You read about the release concert last week, now let's talk about the album.

This 16-track opus is a collection that goes a long way toward establishing Huntley Septimus as a general in the musical war against Satan.

Septimus is a registered minister. He is also the best rock stone Deejay this Island has ever produced. He wasn't born here, but his debut album -- War Against the Devil -- was written, produced and recorded here, so that makes him one of us; a Bermudian artist who has put himself on the frontline of Bermuda's newest musical sensation -- Christian Reggae.

He is a Deejay in the tradition of Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Chaka Demus and the original don, Prince Far I, whose `voice of thunder' laid the foundation for the future popularity of the gruff-voiced toaster back in the late seventies. His sound is rough and rugged, and his message is salvation ... he works both very well! Septimus' excellent debut album is opened by Pastor Mike (when was the last time you heard an actual Pastor's voice on a reggae recording), who introduces Septi without too much hoopla, and then let's the artist do his thing. Septi immediately declares War Against the Devil, with lines like Christians we can't lose the battle, can't lose the war ... and No put you hand 'pon me children Satan, no put you hand 'pon dem! This is somewhat of an anthem for the new style called Christian Reggae, and in terms of pure reggae music, this one is a Boom Shot! The next song is one that everyone in the western hemisphere knows by now, the children's classic Jesus Loves the Little Children, and Septimus' version is the best I've heard yet. The actual children's song is made into a chorus here, with Septi laying conscious verses in between the beautifully arranged melodies. The bass line is smooth, and the message is clear ... save the children first, and humanity will follow.

`War Against the Devil' That is a simple message from a righteous man who has chosen to accept Jesus as his lord and saviour and wants the world to know it. At least that's what he testifies in Chain Breaker, a tuff tune with a sweet hook that declares simply that, Jesus is my chain breaker. This one was produced by Dwight Jones and the crew over at Studio B and it should be another hit for that very prolific hit factory. This one has its own dance too if I'm not mistaken, but you'll have to check Septi for dat one.

Armed and Dangerous is another boom shot that is as innovative as it is entertaining. See this one is a straight sermon done in two parts by Pastor Mike and Septimus respectively. It's backed by a fierce bass drum that sounds like those marching band drums that used to vibrate your ears when you were young, and the sermons are broken up by a simple chorus that confirms that Septi and his army are indeed armed and dangerous. This is track 8 and it's sandwiched by two soca flavoured gems that vehemently condone the praising of the lord ... they are called Jesus Must be Worshipped (7) and Praise Him (9).

Live Clean is a testament to the spiritual value of living clean. That is, drug free and righteous in Christ (to paraphrase another Christian soldier).

Judgement is a heartical work that sounds like one of those mid-eighties reggae classics, complete with fast-chatting and honey sweet chorus. Check the recycled Studio One riddim ... reggae lovers will adore this one! The next gem is Jesus Me Lord and Savior. A tuff riddim, Septi's slow, deliberate delivery of ruff lyrics and a strong chorus make this one a highlight. The bass line is definitely outstanding here, while the Synthesizer is used to maximum effect, and even Septi's voice is transformed into a musical instrument for this amazing piece.

Been There, Done That is a song about being born again and repudiating the life of iniquity you once led (it's a very personal testimony from the man himself). This one contains a bridge that sounds a lot like something Capleton once chatted ... but we'll look past that because this is an excellent song and a very poignant story.

The next song is somewhat of a response to something that Mutabaruka said when he visited back in '98. It is called A Me Man and it is delivered in the style of the master Dub Poet; in fact, it's built around a particular song that Muta recorded back in the eighties that I cannot for the life of me remember right now ... check me later. This is a very interesting piece, right down to the clucking chickens in the background (yep, that's what I said ...). Grand Ma and My God is Real close out the over-seventy-minute disc and by no means do these songs constitute a weak ending (I just have to stop talking about this CD at some point -- you understand). In fact, the bonus track (`My God is Real') is a beautifully delivered straight Gospel track that sounds like it was recorded in a small studio in Memphis. Very sweet.

Many of the songs on this album are introduced by short skits that make the listener know what is coming up in no uncertain terms. These are all performed by locals and feature local scenarios that are very real (perhaps too real for comfort at times). This is a feature worth mentioning because it confirms that this new movement is a uniquely Bermudian one.

Steve Easton, Dwight Jones, Antoine Pitt, Johnny Woolridge and Bussy Dread all contributed to production on this disc, and all these guys were born right here on the rock! All songs were recorded here, between Just Platinum Studio and Studio B, and we should all be proud of that fact too.

The talent is definitely here people ... let's start supporting it shall we? REVIEW ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINERS ENT