Armageddon Time Chapter II (Xterminator, 1999)

Somewhat dull in comparison to its predecessor, Chapter II (as opposed to Chapter 2) nonetheless has its moments, erratic as they may be.  The standard sound of producer "Fattis" Burrell -- echoing, rootsy dancehall -- is all over this set, some of the rhythms repeated within the album -- such as Luciano's excellent "When Man on Earth" and Mikey General's "How Could I Want" -- and some repeated from other Burrell-produced tunes like Sizzla's "Why Boast?" utilizing the same lethargic rhythm as Prince Malachi's "Watch Over We."  Standouts here include veteran Leroy Sibbles' "Oh Jah," Luciano and Alton Ellis' duet "Jah Guide Us," and Prince Malachi's "Fire It Is Blazing," while the hymn-like, African drum-driven "Psalms 25" (a sequel to Mutabaruka's "Psalms 24"?) by Ras Michael and Mutabaruka and Beres Hammond's "Freedom" are also nice.  But the real star here is "sing-jaying" newcomer Turbulence, whose "Where Are Your Wings" is a passionate, pulsating masterpiece.   However, many of the tracks on Chapter II are merely average, and a couple of LMS tracks are fairly painful.  Their "Jah Lead Our Way" sounds like Kirk Franklin pseudo-hip-hop, while Morgan Heritage's "Roots and Culture" is basically LMS, since it features LMS' poor man's Puff Daddy rapping throughout (otherwise, it would be decent).  Luckily, most of this album is not that heinous, but it's not great -- merely mediocre.