Jesus Saves--RealAudio

The band started to expand its sound on the last album, 'Gutter Ballet', and they pretty much cement the changes here. The somewhat "theatrical" flair is in full force, and it works well with the concept story that is told. There's still some crunching that hearkens back to the mid-80s releases, but a clear doorway to the '90s albums is opened, as well. This will be the last album with Jon Oliva at the vocal helm for almost seven years.
"Jesus Saves" starts with dialogue, but quickly heads off to a slicing riff. "Strange Reality" has a swaying little chorus rhythm, and "Can You Hear Me Now" is a dark and heavy creeper.
"Sammy and Tex" is energetic, "New York City" is a building track, and both "Ghost in the Ruins" and "Agony and Ecstasy" make their marks.

TRACK LIST: Streets/Jesus Saves/Tonight He Grins Again - Strange Reality/A Little Too Far/You're Alive - Sammy and Tex/St. Patrick's/Can You Hear Me Now/ New York City Don't Mean Nothing/Ghost in the Ruins/If I Go Away/Agony and Ecstasy - Heal My Soul/Somewhere in Time - Believe