Playing hard rock these days sure isn't easy, what with countless sound-alike bands, a dwindling rock radio market and a shift towards more extreme forms of metal. Despite this, Revelation Theory have thrown down their gauntlet with "Truth Is Currency", an album full of nu-metal styled power chords and loud and quiet dynamics.

From the moment the outing starts the aesthetic of the material upon it feels dated and sterile. Elements of the bands sound could easily be compared to a litany of other acts like Sevendust, Dark New Day, Stereomud and others, and if not for a few electronic flourishes, it would be completely faceless. The included emotional aspects are too riddled with cheesy bravado to actually connect with the listener; and while the material is hooky, there is nothing here that sets the band apart.

Currently, the present career course for a band like Revelation Theory is to release an album, land an opening slot on a big tour for a month and then disappear into obscurity due to as complete lack of identity. Sure the songs are well-written with catchy hooks and competent musicianship, but for every Nickelback and Staind, there are a thousand bands like Revelation Theory out there failing to make a mark. With little revelatory on hand, "Truth Is Currency" is more likely to languish in bargain bins than be invested in CD wallets.