Take The World, But Give Me Jesus
by
Ascend the Hill One of the best aspects of music festivals is being exposed to a variety of bands. At Revelation Generation festival last weekend, I was encouraged by a few people to check out a worship band called...
Wait For The Siren
by
Project 86 A lot has changed for Project 86 in the three years since the release of “Picket Fence Cartel.” Guitarist Randy Torres and Bassist Steven Dail have officially exited the band leaving lead...
Songs In Secret
by
Great Awakening Non-profit organization Come&Live! is home to some of the most unique worship bands, one those bands being Great Awakening. The North Carolina-based quartet is back with their second record Songs In...
The World Is A Thorn | Posted March-08-2010
Demon Hunter’s fifth studio album, The World Is A Thorn opens with a melodic guitar riff. But don’t be fooled, this album is brutal. A few seconds later the low-end kicks in, and so do Ryan Clark’s ferocious vocals. Bluntly put, The World Is A Thorn is not for wimps.
From militant beats on “LifeWar” and chaotic vocals on “Descending Upon Us” to power ballads “Driving Nails” and “Blood In Tears,” Demon Hunter, with the help of pristine production from Aaron Sprinkle, manage to make the album flow seamlessly despite contrasting song styles and elements. The band has also mastered the marriage of catchy choruses and heavy riffs, exemplified on songs like “Collapsing” (think “Fading”) and “This Is The Line.”
The album’s message is summed up well in the chorus of the title-track, “Won’t bow to man. Won’t bow to government/Won’t trust in a failed system of self-fulfilling lust/Won’t love a world where my God is mocked. I defy.” Demon Hunter unashamedly rejects the world’s view of life.
Whenever a band claims that their upcoming release will be their “heavier than ever,” I take it with a grain of salt, as it rarely turns out to be true. There is some truth to it in this case. While The World Is A Thorn may not be Demon Hunter’s heaviest album overall, it does contain some of the most brutal songs the band has ever penned, most notably the title-track. However, it also contains the band’s softest song (“Blood In The Tears”) yet. Demon Hunter’s unmatchable ability to mesh heavy with melodic and its relevant messages are undoubtedly the reason why the band continues to reign supreme over the metal genre.
For Those Who Wait | Posted June-13-2010
For most bands, the dreaded sophomore slump is almost inevitable. However, Florida-rock act Fireflight conquered this hurdle handsomely with Unbreakable, which was considered by some to be the best Christian rock album of 2008. Two years later Fireflight is back with their follow-up album, For Those Who Wait.
For Those Who Wait opens with Dawn Michele’s gutsy vocals belting out the album’s title, before being embraced with a satisfying mix of lush strings and distorted guitar riffs. Following the epic title-track is “Desperate,” a rock anthem with lyrics that battle hopelessness, “I know You’re my only hope, the only one who truly knows/How it feels, what it’s like when it all starts to fall/You’re the one I can trust, who
hears when I call.”
Going into the studio, guitarist Justin Cox made a point of wanting this record to sound “bigger” than the last. This was accomplished with an enhanced rhythm section, namely huge sounding drums. These ‘80s-esque beats are especially prominent on “Core Of My Addiction” and the acoustic-based “All I Need To Be.” Fireflight also changes up its usual rhythms in the groove-driven “Fire In My Eyes.”
Piano-driven ballads like “Name” and “Recovery Begins” give the album balance and dynamic while also offering honest, empathetic lyrics. “Name” gives hope to those who feel God has abandoned them, “He sees you, He’s near you/He knows your face, He knows your pain.” The album’s closer, “Recovery Begins” waits on God’s voice, “It all comes down to this, the quiet in the end/I listen for Your voice, recovery begins.”
Most Fireflight fans are probably wondering how For Those Who Wait compares to the highly touted Unbreakable. Musically, Fireflight has progressed by incorporating piano in ballads and mixing it up rhythmically. Lyrically, different themes are presented yet the overall message remains the same- hope.
Hearts Of Saints | Posted July-21-2010
Following in the footsteps of many other top CCM artists, hip-hop group GRITS recently formed its own label, Revolution Art. Kentucky-based pop/rock act Hearts of Saints is the latest signee to that label and is set to release its self-titled debut. The album moves through themes of mercy, grace, and faith all while maintaining a thread of encouragement stemming from the band’s purpose (Philemon 1:7).
