Therapy in Metalcore | Posted October-01-2024 What You Need To Know
Heal The Hurt is the self-titled debut of the band Heal The Hurt. Frontman Trevor Tyson formed the band out of a passion for supporting people's mental health through biblical hope. As such, you'll find messages that directly address topics like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation through a faith-based lens. Heal The Hurt is a melodic metalcore band that doesn't shy away from the complex issues in life.
What It Sounds Like
Heal The Hurt boasts a dynamic and modern metalcore sound, engaging fans with nasty breakdowns, roaring vocals, and a creative arrangement of melodic elements. The opening song highlights the band's tender and vulnerable heart—an outcry to God to save us from the sorrow we are drowning in. Heal The Hurt's influences from bands like Memphis May Fire, Wage War, and We Came As Romans are evident as they skillfully weave modern metalcore together in hopeful and relatable songs.
Spiritual Highlights
Trevor's faith is a driving force for these songs, even though he's not afraid to tackle sensitive topics in the mental health space. Heal The Hurt cries out to God by name for salvation and help amid the struggles of life. Trevor's influence and presence in the Christian rock and metal scenes are evident in these songs, with familiarity in sounds but in their own voice.
Best Song
One of their lead singles, "Withering," captures the heart of the band well. In this gut-wrenching song, the outpour of desperation fuels the need for hope and salvation from the hurt in and around us. Sometimes, just a glimpse of hope keeps us moving, as they proclaim, "I won't be withering for long." But this does not negate the pain, as they admit, "My emotions fade/and the darkness takes hold/no hope no sorrow/just my hell exposed." This balance of present relatability and a hopeful future sets this band apart.
Heal The Hurt delivers an excellent debut that clearly shows the band's heart, a desire to reach and present to them the little the lost, and the hope they need to begin healing while knowing they are not alone in their current hurt. The songs are relatively short, with seven clocking in just over 20 minutes. Given their deep emotional content, some more time to immerse oneself in these songs would have delivered an even more powerful experience. Nevertheless, this EP proclaims that we all have room to heal even in the middle of our hurt, utilizing intense and well-crafted metalcore music as its perfect medium.
When We Were Kings - A Royal Record | Posted September-23-2024 What You Need To Know
Stryper is an iconic and unmistakenly foundational Christian rock and metal band from the roaring '80s anthems to the modern career spanning nearly 20 years. Their latest studio album, When We Were Kings, marks the second record in a year, following the acoustic To Hell With The Amps.
What It Sounds Like
Stryper's immediately recognizable style and sound are as clear on this record as on the last ten. The high-pitched harmonization from the band's gang vocals and lead singer Michael Sweet's solo singing is as melodic as ever, with excellent guitar solos and biblical messages holding it all together. If you've heard anything from Stryper in recent years, you'll recognize what you hear here.
Spiritual Highlights
It wouldn't surprise anyone to say Stryper continues to write excellent, biblically themed songs in this album. They know what is most important: timeless truths and hope everyone needs. Stryper challenges us through music to love our enemies with "Unforgiveable" and reminds us to be grateful even in hard times with "Grateful." The powerhouse song, "Trinity," focuses solely on the glory of God, while "End of Days," as the name suggests, is an epic song that paints a vivid picture of the end times. There's no shortage of what makes Stryper themselves.
Best Song
Stryper's new record has excellent music, forming a cohesive listening experience—from exciting worship songs to rock and roll anthems. "End of Days" is one of the best opening songs on a Stryper album. This song is an excellent demonstration of the band's musical excellence and sets the expectations for the album. Conceptually, it presents an epic narration of the end of days.
When We Were Kings continues to cement Stryper's legacy in the Christian rock and metal worlds. Their lifetime expertise is masterfully utilized throughout the album to create infectious choruses, invigorating guitar solos and musicianship, and foundational lyrics that'll resonate with every listen. As great as the songs are, if I put Stryper on shuffle without knowing the albums too well, I'm not sure I'd place these songs all on the same record, as many of the recent material has a similar sound and style. Regardless, these great songs will continue to prove Stryper's musical prowess and encourage listeners.
The Fear of God Review | Posted August-12-2024 What You Need To Know:
Convictions is a Christian metalcore band from Ohio that has been unleashing hope-filled heavy music for a little over a decade now. The Fear of God is their fourth full length album and seventh project overall.
