Marked By Heaven by Jake Hamilton

Reviewed by Peter Timmis

Regular listeners to the Cross Rhythms radio station will already be familiar with this Californian worship leader; his punchy rock number "The Great I Am" has received plenty of well deserved airplay recently. If you are a fan of the track then this, Jake's debut album, will not disappoint. A gripping live presentation of Hamilton's self-penned songs that showcases his talent for delivering a strong melody supported by a powerful rock backing and, of course, his wonderfully gritty voice that gives the impression he may have been gargling with gravel. Honing his talents at the Bethel Church in his hometown, Jake skilfully and passionately builds the songs into a repeated refrain, as demonstrated on closing track "Watch Out Heaven" where Jake and the audience emotionally assert that "The Devil ain't got no thing on me/Because I'm taking back my authority". Hamilton is an utterly powerful worship leader whose songs are delivered with such passion and conviction that he is impossible to ignore.