Casting Crowns - The Altar And The Door Live

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The news that the world's most popular Christian band are playing a rare concert in England (and at Stoke-on-Trent, no less!) meant that I approached this live, two disc DVD/CD with even greater expectation than normal. I was not disappointed. This, their third live project, has to be their best yet with the eight songs recorded at St Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida in February demonstrating that Mark Hall and compatriots are some of the most powerful go-for-the-heart ministers of the Gospel you are likely to encounter. Their set includes "East To West" and "Every Man", the studio versions of which were number one radio hits Stateside from their gold selling 'The Altar And The Door' CD while of the remaining tracks "Somewhere In The Middle" with special guest John Waller (hope you've heard his seriously underrated 'The Blessing' album) is a true standout. The DVD also includes 35 minutes of bonus content, with a behind-the-scenes documentary of The Altar And The Door Tour of the US which was seen by a staggering total of nearly 500,000 people, making it the highest grossing Christian music tour of all time. But this album isn't about pop rock megastars swanning around to amphitheatre acclaim, it's a celebration of the grace and mercy of God. So as well as all the powerful music you also get on the DVD four five-minute teaching videos where Pastor Mark Hall teases out the themes of the songs "Slow Fade", "East To West", "Every Man" and "The Altar And The Door". As a final bonus, there's the short form video for "Slow Fade" which should be made compulsory viewing for every believer who finds their spiritual fire slowly extinguishing. To conclude with a Cross Rhythms slogan, this is where music and ministry meet.