The first couple of songs focus on God’s mercy and grace. The danceable “Over & Over” reminds listeners that no matter how many times they mess up, they can always come back to God because of His mercy and grace. On the surface it seems that “Hello Grace” is just a love song about a girl named Grace. However, with the band’s faith in mind it’s clear that the song is a celebration of God’s grace.
In several tracks, vocalist Craig Felker candidly shares of uncertainties one typically experiences in the Christian walk. Specifically in the rock anthem “Beautiful Mystery,” the lyrics search for God’s will, “I’m crying out, crying out for your help/Reveal Yourself to me.” Christian young adults should especially be able to relate to this, as most struggle with uncertainties of God’s direction in their life with college, work,
etc. The final track, “Emmanuel” is even more vulnerable, “I’m not sure of the truth/I’m not sure of You/All I want to do is scream.” However, the song does not end with out revealing the truth, “Give your life, your life, God is with us, tonight!”
The messages that arise throughout this album are thought-provoking and relevant to new and mature Christians alike. The only aspect the album is lacking in is originality. But, while Hearts of Saints’ music may fail to stand out in a pool of similar pop/rock acts, the group’s heart for God will shine through.
Jeremy Camp Live | Posted November-17-2009
With five studio albums now under his belt, Jeremy Camp releases his second full-length
live album, shortly after the first went double-platinum. This time, instead of going
“unplugged,” Camp and his band bring out the electric guitars and drumsticks for the full
live experience.
Live is a sensible mix of songs from Camp’s repertoire, including hits like “Tonight,”
“Let It Fade,” and fan favorites such as the hard-hitting “Take My Life.” Noticeably
absent is the heart-wrenching “I Still Believe,” but surely this song has been worn out.
The album breaks half way through for a brief message. Camp shares his heart for this
generation and encourages the audience to reach out to others by serving and speaking
the truth, a perfect segue into “Speaking Louder Than Before.”
A few tracks, “Give Me Jesus” and “There Will Be A Day,” are powerful and captured
well. However, other tracks like “Capture Me,” “Give You Glory,” “This Man,” and
“Tonight” feel very underwhelming. The recordings hardly convey the energy that
undoubtedly was experienced by the audience. This is often an issue with live recordings
and is usually remedied (somewhat) with live footage. Oddly, this live album does not
include an accompanying DVD, which could prove to be the album’s downfall.
Closing Thoughts:
The question arises then - Is Live worth the buy? For loyal Jeremy Camp fans, the
obvious answer is yes. For casual fans- probably not. If you’re on the fence, I’d
recommend picking up Camp’s Unplugged album first. Though it lacks his more recent
songs, the intimate setting makes for a more authentic and enjoyable performance (plus it includes a DVD).
Plumb | Posted November-10-2009
Tiffany Arbuckle Lee has come a long way in her career as a Christian recording artist.
Starting out in the industry as a back-singer, Lee eventually went on to front her own
band, Plumb. After five highly successful albums spanning over a twelve-year period,
Plumb has compiled its most noteworthy songs into arguably one of the finest greatest
hits collections in Christian music.
Beautiful History is comprised of two discs. The first disc contains re-recordings of past
songs, hits from previous albums, and two new tracks. The re-recordings are selected
songs from Plumb’s first two albums that are in need of updating to mesh with the other
tracks. “Stranded” is refreshed with new guitar parts and a punchier rhythm section,
giving it more of a rock flavor. Lee showcases her impeccable vocal skill and range in
the bridge, soaring to a high note that was not in the previous recording. “Here With Me”
is revamped with new synth layers and a different rhythm. The updated version would fit
in perfectly with today’s pop radio. The extended version of “Damaged” was pulled off
of Plumb’s 2006 release, Chaotic Resolve. “God-Shaped Hole” starts out noticeably
different with a new guitar motif and a backing piano, rather than an acoustic guitar. Just
like “Stranded,” the song packs more punch than the original. The two new tracks,
“Hang On” and “Beautiful History,” fit in perfectly with the other tracks. The dark piano
vibe of “Hang On” resembles “Cut” as do the hopeful lyrics. “Beautiful History” is serene
pop/rock and continues the message of hope, “I feel so far from home/Completely all
alone/And then I hear You say… I am here, I am here.”
