Fierce. Fierce could be the appropriate word for Forty Save One's debut album. Hitting the Christian music scene in early June of 2000, FSO quickly broke into the Christian Radio charts. 'What the World Needs Now' made the Top 20 for 8 weeks. Some people might consider that fierce.

Coming from Eugene, Oregon, these four guys have only been together since early 1998. Since then, their goal has been to (according to their web site) "share the message of grace, love, hope and mercy to a new and possibly last generation." Their music, which is definitely targeted for this "new" generation could be considered fierce.

FSO mixes hard, modern rock sounds of bands like Plankeye, the Foo Fighters and Creed. Their lyrics come off less preachy than that of the monolithic band Petra, while more understandable than the drone of Starflyer 59. And unless these guys have a unique insight into prophecy, I am not sure where the "possibly last generation" part of their mission comes into play.

So while the average youth group leader and CCM magazine reader might believe FSO to be fierce, I am a bit skeptical. The Christian hard, modern rock scene is not lacking in bands or CDs. FSO has made a decent start. However, at this point they are just another Christian rock band with another name cleverly pulled out of Scripture (sorry folks, scholars estimate that it will take another two generations to exhaust the Bible of ALL possible band names).

If you are looking for a semi-fierce CD pick this one up. My advice is to wait for Forty Save One's sophomore album. They have potential, by that time it will hopefully be refined into something fierce. (John M.)