Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This, the 24th live album from the Australian ensemble who have had so many front sleeve name changes, was release in October 2015 but somehow has escaped the Cross Rhythms review machine until now. Hillsong pastor Brian Houston was distinctly OTT when he suggested that 'Open Heaven/River Wild' is "a new sound that only the Holy Spirit himself could orchestrate" but it is a solid project featuring several prominent Hillsong singer/songwriters such as Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston and Marty Sampson. Also getting in on the act on the set are Hillsong United and Hillsong Young & Free. Standouts are "O Praise The Name" with a passionate vocal from David Ware while the stunning audio quality we've come to expect from Hillsong's live recordings (this one made at Allphones Arena in Sydney) ensures that when the synths and guitars ring out one is enveloped with the sheer power engendered by the Hillsong musos. The other BIG songs on the project, "What A Saviour" and the title track, continue to hit home with me and this is undoubtedly another good example of how stadium worship should be recorded and produced.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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