THE ARTIST ONE

Review: The Artist ONE – EXODUS IV.3:

40 Years of Wandering (2015)

This is the third installment in The Artist ONE’s (Malachi Coggeshell) ambitious multi-part musical retelling of the Book of Exodus.

Released on April 4, 2015 (timed with the third Blood Moon in the 2014–2015 tetrad), it’s a concise 7-song project that shifts focus from the dramatic liberation events of prior parts to the wilderness years, the Israelites’ recurring unfaithfulness, and Moses’ personal struggles as their leader.

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Concept & Themes

The album dives deep into the emotional and spiritual core of the Exodus narrative after the Red Sea crossing and the giving of the Law. It explores:

• The Israelites’ quick forgetfulness of God’s miracles.

• Moses’ heartbreak and sense of failure.

• God’s perspective on His chosen but often rebellious people.

This makes it more introspective and relational than the epic, plague-and-liberation focus of EXODUS IV.1 and IV.2.

It humanizes the biblical story without losing reverence. N1N

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Standout Tracks (as described by the artist + available info)

• "SLAVES" — God’s perspective on His people. It carries a weighty, almost mournful tone that highlights divine disappointment mixed with enduring love. Solid groove and heartfelt delivery.

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• "WAIT FOR YOU" — Moses’ lament over his people turning away from God’s truth. This feels like the emotional centerpiece — vulnerable, frustrated, yet faithful. The official video and streaming versions emphasize the personal struggle.

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• "TEN" — A raw, one-take vocalization/recitation of the Ten Commandments. It’s bold and minimalist, letting the power of the words stand (mostly) on their own. A memorable, worshipful moment that fits the album’s biblical fidelity.

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The remaining four tracks round out the wilderness wandering theme, maintaining the narrative flow. Musical Style:

The Artist ONE is a true one-man band who plays all real instruments (no drum machines or autotune). His sound blends:

• Progressive rock

• Christian rock/worship elements

• Ambient and singer-songwriter intimacy

Expect layered guitars, thoughtful arrangements, and expressive vocals that prioritize storytelling over commercial polish. It’s not flashy radio rock — it’s earnest, creative, and devotional indie prog with a raw, personal edge.

Production is straightforward but effective for conveying the concept.

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Strengths

• Strong biblical integration — Lyrics draw directly from Scripture while adding emotional depth (Moses’ inner life, God’s viewpoint).

• Conceptual cohesion — Even at just 7 songs, it feels like a complete chapter in the larger Exodus saga.

• Authenticity — One-man passion project energy shines through. This is clearly made from conviction, not trends.

• Timing & symbolism — The Blood Moon release adds a prophetic feel that fits the thematic weight.

Potential Drawbacks

• Production and performance are very DIY, so it may not hit as hard sonically for listeners used to polished big-studio Christian rock or prog.

• It’s niche: best appreciated by fans of concept albums, biblical retellings, and progressive/ambient rock rather than mainstream worship or metal.

Overall Verdict: 8.5/10 (Solid Indie Christian Prog)

EXODUS IV.3: 40 Years of Wandering is a thoughtful, heartfelt addition to The Artist ONE’s Exodus series. It succeeds most in capturing the human side of a familiar story — the frustration, the waiting, the repeated cycles of faithfulness and failure.

If you enjoy concept-driven Christian music (think Neal Morse Band vibes but more raw and solo), biblical storytelling albums, or progressive rock with a devotional heart, this is worth seeking out on Bandcamp, Spotify, or the artist’s site.

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It’s not trying to be the next big crossover hit — it’s a sincere musical meditation on one of the Bible’s most dramatic (and relatable) seasons. In that, it wanders well. Check out the full series for the complete journey. Respect to Malachi for the dedication across multiple albums.

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