After about a couple years since their last release, Shadows Are Security, comes the latest from hardcore band As I Lay Dying, which should not disappoint any fans of their music.

You could almost say the album starts off a little slow, considering it starts off with an instrumental entitled "Seperation." The song starts off with a slight static sound and then you hear the guitar and some voices in the background. As it comes to an end, you can tell it begins to pick up the pace when it finally hits to the next track, "Nothing Left," which is what really gets the album started.

Their sound doesn't differ too much from some of their past stuff. But you can tell that they seem to keep getting better each time. Tim's screams have slightly changed, but not by much. Plus, although there isn't very much of it, when there is actually singing on the album from one of the members, I'm going to have to say it is done just beautifully.

An Ocean Between Us is a very heavy album and there isn't too much space for breathing room. Most of the songs are quite fast-paced with guitars and drums. The only songs that seem to really slow it down would be the two instrumentals, and "I Never Wanted" is probably the least hard on the album (as far as songs with lyrics go), but it's still heavy enough.

As far as their lyrics go spiritually, God is not left out. Although His name isn't mentioned directly, you'll know who they are referring to on a couple of songs. In "Within Descrution," you hear "For without forgiveness my soul is lost/ All that is hope within destruction comes from You."

The album comes to a close with "This Is Who We Are," which is a good track to save for last. The intro isn't slow, but it doesn't start getting really fast-paced 'til you hear the screaming. Lyrically, this song is also spiritual, with lyrics like, "You are faithful when we are not/ so I'd like to tell this story/ the way it was meant to be told/ Without the burden in our hearts/ we never would of found You/ for You are faithful when we are not/ You began a work/ That only You can complete."

I'm sure fans won't be disappointed with As I Lay Dying's latest effort. Most of the songs are always moving fast and the breathing room is very little. I suggest any hardcore fan should go out and pick up An Ocean Between Us.

JFH Reader Review: written by Katie N., 10/06/07, for Jesusfreakhideout.com