What It Sounds Like:
Convictions continues the chaotic, explosive sound that their previous masterpiece, I Won't Survive, introduced. The self-labeled aggressive worship is as evident here as anywhere else, staying consistent with their lyrics that address serious life struggles with a faith-based hope. Lead singer Michael Felker's vocal range has noticeably improved, the mix is fantastic, and the music is modern metalcore with electronic elements.
Spiritual Highlights:
Aggressive worship is the moniker and as long as it is, the band won't shy away from telling people that God is the author of our hope and is present in our struggles. "Sleeping Lotus" is a vulnerable song that expresses desire to change and become better, acknowledging that, like a flower, we might wither before we bloom. This outcry to God is evident of the band's heart and foundations in the times of struggle.
Much like the themes of I Won't Survive, the band continues to write songs about sensitive, tough topics to help people. "Hurts Like Hell" addresses grief and questions God in the hurt. "Buried In Thorns" is a song that details domestic abuse victims, maturely written. Even something like miscarriage is met with sympathy in "Waking Nightmare." But through it all, hope is evident, thanks to the band's faith.
Best Song:
With so many heavy hitters, The Fear of God is sure to grip the listener somewhere along the journey. But if nothing else, the last song, the title track, will get your attention. "The Fear of God" is unrelentless in its short length. The band proclaims that only the fear of God will save us with "It's dread of the unknown/Like a lamb to the slaughter/When all hope is gone/Will you embrace the fear of God?"
The Fear of God is devastatingly heavy and is unashamedly vulnerable. We need more heavy music like this. The expert songwriting is showcased in writing songs centered around sensitive topics while proclaiming God's hope above it all. There's no denying that this record spotlights the current line-up's strengths in the metal world, and Mike's screams having more range and ferocious than ever. Despite these highlights, there were times when the songs sounded too similar to each other - with a similar sounding mix evident in each. This wasn't bad, but more variety would have bonded the record even more.
Reignited - A Fiery Remix | Posted July-28-2024 What You Need To Know
After 12 years of the monumental Christian rock album - The End Is Where We Begin- the Canadian rockers Thousand Foot Krutch have re-recorded the album with special guest vocals on every song - naming the project Reignited. There are a variety of artists that contribute, primarily in the rock world, mostly mainstream collaborations. Lead singer Trevor McNevan has had a leading hand in it all, too.
What It Sounds Like
The iconic, gritty Thousand Foot Krutch sound is still just as contagious and energetic - with a new mix. It is a subtle change to most sounds, but the remixes allow for the guest vocals to shine in their own spots. The record sounds massive and crisp, masterfully mixed and produced, comparable to the original - unlike the official Metamorphosizremixes. The distorted guitars, pumped-up drumming, and soaring vocals are all still here and hit hard.
Spiritual Highlights
The songwriting did not change on this new version of the album, as it should be, in my opinion. As such, the same spiritual content here is worth noting. Over the last 12 years, these songs have been anthems for Christians around the world, literally. Millions and millions of streams garnered prove their relativity and positivity that we can sympathize with.
Whether it's our hope in the afterlife through the title track, personal empowerment with "Light Up The Sky," or the tender moments in life and faith reflected in "Fly on the Wall," these songs are iconic in the rock world and our lives because of their deep faith roots and real-life stories.
Best Song
Whether than deciding what song is the best, as that debate on the original album has lasted over a year, I think it's worth highlighting the best remixes. My favorite hard rock song here is the remix with Saint Asonia (and former Three Days Grace) lead singer Adam Gontier. For years, rock fans have been shaped by Adam's songs and the collaboration and spot on "Let The Sparks Fly" is fantastic.
The better of the soft songs is an expertly-picked guest vocal spot from Jake Segura from Citizen Soldier. Citizen Soldier has exploded in popularity in the last few years for their relative approach to writing mental health-driven songs, and between his unique style and the song choice, this was a perfect combo - it's almost like this song was meant to have Jake sing it.
Reignited is a fantastic collaboration and remix of such a foundational rock album of the 2010s. Whether you relate to the faith themes as a Christian or not, it is undeniable that this record cemented Thousand Foot Krutch's name in the rock world. They already saw success, sure, but nothing like what followed. The guest vocals have a great range of rock, alternative, and some electronic influence - all of which have always been influential in Trevor's background. I would have loved to see more collaborations from more faith-aligned contemporaries, but I can't complain with these ones much. Here's to new, original music soon, TFK!