The second disc consists of remixes, some of which had been previously released to
iTunes. Two of the remixes are by Bimbo Jones; the group has remixed songs for
countless artists, mostly secular. Bimbo Jones’ remix of “In My Arms” topped Billboard’
s Hot Dance Airplay Chart back in 2007. There are several remixes by Plumb’s producer
Matt Bronleewe, Dave Aude, among others. All of the remixes are fast-paced with great
pulsating beats, perfect for working out at the gym or for parties.
With greatest hits collections, there almost always seems to be an issue as to whether the
included tracks were in fact the artist’s best songs. Nothing on either disc seems out of
place on this collection. Beautiful History is a fantastic representation of Plumb’s work
thus far.
Closing Thoughts:
Beautiful History has become one of my favorite greatest hits collections, along with
Nicole Nordeman’s and Ginny Owens’ greatest hits albums. The only aspect of Beautiful
History that I dislike is the remixes. I’m not really a fan of the dance/techno type stuff.
However, Plumb has experienced great response to its remixes through radio and such,
so this is probably not an issue for most fans.
Memento Mori | Posted November-03-2009
Four years, that’s almost an eternity in the ever fast-paced music industry. A band that
waits this long between album releases can easily be forgotten. However, Flyleaf wisely
used this time to tour non-stop, building up their fan base. Now the Texas-based
alternative metal act is finally in position to release their sophomore album, Memento
Mori.
The radio release of “Again” gave fans a peek at the new material. The single sets the
tone for Memento Mori, unveiling a more polished, tighter-sounding Flyleaf. From the
lyrics to the music there is noticeably less aggression on the new record than their debut,
but the band’s extraordinary passion is still present.
Throughout Memento Mori there is a sense of urgency. Lacey explains that the
overriding theme is “to make the most of the time we’ve all been given.” On the hard-
hitting “Beautiful Bride” she sings, “Strengthen your arms now/Train your fingers for
battle/Urgency’s here now,” speaking of preparation for spiritual war. Just as urgent,
“Swept Away” starts out discorded and erratic before shifting into a melodic chorus,
“Time for surrender/Spread out your open hands/And He will raise you up/Confessing all
that’s broken/And watch the healing come.” The song comes to a peak in the bridge with
Lacey unleashing her signature scream.
Lacey sings “Set Apart This Dream” and “Tiny Heart” with her younger sister in mind,
not wanting her sister to make the same mistakes as she made. “Set Apart this Dream,”
in particular, comes across as maternal and loving, “Close your eyes little girl/You’re a
princess now/You own this world/Twirling in your twirly dress/Your the loveliest far
above the rest.”
Much like their debut, Flyleaf concludes with an epic closer, “Arise.” The soaring
anthem picks up on the theme of living life to the fullest yet also imparts hope, “Sing to
me, about the end of the world/End of these hammers and needles for you/We’ll cry
tonight but in the morning we are new/Stand in the sun will dry your eyes.”
While Flyleaf’s debut was bolder in sound, Memento Mori is bolder in message. In songs
like “The Kind,” “In The Dark,” “Swept Away,” “Circle,” and especially “Beautiful
Bride,” there is no question of who or what Lacey is singing about. Musically, listeners
who felt Flyleaf’s debut was too intense will probably find Memento Mori’s overall
subdued nature to be more palatable. This is not to say that Flyleaf has gone all soft,
rather that the group has matured and refined it’s sound.
Closing Thoughts:
No sophomore slump here, Flyleaf manages to release a record that shows maturity and
growth yet stays true to their sound. Flyleaf’s debut album went platinum less than three
years after its release; I suspect Memento Mori shall reach that status quite sooner.
It Is Well | Posted November-06-2009
When you think of worship artists, which come to mind? Chris Tomlin? Hillsong?
Brenton Brown? Matt Redman? There are plenty of others, but one unlikely candidate is
Kutless. Sure, the Portland-based rock act released a worship album (Strong Tower) a few
years back, but that was when most of CCM was caught up in the “worship music
craze.” But, after much prayer and consideration, the guys of Kutless have decided to
put forth a second worship project, titled after the group’s favorite hymn, It Is Well.
