Broken Temples, Kevin Max's 10th studio album, is a musical companion to the great journey of the human
condition. We are one part frailty, two parts misguided, with a dash of uncontrollable love and hope in the impossible. Like a darkened looking glass, the light cannot penetrate inside without it first being fractured.
The Deluxe Edition of Broken Temples was released on July 17, 2015 with five additional tracks.
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Kevin Max: Reimagined| Posted March 09, 2015
Few names are as synonymous with eccentricity as Kevin Max's. Always one to push the creative and spiritual boundaries of the industry, the CCM pioneer has made waves once more following his sudden departure as frontman of Audio Adrenaline 2.0 after only 18 months, citing a change in direction and a deep desire to pursue different artistic endeavors.
Many questioned his motives, especially those still on the fence about his return to Christian music after having spent so many years proudly on the outskirts. However, what many don't realize is that Max's musical journey is a mirror image of the spiritual journey he's taken in the last several years as well.
"After dc Talk, I went through a period of finding myself and learning the hard way that without a team around me, left to my own devices, I could easily get lost in myself," he offered in a statement shortly following the announcement. "Lost in my own ego, God found me and broke me of my pride. [I] have no desire to run from what I have continued to pursue in the Christian Arts. If anything, I feel that these last two years have given me the tools and desire to make the best art I can within this industry."
Fully fan funded through a lengthy (and ultimately successful) PledgeMusic campaign, Broken Temples is the vocalist's first solo effort in over three years. This project not only displays a new and improved Kevin Max lyrically, but finds him sonically in realms he's never before ventured alone.
"Good Kings Highway" is a solid example of what fans can expect from the rest of the project. His legendary vibrato soars over a brilliant fusion of classic K-Max rock n' roll grit with a bright pop melody, making it the standout right from the start: "You're tried everything to find the truth, your bruises are the proof."
Lead singles "Light Me Up" and the catchy "Infinite" display the diversity you'll find on this project, with the first possessing more radio favorability than the latter.
"Just As I Am" sharpens the electro-pop-vibe Max has tinkered with on past efforts and spins it into format that makes it easier on the melodic palate, sounding much cleaner and more like modern acts such as Echosmith or the short lived Lost Colors: "You meet me just as I am, that's how You take me, I'm in Your hands even when I'm shaking / When I bend and break, it's all for heaven's sake."
"I was a troubled rebel son and all my kingdom had come down / But that was then and this is now, and I've grown somehow." These transparent lyrics on "That Was Then This Is Now" sound the most personally vulnerable.
Remixes of "Just As I Am" and the bass heavy "Clear" by longtime friend and CCM vigilante Derek Webb make a welcomed appearance, but cut the album down to a short eight new tracks. While it would have been nice to hear more, the material presented is strong enough to suffice.
Closing Thoughts:
Many of the songs on Broken Temples possess the sound Max helped champion in the reimagined Audio Adrenaline, mostly because a good portion of them were penned before his departure. The moody pop vibe suited him fittingly then, and it still suits him incredibly well as a solo artist now.
While the lyrics feel a bit safer than what most of his fans are used to at this point, they still boast the tried and true fingerprint of honesty and artistry that his work is known for, and indeed do display a rejuvenated and spiritually awoken Kevin Max. The singer has returned once more, and CCM is all the better for it.
Song To Download Now:
"Good Kings Highway" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Broken Temples Review| Posted March 16, 2015
Kevin Max former DCTalk member and former Audio Adrenaline singer has come out with his 10thstudio solo album. Kevin is a very creative guy, not only does he write music but he also writes poetry and books. But we are here to talk about his newest music album. In 2012 Audio A came back together with Kevin Max fronting the band. After the first album with Max “Kings and Queens” Audio A management wanted the band to be more of a worship band rather then what they were, a rock and roll Christian band. Kevin didn’t feel that, that’s where he was supposed to be so he went solo once again.
