If you've been to one of the great music festivals around the country recently, we would love to hear from you. I was not able to myself, but in observing, I loved seeing Pillar perform for the first time in years at Ohio's Alive Music Festival. Uprise Festival in Pennsylvania is upcoming, and so is Germany's Loud And Proud Festival. What a great summer for live music! And new music, too. From Stryper's first acoustic album to Lacey Sturm's deluxe album, or debuts from other talented artists, you can catch it all here, at the Christian Rock Recap. Here's some of the highlights from the last month.
Lacey Sturm - Kenotic Metanoia (Deluxe Edition)
More of the long-term fans of Lacey Sturm will likely recall the early releases from Flyleaf--the debut demos and B-sides that others missed over the years. Well, with Lacey's new deluxe edition of her sophomore solo album Kenotic Metanoia, you might get some nostalgia with the demo versions of some of the songs there. There is a couple of "Live on Octane" versions. And there is a brand-new song with another collaboration from Lindsey Stirling titled "Forever & Ever." It's an excellent deluxe edition album with some interesting versions of her songs and the new track is one of my favorites from her. Check it out!
Tyraels Ascension - "Holy Fire"
If you're looking for some of the best, new, indie Christian metal bands, you should follow Rottweiler Records--they're continually finding and supporting these bands. One of the newest you need to hear is Tyraels Ascension and their debut single "Holy Fire." This is a side project from Kevin McNeil of hardcore band Deathbreaker (from Facedown Records) and Sean Searls of metalcore band Bury Your Burdens. Together, they've created an epic sound that has elements of deathcore, hardcore, and progressive metal. It sounds awesome and their full length will be released August 2, alongside a whole video game called Tyraels Ascension: Hell Walker.
Brotality - It Feeds
For a group of young men, Christian metal band Brotality's talent far exceeds expectations, competing with many metal bands that have been creating music for many years. Their newest EP,It Feeds, is no exception to their skilled musicianship to be on full display. It Feeds contains a handful of new songs that exemplify their talent and songwriting. Songs like "Black Abandon" explores the depths of isolation and depression, meanwhile "The Bones of God" allows for the hope of God's provision to be a comfort to the listener in the midst of struggle and dismay. This three-piece continues to blow my mind and ears, and if you give them a chance, I'm sure they'll impress you, too.