Similar to Strong Tower, It Is Well is a mix of covers and originals. The title-track opens
with a traditional choir angelically singing the chorus of It Is Well. A dance/techno beat
emerges in the mix before slamming into a wall of crunchy guitars. “Redeemer” is
actually a medley of two Keith Green songs, a verse of “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful” and
a verse and chorus of “There Is A Redeemer.” The song starts out subdued but soon
becomes faced with gutsy power chords, similar in execution to the title-track.
“Hungry,” “God of Wonders,” and “Give Us Clean Hands” while solid tracks, leave a bit
to be desired (although the “woahs” at the beginning of “Give Us Clean Hands” is a nice
touch).
To keep this worship record from being all too familiar, Kutless offers some original
worship songs. The album’s lead single “What Faith Can Do” has already resonated with
many around the country, at one point reaching number one on iTunes’ top Christian
songs. Stylistically, “Remember Me” probably wouldn’t be out of place on a regular
Kutless album. The track is noticeably darker from the rest, but worshipful nonetheless.
Acoustic-driven “I’m Still Yours” brings the album to a close. Though it’s one of the
softest tracks, it’s perhaps the most powerful song on It Is Well; Jon Micah sings,
“Even if You take it all away, I know I’m still Yours.” This powerful line ties back to the
song “It Is Well” in that God will carry us through difficult times, we just have to trust in
Him.
Overall, It Is Well is a solid, uplifting worship album. Kutless once again proves that
worship can be rockin’.
Closing Thoughts:
I was quite impressed with It Is Well. I somewhat enjoyed Strong Tower, but I found it
to be a little bland. Thankfully, this is not the case with It Is Well.
Comedown | Posted September-22-2009
After creating a buzz at this year’s GMA awards, the Norwegian pop/rock outfit
Dreampilots is ready to release their debut, Comedown, here in the States. The cause for
all the buzz- Dreampilots unique sound, a seamless combination of classic pop/rock and
alternative rock elements of the band’s primary influence, Radiohead.
The two opening tracks “Keep My Soul” and “Comedown” have an early ‘70’s vibe with
Oddi’s warm vocals, synthesizer usage, and sizzling guitar riffs. Even with the classic
sound, both songs are very catchy and would appeal to today’s generation.
“Stones” references a passage in John chapter 8. In the passage, the Pharisees bring an
adulteress to Jesus and say, “In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman.”
To that Jesus replies, “If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone
at her.” The song (and passage) asks listeners to examine themselves before passing
judgment on someone else’s sin and reminds “Only God should speak tonight.”
From the opening guitar riffs, “Broken Man” sounds like something pulled from the
Rolling Stones’ catalog. The first couple of lines pretty much sum up the song’s
message- “Forgive me Lord for the times I didn’t see You/I was too busy staring at
myself.”
“Stones” and “Broken Man” offer the most straightforward messages on the album,
however most of the remaining songs aren’t as clear-cut. “Invisible Things” is especially
ambiguous and just downright bizarre in spots- “Indian scream/Haunting me/I feel the
heat/On the battlefield/On top of the world/Kings and queens/The lion is friendly/Ruling
the scene.”
From a lyrical standpoint, it’s difficult to determine the exact message being conveyed
throughout the album. But, while it’s not explicit, Comedown does carry a semblance of
hope. Musically, Dreampilots brings a remarkably refreshing style of music to CCM;
creativity oozes out of every aspect of Comedown.
Closing Thoughts:
It’s not too often that I come across an album so unique as Comedown. Yet the music
isn’t so aberrant that it’s not accessible. Comedown has the potential to appeal to classic
pop/rock fans and contemporary pop/rock fans alike.
Live Life Loud | Posted September-22-2009
Less than a year and a half after Hawk Nelson’s third release, the Ontario boys are back
with their fourth project, Live Life Loud. This time around Hawk Nelson crafts a more
musically diverse album by including non-conventional instruments in the mix (bagpipes,
church organ, ukulele) and pushing genre boundaries.
The title-track is typical Hawk Nelson- punk flavored guitars, energetic vocals, pulsing
rhythms, and lots of “whoas”. “Live Life Loud” exemplifies the album’s core theme of
being bold and living life to the fullest. “Never Enough,” “Eggshells,” and “The Job”
(think “Friend Like That”) also encompass Hawk Nelson’s usual pop/punk qualities.
