Canadian band Secret & Whisper’s second album fits comfortably alongside the likes of Saosin and Coheed & Cambria. It’s heavy yet precise, with classic metal vocals which could shatter glass. It’s also skillfully executed, and first song “Youth Cats” is absolutely pummelling.

The helium-powered vocals hold the potential to annoy, but it’s the guitars that are the real star anyway. They are crisp and intricate, and very heavy. Lyrically, this could be the work of a Christian Led Zeppelin, with singer Charles Furnley banging on about warriors, forests and sacred lights. As far as I can tell, unicorns don’t make an appearance, but I could easily be mistaken. It doesn’t matter; no one is going to buy this album for the lyrics.

Instead, get Teenage Fantasy for the searing guitars and wholesale technical proficiency on display. Secret & Whisper aren’t worth checking out because they are a “Christian alternative” to other heavy bands. They’re worth checking out because they are good on their own merits.

Three and a half stars out of five

– Rhett Snell