Worship Pioneer Darlene Zschech Introduces New Album, 'Testament'
Australian worship leader Darlene Zschech unveils her highly anticipated studio album, "Testament." The new release marks the milestone 30-year anniversary of "Shout to the Lord," a song that became an anthem for the church worldwide. Some of Zschech’s significant catalog albums are conjointly being redistributed with the new release ("You Are Love," "Simply Darlene," "Kiss of Heaven," and "Change Your World").
Stirred by friends and family, Zschech crafted a collection of 25 reimagined legacy songs and five brand-new tracks. From iconic songs such as "Cry of the Broken" and "Victor’s Crown," to fresh offerings like "Spirit of the Living God" and "Yes Again," each song carries a powerful sound that is just as vibrant today. This expansive and eclectic project features several guest artists, including Martin Smith, SVRICINA, Mitch Wong, and Michael W. Smith, as well as various choirs and the Australian Christian Orchestra.
"Testament" embodies Zschech’s story and her experience of God’s unfailing love, not only in worship ministry, but in the intricate details of her life, too. It’s a family project, described by the artist as "songs that have deep meaning to my family, that have helped shape me and kept my focus heavenward."
The album weaves together songs that have been the soundtrack to Zschech’s children’s lives, her battle with cancer, and her adventures planting churches and starting non-profits alongside her husband. It also features multiple family members, including Zschech’s daughter, Zoe Cameron, on "Shout to the Lord." Commenting on this central song, which was penned before Zoe’s birth, she said:
"I wrote it quickly while crying out to God about our future, saying that no matter what, we will follow him. I was young in age and young in God. ‘Shout to the Lord’ changed things around us, but the things that really matter never changed and never will: God is faithful and attentive to our prayers."
Harnessing this central theme of faithfulness, "Testament" communicates its close relationship to obedience and thankfulness. It’s the sound flowing out of a lifetime lived with the Lord, the very meaning of worship. Zschech is adamant that worship is not a genre but the whole of one’s life poured out for the glory of God:
"I’ll always find it hard to wrap my head around the miracle of worship, music, and song. There’s really no other vehicle available to us on earth that has the ability to bring to attention our mind, auditory senses, resting our hearts, moving the soul and spirit to a point when your whole self is pointed in the one direction. Such is the power of worship as the Holy Spirit leads our heart heavenward, Jesus-ward, through the magnificent sound of sacred song."
"Testament" is out on October 11, 2024. A devotional book published by David C Cook is slated to release soon.
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