Expanding upon the album’s theme, “The Meaning of Life” emphasizes the importance
of change and making a difference in the lives around you- “Gonna find a new
beginning/Lately, I’m tired of the life I’m living/Find a way, to make a change in the lives
of all of us who need to find the meaning of life.”
Live Life Loud takes a few detours in other genres along the way (alternative rock on the
hopeful anthem “Alive” and reggae on the interlude “Ode To Stanley”) before evolving
into acoustic pop/rock. But, it’s a seamless transition due to acoustic elements in
previous tracks (“Eggshells,” “The Meaning Of Life,” and “Long Ago”).
One acoustic-driven track, “Shaken” is particularly stirring. Frontman Jason Dunn dares
to step outside his own world and be the hands and feet of Christ- “Lord use me, take
me where You want me to go/I can’t help it, my heart has been replaced with a face/I’m
ready, these hands are dedicated to change.”
The finest track on the album is Hawk Nelson’s rendition of the traditional hymn “’Tis
So Sweet.” The hymn features bagpipes throughout, a bit daring perhaps, but it fits
nicely. Jenn Helvering (Sandi Patty’s daughter) provides angelic vocal harmonies, a
perfect compliment to Dunn’s vocals.
Hawk Nelson maintains a healthy balance of fun (“Live Life Loud,” “Ode To Stanley,”
“The Job”) and maturity (“The Meaning Of Life,” “Shaken,” “Lest We Forget,” “The
Final Toast”). All together Live Life Loud is an album relevant to today’s culture both in
sound and message.
Closing Thoughts:
I have to admit, I wasn’t too fond of Hawk Nelson before Live Life Loud. They still
haven’t completely won me over, but I did enjoy this album. Maybe I’ll be a full-fledged
Hawk Nelson fan with the next release…
Welcome To The Masquerade | Posted September-01-2009
One of Christian music’s most popular Canadian bands, Thousand Foot Krutch, unveils
its fifth studio album Welcome To The Masquerade. This project marks the return of
Aaron Sprinkle, who produced the group’s break-out album Phenomenon. Welcome To
The Masquerade invites you to take off your mask and confess “I’m not o.k.”
“The Invitation” serves as a foreshadowing of what’s to come - aggressive guitars,
haunting piano parts, and thumping beats. From the opening verse of the title-track long-
time fans will be pleased to hear Trevor McNevan bringing back the rhythmic vocal
stylings of Phenomenon. Setting the stage for the album McNevan raps “Take a look
around at the sea of masks/And come one, come all, welcome to the grand ball.”
Getting it’s title from a 1960’s X-men comic, “E for Extinction” picks up on the album’s
theme of “camouflaging” flaws and pain - “When we move/We camouflage
ourselves/We stand in the shadows waiting/We live for this and nothing more/We are
what you created.” Expanding on the theme, the string-laced ballad “Look Away”
encourages listeners not to hold their pain inside, instead give it up to God. He will “take
all these cuts and make them shine.”
“Smackdown” sounds like a fusion of “Rawkfist” and Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
The anthem is sure to translate well into a live setting, as well as the gutsy “Fire It Up.”
Along with fist-pumping anthems, Welcome To The Masquerade contains some wicked
breakdowns, the best one being found on “The Part That Hurts The Most (Is Me).”
Remaining rather tame at first, the mid-tempo song lets loose after the bridge with
McNevan screaming “No! Stay away from me/Get up! I’m tryin’ to walk away/It just
won’t let up!”
The softer songs seem to be the weaker points of Welcome To The Masquerade, most
would have been better suited for McNevan’s side project FM Static. However, the
ballad “Already Home” is a definite highlight of the album. One of the more spiritually
overt songs, McNevan humbly cries out “Now I am on my face/And I’m calling out
Your name/And I won’t run away/’Cause I’m already home.”
Combining the catchy hooks of The Flame In All Of Us and the rhythmic elements of
Phenomenon, Welcome To The Masquerade finds a happy medium that will likely satisfy
TFK’s massive fan base. Though ambiguous at times, the album’s message is a solid
one, letting listeners know it’s okay to take off your “mask” and reveal your inner
struggles or hurt because that is the first step toward healing.
Closing Thoughts:
Trevor McNevan describes Welcome To The Masquerade as “… pedal to the metal.”
That it is. Upon first listen, it is evident that Welcome To The Masquerade is one of the
best rock albums of the year.
piano89's Music and Book Reviews 
