Promising EP Gives Something to Chew On| Posted May 23, 2022 Have you heard Beard The Lion's cover of the Imagine Dragon's hit, "Believer?" Their version is but a taste of the hard rock band's use of heavy riffs, ambient piano and string sections, and a wide range of vocals from catchy, sing-a-long-able hooks to brutal screams. What's special about Beard The Lion is that this indie band gives a unique progressive metal experience, complete the Biblical message of faith and salvation.
Out of the Eater, Something to Eat is the band's re-recording of their 2016 EP of the same name. The new version features the impressive musical and vocal growth they have shown in the last few years. New artwork also accompanies the EP.
What It Sounds Like
Beard the Lion has demonstrated skillful musicianship in a uniquely challenging and entertaining genre of metal: progressive metalcore. The flexibility of this genre allows for much creativity and technicality that the band has nailed with their last singles, "Wretch Like Me" and "Captain of the Host." A flurry of technical riffs, impressive vocal range, and creative musical expansion have breathed new life into the original.
Spiritual Highlights
The title is a reference to Samson in Judges 14:14, which in itself is a good sign of the band's appreciation for scripture. Each song tackles a thematic truth that Christians especially will resonate with, but musically, any fan of metal can appreciate. The resounding theme is a declaration of our identity in Christ. "Harbinger" expresses of the longing to go to heaven with the chorus, "Swing low, my chariot/come forth/carry me home."
Following Harbinger's explosive intro, "Treason" leans into our identity and the persecution that comes with it. In a almost book of Job-like claim, one line screams, "Don't bother me about loyalty/Heaven knows I've been faithful and true." The middle song, "Craters" is about the impact we have in this world. "Silver Tongue" takes a different turn to warn of people or things that distract us, such as lust. Finally, "Havoc" echoes the beginning of the EP with a call for perseverance till the end of time.
Best Song
Each song on this EP is fantastic in its own right, whether it's "Silver Tongue" with a more melodic touch of the chorus and attack on lust or "Treason" with its vulnerable lament of betrayal. "Harbinger" is a great song to introduce anyone to the band though. The song opens with a proclamation of "I don't belong, I'm a different breed/Without a doubt I was born to leave." It is an exciting resonation felt within all Christians of a long-awaited call to Heaven, matched to a similarly exhilarating song.
Beard The Lion is establishing themselves as one of the most talented and bold Christian metal bands in the modern scene. This re-recording of the EP is just what they needed to prove their skills and songwriting. Having just re-recordings instead of brand new songs might not be as exciting, but they are excellent nonetheless. I'm looking forward to more from them as this will be easily be a standout this year.
to add lyrics if not listed.