“Broken Temples” is the name of his new album, as you seen in the album cover I think that’s Morris Code. This album features songs that Kevin was writing while still in Audio A. In past albums Kevin Max has written things that were sort of dark and mysterious, this album doesn’t really live up to that. It is more about his journey in his faith and walk with Jesus Christ. I think it is a great album, I have always liked Kevin’s voice, and it has always been so smooth and soothing if you will. It’s music to my ears. I think God knew what he was doing when he created Kevin Max. Well let’s get right into the music and go track by track.
Good Kings Highway: This song is about a person who maybe has grown up with a rough life, doing things he or she maybe shouldn’t have, looking for the right way to go and has found God and found that He is the right path.
Light Me Up: This is about how God lights you up and gives you direction and changes your heart into something good. Even through everything he will light you up.
Just As I Am: I love this song; it may be my favorite song on this album because it’s about how God will take you just as you are. He will meet you wherever you are in life and save you from your sins if you let Him into your life. Another Big Mistake is the same song just remixed by Derek Webb.
Clear: This song is about how God can speak to you but sometimes you just need to be still and quiet to hear him. Going Clear is the same song just remixed by Derek Webb.
When We Were Young: This is about how when we were young or just starting in our walk with Jesus we were all in and really energetic about our faith, and that we need to go back being like that.
That Was Then And This Is Now: This is about how we need to leave our past behind us because God has forgotten about our past when we asked for forgiveness. He whipped our slate clean. White as snow not greyed out or like it’s sort of stained on us but our slate is white as snow!
White Horse: This is about how we will be seeing Jesus riding in a white horse, riding in to save us, pretty simple.
Infinite: God’s love, His mercy, His forgiveness and peace and whatever you think He is, it is infinite. So we shouldn’t be scared or worried about if God could love you enough, because God is infinite.
What We've All Been Waiting For!| Posted March 15, 2015
Broken Temples is the album we've all been waiting for! None of the tracks on this album disappoint. Whether you're new to Kevin Max or you're a fan from his DC Talk days, solo career, or stint with Audio Adrenaline, you're going to love Broken Temples! The album starts off with a bang, with Kevin Max rocking it on "Good King's Highway", a strong lead into the rest of the album. To those who have remained loyal fans of Kevin Max throughout his solo years, you'll be thrilled with the stylings of "Just As I Am", "Clear", and "White Horses" - true Kevin Max, through and through, from meaningful lyrics, grooving guitar, and his unique vocal talents that span the octaves and make the spine tingle with delight. The track "Just As I Am" stays with you, both lyrically and melodically, playing again and again in your mind long after listening.
The two radio singles, "Light Me Up" and "Infinite" are also catchy tunes. For those of you familiar with Max's gospel album, "The Blood", you'll enjoy the soul and exploration of vocal range found in "Infinite", made all the more powerful with the addition of Rachel Lampa's accompaniment. Somehow, this single sounds even richer within the context of the rest of the songs on this album, so even if you're enjoying this as a single, you really must listen to it on the full album.
Fans who pledged for this album were rewarded with two amazing bonus tracks, "Lay Down Your Weapons" and "Freak Flag". "Lay Down Your Weapons" is Beatles-esque in style, similar again to Max's work on "The Blood".
My absolute favourite song on the album is "Freak Flag". It's a fun, guitar driven song that is a nod to "Jesus Freak" from Max's DC Talk days. Be prepared to hit repeat on this one! I would love to hear this played live. Kevin Max's vocals kill it!
Kevin Max is known for his thought-provoking lyrics and imagery. With "Broken Temples", he manages to maintain his usual depth, while adding another layer of accessible insight into his spiritual walk. Just as his albums, "The Imposter" and "Stereotype Be" have transcended time, "Broken Temples", too, is sure to do the same. It will be a staple on my iPod for a long time to come.
After hearing just a snippet of a song he's currently working on for a new album, I eagerly await more of the same great music from Kevin Max! Until then, I will enjoy digging in deeper to everything "Broken Temples".
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