To Hell With The Amps - A Heavenly Choice | Posted July-20-2024 What You Need To Know:
Stryper's legendary impact on the Christian rock and metal scene is felt far and wide. And they're not only known for their soaring anthems, but also their emotive, tender ballads. To celebrate an extensive career and to honor those ballads, Stryper has released their first full-length album of acoustic and stripped back songs - To Hell With The Amps.
What It Sounds Like:
It's not a surprise that this record was carefully recorded and created. They could have just taken an acoustic guitar can re-sang the songs and called it good, but they did not. They re-created major hits - both anthemic and soft - ranging from "Soldiers Under Command" to "Honestly." A full rearrangement is on display, with various stringed instruments and well-honed vocals lending to each song being respectfully cared for.
Spiritual Highlights:
Stryper's songs have always been a reliable source of biblical hope and truths. The only non-original song here is the cover of "Amazing Grace." Which means every song here has already stood the test of time and is in line with the band's theological prowess and writing. Listening to these songs in a new arrangement provides a unique experience that helps you focus more on the lyrics than before, and they chose great songs to highlight.
Best Song:
Their rendition of "Amazing Grace" is definitely a highlight. Though it is wonderful to hear songs like "No More Hell To Pay" and "Loud & Clear" in a new light, and even more so with the ballads reimagined, hearing something traditional in the Stryper style is a fun surprise. It even has an accompanying video to see the band perform it live in the studio. It's an excellent choice for the band to add, among a multitude of possible covers.
Stryper's first foray into the dedicated acoustic realm of music is a smashing success in my opinion. Each song is carefully chosen from a huge library of music and are each given a skillful arrangement to showcase the band's amazing musicianship and highlight the lyrics more. This record is a fantastic tribute to the band's history and fan favorites.
Hell Quakes II: A Better Chapter | Posted June-22-2024
What You Need To Know:
Hell Quakes: Chapter II follows the death/brash metal band A Secret Ending as they continue to write songs that are directly related to biblical stories and truths. These four songs are quick, intense, and showcase great songwriting.
What It Sounds Like:
A Secret Ending brings their own twist to the modern metal music world - identifying as brash and symphonic death metal. Building off their previous works, they continually integrate unique instrumentation in their music. The first song, "The Sins of Manasseh," for example, the last 30 seconds is a showcase of brass instrumentation intertwined with the typical rhythmic death metal sound. Meanwhile, "Among the Tombs" has a much more straightforward, droning to its heaviness.
Spiritual Highlights:
Some Christians have never read about King Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33 and 2 Kings 21. The most wicked of the kings of Israel and Judah. Well, A Secret Ending holds nothing back in the retelling of the story. Not only that, but they also made a lyric video in YouTube for each of the four songs - and "The Sins of Manasseh" includes videography as well. "Among the Tombs" is a narration of Matthew 8:28-43 with the Legion-possessed man.
"Cultural Christ" shows off a different kind of songwriting. In this song, A Secret Ending condemns the modern day, American-ized Christianity that allows for cherry-picking what we want and don't want from the Bible to apply to our lives. God's love and wrath are synonymous is a strong message. And lastly, "Hell Quakes II" has a more repetitive chorus structure that ultimately is praising the Lord's greatness.
Best Song:
Each song on the EP stands out for its own unique songwriting and style. The best musically experimental song is "The Sins of Manasseh." The best traditionally heavy song is "Among The Tombs." The most culturally relevant song is "Cultural Christ." And the best lyrically experimental (for the band) is "Hell Quakes II".
Hell Quakes: Chapter II highlights the one-man band's incredible talent and passion for the Bible. Ed Casimir is the lead of all things A Secret Ending does - music videos, writing, playing, etc. This is a great EP that exemplifies the brash metal direction that Ed is taking the music. I think he could have added more length to the songs, as they are noticeably short; fully capable of maintaining attention and strong songwriting. The songwriting is superb, the vocals are crazy good, and it's ultimately a powerful epitome of Christian-based excellency in metal.
Not Too Blind To See Great Music | Posted June-13-2024
What You Need To Know:
Classic Disaster is a new Christian metalcore band formed in southern California. They recently released their debut EP - Too Blind To See - with a newer label called Sanctify Studios. Too Blind To See is their first major release, aside from some leading singles that gained attention from the hard rock and metal music scenes.
What It Sounds Like:
Modern metalcore bands often find themselves in a sea of bands who are doing similar things with their heavy music. Classic Disaster has a more alternative metal sound, leaning more into a continuous, groovy riffs that drives the music, instead of relying on guitar solos or breakdowns. Their sound is reminiscent of 2000s Christian bands like Pillar or Skillet.
