ALBUM REVIEW: A Rising Force – Truth

Released via Dark Star Records - 9 August 2024

This is the third offering from A Rising Force, a band based out of Minneapolis Saint Paul. Their first record undertow here’s one that I listened to on a regular basis and it featured Mark Westland on vocals. Unfortunately mark left the group to pursue other things which led to show lineup change.

That brought their second album “Eclipse”. The music was fine on that but the singer they chose was awful. Which is a real shame because the songs were solid. I had all but given up on them after that. But they had a 2 plus album deal with dark star records. And before you know it, they started talking about putting another record out which led to another line of change.

They now offer up “Truth”.  This is a home run knock it out of the park type of record. I really like it from beginning to end the opening track northern lights is the perfect jump off. They have made a complete and total 180 from the last record. They went from the first pick in the draft now the playoffs if they were a football team.

What I think is interesting about this band is they have a lot of really interesting song titles, and they sing a lot about different aspects of life. But I appreciate that none of it is about sorcerers and Dragons and other shit like that. In some cases, it feels that some of these are not political statements but views on how the world is today.

At the end of the day though regardless of what they’re saying in the songs. The songs themselves are very well written that have catchy choruses and catchy hooks that make you want to listen to it again. If you’re looking for something that has elements of Dokken, The Scorpions, Dio And other classic bands, this could be a great fit for you. But don’t walk away thinking that this sounds old because it doesn’t. It’s very fresh by today’s standards keeping up with some of the newest bands out there. But they’re definitely unique in their presentation. They deserve your respect and your attention. Make an effort to pick this one up and add it to your collection. It could become one of your favorites. After two lessons, Norther Lights, The Water, and Wasted time are the stand out tracks.

About Tommy Sommers 78 Articles
Photographer and reviewer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota