|PIC1|GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning band Casting Crowns recently announced the release of their highly-anticipated third studio album, The Altar and The Door.

The band's new project, which releases 28 August, follows two Platinum-selling albums, (Casting Crowns and Lifesong) and two RIAA-certified live DVD projects (Live from Atlanta and Lifesong Live).

The Altar and The Door is based on real-life ministry experience with real people, real life struggles, and the faith that overcomes.

"At the altar, everything makes sense," says Hall. "When we're in the church and spending time with God, we know what we're supposed to do and how to live. Everything is black and white.

"But somewhere between the altar and the door, when we leave and go out into our lives, it all leaks out. Everything gets gray again. It's like we have these two lives, and the Christian life is the journey between the altar and door - trying to get the things you've got in your head, into your hands, into your feet, and into your life.

"This album is all about that journey of realisation, the struggles we encounter and the victory of seeing it as possible."

The first radio single from The Altar and The Door is scheduled to hit radio airwaves in June followed by the band's headlining "The Altar and The Door" fall tour presented by Aquasis with special guest Leeland, and introducing John Waller.

Named the Gospel Music Association's 'Group of the Year' for the past three years, Casting Crowns has been the most played artist on all Christian radio formats combined, and the group has sold more than 2.5 million albums to date.

Lead singer and songwriter Mark Hall has been a student pastor for 16 years and currently serves on staff at Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta. The band recently made a trip to North Korea, as the only US band invited to play at the April Art Friendship Festival.

For more information, please visit www.CastingCrowns.com.