Spiritual Highlights:
Too Blind To See features six songs, each of which accomplish something a little different. The opening song is exemplary of their mission as a band - to bridge hardship and hope in life through their music and lyrics. It invites the listener to open up and receive God in their life. The next song, "To The Ground," has the same in-your-face message that a lot of the now-big names in Christian rock and metal have had success with.
The EP seems to open up with more vulnerability as it progresses, finding the last two songs especially deeper with elements of faith and life struggles. "Never Alone" dives into the difficulty of trusting God even when we feel alone and even more so, with "Suffering." The EP is full of mature, honest, and biblical songwriting that is encouraging and refreshing.
Best Song:
There are strong contenders for my favorite song, as the lead singles, such as "To The Ground" and "Broken System" are solid songs for any fan of Christian metal. But the most impressive song is the closing one, "Suffering." The message of the song is something we can all relate to.
Lead singer Adam Castro screams a heartfelt cry to God with, "they say you hold the whole world in your hands/and if that's true then I don't understand/why there's so much suffering/I know you have a greater plan!" Lending to the song is the fantastic musicianship of the band, showcased in that your attention is kept through the almost 7-minute long song.
It's not often that a metal band's debut is packed with so much potential and excellence. The singles were definitely leading up to something great and Classic Disaster delivered. The closing song showcased their ability to creature longer, more musically diverse songs, and I hope they lean into that more next time. Although, "To the Ground" was the most average of the songs, both lyrically and musically. Ultimately, the passion to share hope to a hopeless world with well-made alternative metal is clearly seen here. I hope more is to come from the band soon enough!
A Win for Fans New and Old | Posted May-15-2024 What You Need To Know
Veritas is the eleventh studio record from rock legends P.O.D. "Veritas" translates to truth in Latin, something defining to the album's heart. The album art signifies a "culmination of innocence and dark hidden truths," by the band. After around 30 years, P.O.D. continues to rock their fanbase and perform strong.
What It Sounds Like
P.O.D. is known for their punk-rock and rap genres blended together. Veritas is no exception, but it certainly leans more heavily on the hard rock side of things. Some guest vocalists provide harsher vocals than lead singer Sonny Sandoval can typically provide. But their rhyming, hip-hop core is never lost, often weaving in anthemic choruses with the high tempo verses.
Spiritual Highlights
The Christian faith that Sonny and some band members hold near and dear has always shown in their music, from early days with Southtown to now Veritas. A few songs that highlight their faith and hope in music include songs like "I Got That," which proclaims that "I got that inhale, exhale life that you breathe/But since the world so fake only a few of you will." It's a harsh truth that Christians have hope to share but not all will welcome it.
One of the lead singles, "Afraid to Die," is spiritually deep. It is an declaration of eternal hope that "We ain't afraid to die/if the world is gonna end/you know that I'm bringing all my friends." This highlights our collective hope in eternity. The song also explores some of Sonny's personal testimony.
Best Song
The singles such as "Afraid to Die," "Drop," and "I Won't Bow Down" are certainly standouts. "Afraid To Die" is an impressive display of classic P.O.D.'s influences while introducing modern elements for a unique song reminiscent of "Youth of the Nation." But maybe the best song, a hidden gem, is "This Is My Life."
"This Is My Life" feels like authentic P.O.D., with southern California roots evident. The upbeat, popping rhythm is infectious and refuses to get out of your head. The songwriting also caught my attention, unashamed of embracing faith in our lives. The chorus embraces the shortness of our lives on earth with, "here and this is my life/here and gone away." Elsewhere, the guest vocalist Cove Reber, shouts, "we living One Love, One Way/and I don't care what the people say." I hope we can all claim that truth for ourselves as proudly as P.O.D. does.
After what has felt like, in my opinion, a few experimental albums, P.O.D. reinfuses hard rock into their unique blend of music genres to create a powerful record that instantly stands tall among their discography. Veritas has some of the heaviest moments, musically and vocally, in recent years, and it is a change for the better. If you haven't given P.O.D. a listen for a long while, you should. I think Veritas will win over old fans and earn new fans.
A Higher Power For Scott Stapp | Posted March-23-2024 What You Need To Know
Scott Stapp, the lead singer of the rock band Creed, has also released numerous solo works. Higher Power, his most personal and spiritually honest record yet, is his fourth record since starting his solo career in 2005. Scott has been outspoken about his Christian faith in recent years, and his roots can be traced back to early Creed days.
