release of Eric Champion's album, Transformation, the advertisement taglines were always "Forget What You Know." Well, with 1999's new June release of deliriou5?'s Mezzamorphis, ironically, the same tagline could apply. So, basically... forget what you know.

1998 saw a tremendous stage entry for this British-based band. You couldn't be at Creation without seeing something with their name on it. Signs were everywhere, "The British are Coming." And, they did. In fact, our Creation bracelets bore their name next to the Creation logo. Deliriou5? couldn't be missed.

However, to be honest, I found this to be overkill. The radio airplay was too much, the advertising was gagging, but it worked for most people. Not me, though. It did the exact opposite. I became anti-deliriou5?, so to speak. But when I had a chance to acquire their newest project, Mezzamorphis, I jumped at the chance to hear this band's newest musical helping. I was pleasantly surprised.

Like they say in their interview on the prerelease of the album, the album can't be compared to either of their previous works. It's a new step, but still not where they want to be. "Huh?" you may think. Enter the first song, "The Mezzanine Floor," which is partially inspired by that very observation. They realize they have more growing, musically, to do. But the growth is evident... and appreciated.

"Heaven" follows, a song that starts out aggressive and moves into a chorus hauntingly similar to the previous track. Not really a fault, but sorta ties the message of the two songs together, however, you're liable to have to look at your player to figure out exactly which song you're hearing.

Another album highlight comes next, "Follow," a melodic slow-rocker that simply talks about following God. Probably the hardest track on the album comes next, "Bliss," a song that most bands write as they get popular to reassure people that they're not going to lose their Christian message or "back down," like the song says.

The oddest, yet catchiest song on the album is the Bleach-esque "Gravity" which should be a great live concert song. But this album, while venturing into some more electric tunes, has its share of ballads. Well-crafted ones at that, too, like in the tremendous "Jesus Blood" and personal [to the band] praise song "Kiss Your Feet."

Take part in the evolution of this growing band and pick up a copy of Mezzamorphis when it releases June 8th.

- Review date: 5/17/99, written by John DiBiase