What It Sounds Like
To say this new project is different from a Creed album would be wrong. Scott cannot separate that sound from his own music; it's who he is. There are beautifully melodious ballads and some of the heaviest songs he has created in a long time, such as the lead single "Higher Power" or "Black Butterfly." Talented guitarist Yiannis Papadopoulos also provides significant guitar riffs and solos on three songs.
Spiritual Highlights
Scott's faith is more noticeable on this record than on The Space Between The Shadows, his last release in 2019. The lead single, "Higher Power," boldly views God and how broken people like us need a savior. Scott is also very introspective, highlighting the impact of grace in our lives in songs such as "What I Deserve."
Scott's traditional, feel-good, encouraging songwriting is evident throughout, especially in the last three songs. But knowing these lyrics are coming from a place of faith gives them a stronger weight; I could even consider "Weight of the World" an encouraging perspective from God to us.
Best Song
The lead single, "Higher Power," is an explosive song that easily rivals Scott's music, from solo to Creed. The sound is high-energy, Scott's vocals are soaring and commanding, and the declaration of faith is refreshing. Though Scott's soft side is heart-warming, a song like "If These Walls Could Talk" is a prime example of his vulnerability to life. He admits to faults but confesses to change in his heart and ways despite the struggles, much like our lives in Christ.
Scott's faithfulness and honesty about his life with God are evident, and he is rewarded for it. However, there are a few complaints about the album. However, there was a pleasant surprise with a biblical reference in the line "What I Deserve," closing with "And we need to realize that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth." I would have loved to hear more of this direct truth from the many who will listen to this album. Higher Power is an emotional exploration featuring the dichotomy of living with faith in a faithless world.
Reflecting on Spoken's Legacy | Posted March-18-2024
What You Need To Know
Reflectionis the Christian metal band Spoken's tenth record in its incredible 28 years. The band released this record in a new partnership with XOVR Records, founded by Brian "Head" Welch, the lead guitarist and co-founder of the famous metal band Korn. Reflection is one of Spoken's largest albums, clocking in at just under an hour and featuring 14 songs.
What It Sounds Like
Spoken proves they have retained their edge after many years in the Christian metal scene. Besides being one of the largest, Reflection is one of the heaviest records to date--especially with some gnarly, aggressive vocals that will impress fans new and old. There is no shortage of adrenaline-pumping metalcore music with intense guitar riffs and nasty breakdowns. The heaviness is comparable to, maybe more, than 2013's fan-favorite Illusionalbum.
Spiritual Highlights
After building a legacy in the metal world, Spoken is known not just for lead singer Matt Baird's iconic vocals and excellent metalcore musicianship but also for their upfront, Christian-influenced songwriting. This record is full of mature and introspective songwriting, written from a biblical foundation.
The opening song, "Echoes," declares our eternal hope beyond the pain on earth. "Hourglass" proclaims, "Faith is the only thing I have," after lamenting lies taking over our lives. "In The Dark" is a softer song that questions, "Do you believe surrender changes everything/there's more than pain in your heart." The whole album is full of this hopeful, impactful, bold songwriting.
Best Song
One of the lead singles, "Sleeper (featuring Demon Hunter's lead vocalist Ryan Clark)," is one of two songs with a guest vocalist from Demon Hunter. The other is "Anymore (feat Brian "Head" Welch)," and it is the better of the two.
"Sleeper" is one of the heavier songs on the record, and Ryan Clark lends both clean and unclean vocals alongside Matt. It's a reflective song that explores our human nature compared to our awakened souls in Christ. The vulnerable admission of feeling lost is, "I was/That I thought was my own/Torn apart by the wolves/Where no mercy is shown." Much like the rest of the record, "Sleeper" is relatable and lost in a world that echoes our desire to grow and mature with a hopeful future in mind.
The number 10 is often connected to a monumental occasion, whether years in the business or the number of albums made. For Spoken, it's far more the latter than the former. Yet, even after nearly 30 years, Spoken may have created their best record, number ten. Reflection runs longer than usual, almost an hour long. The album would have been more cohesive with fewer songs. But there are catchy, mid-range songs that many fans can enjoy and relate to, while some of the most intense songs in the band's history explode in your face and prove their expertise in the metal world. Ultimately, Reflection provides heavy songs that guide us through reflection on our pasts and look to hopeful futures in Christ.
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