Eye On It
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TobyMac TobyMac is back, and he isn't one to dissapppoint! This powerhouse in christian pop/rock/rap/contemporary music has been blasting his way through his career for more than 20 years. And his new album, Eye...
Believer
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Kutless Long-time christian hard rock group Kutless has been wowing us with their undeniably powerful sound for almost 10 years now. They have amazed us both with their catchy, riff-influenced hard rock...
The End is Where We Begin
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Thousand Foot Krutch With their ground-breaking, bulletproof release in 2009, Welcome to the Masquerade, hard rock/nu metal quartet Thousand Foot Krutch seemed unstoppable. They soon after released a fan edition of Masquerade...
Got My Eye On It | Posted December-11-2012
TobyMac is back, and he isn't one to dissapppoint! This powerhouse in christian pop/rock/rap/contemporary music has been blasting his way through his career for more than 20 years. And his new album, Eye On It, keep his momentum (no pun intended) WAY up. My favorite songs on here are the title track, "Forgiveness (feat. Lecrae)", "Made For Me", and "Me Without You". For those who are a fan of the Mac's earlier music, you might want to come in fresh-minded...this stuff is brand new and CRAZY fresh.
Not Believin' It | Posted March-31-2012
Long-time christian hard rock group Kutless has been wowing us with their undeniably powerful sound for almost 10 years now. They have amazed us both with their catchy, riff-influenced hard rock sound and also with their radio-ready, silky smooth worship sound. However, their latest effort, Believer, does not continue their imaginative, creative blend. Instead, they have hooked together many uncreative, flat ballads with a couple awkwardly odd "rock" songs. While I believe they have a lovely sound, this is NOT the Kutless that many have come to know and love.
I'm sure anyone reading this review can tell that I am not a fan of this album. However, I am a fan of a couple of these songs--if they were spread out into a couple other albums. For example, the title track is a very inspiring and well-written song about the tough times in life. As storms approach, as a Christian we are ready to tackle them because we have Christ in our hearts. This song, "If It Ends Today", and "Carry Me to the Cross" are probably what make up for this dissappointment of an album. I really expected a rougher, more open-sounding Kutless instead of this soft, quiet Kutless. Hopefully their next album will erase this review and keep my love for Kutless alive. You can do it, boys!
Far From the Beginning, These Guys Know How to Rock! | Posted March-14-2012
With their ground-breaking, bulletproof release in 2009, Welcome to the Masquerade, hard rock/nu metal quartet Thousand Foot Krutch seemed unstoppable. They soon after released a fan edition of Masquerade which featured three previously unrealeased tracks, gaining even more firepower. However, in a very head-scratching move, the band decided to break free from their record label and set themselves as an independent, fan-fueled group. On hearing this, I was questioning whether or not they would have the power to pull out another solidly dynamite album. And in fact, they most certainly did not create a solid album...they created a RAWKFIST-solid album! I will go through the songs one-by-one in order to give people a better feel for the album.
The album begins with an ominous, eery intro with a computerized voice exclaiming over a chorus and pounding drums, "If you don't stand for something, why fall for everything? The end is where we begin." It begins picking up, crescendoing into the next song, "We Are".
Right off the bat, "We Are" blew me away with a very new addition to the signature TFK sound: COW BELL! The riffage at the beginning of the song is soon joined by what is known as the coolest instrument known to man, even if you aren't really that interested in country music...but this is FAR from country music. More of a declaration to the world, "We Are" sets the tempo for the rest of this album as a statement of faith, saying "WE CAN BE A CHANGE."
Nothing about "Light Up the Sky" is turned down--whatsoever. This song could easily be a theme song for UFC or Wrestlemania, seeming almost like a pre-fight song as Trevor raps, "Gloves off/ fight night/ Boom comes the hurricane/...Watch me light up the sky". This song along with a couple others on this album are very echoing of songs like "Rawkfist", "Move", and "Fire it Up", off their previous albums. However, there is something very different about these...they are bolder...edgier...gritter.
The title track is up next, a powerful, in-your-face rocker about how us as Christians need to change away from the world, even if it means some hurt and uncomfort. This song is one of the more faith-based jams on the album, although many of the tracks do mention some type of faith-based comment. All in all, a VERY uplifting and thought-provoking anthem.
As I said before, there are many songs on this disc that are loud, in-your-face rockers sure to be on a sports show. "Let the Sparks Fly" is DEFINITELY one of those. Lead singer Trevor McNevan turns his vocals onto a more aggressive, gritty side, screaming and yelling for about half the song. This song is sure to keep adrenaline pumping through people's veins each time they listen to this release.
From here, an older version of TFK emerges on the song "I Get Wicked," as Trevor goes back to his old days of rapping while still holding a bold, spicy hard rock flavor. This song is sure to get old fans of TFK excited as it feels like Trevor is going back to Set it Off.
The album finally takes a breather, going to their first ballad, "Be Somebody," which talks about how being in touch with Christ shows people their true self, though some are afraid to see that side of themselves. This song is very radio-friendly and is sure to be one of their singles in the near future. If you listen closely, you may be able to hear distant rumbles of songs off of The Flame in All of Us, such as "Favorite Disease" or "Learn to Breathe", but this song, I believe, has more depth to it.
"Courtesy Call", which is introduced by "This is a Warning", at first may make you think you are listening to the wrong band, as Trevor's voice is auto-tuned and almost sounding clubby. However, he finally belts out a "Hey!" which sets the TFK sound back into the song. This is one of my favorite songs on the album partly because of the unique sound displayed here. They almost divert to a gothic chorus a couple times which is something NEVER attempted in TFK music before.
"War of Change" is an undeniably earth-shaking anthem exclaiming to the world, "Wait/It's just about to break/It's more than I can take/Everything's about to change." This song describes the ongoing battle of choices in our society. We have the choice to listen to uplifting music, yet sometimes we listen to Lil' Wayne or Kesha. We have the choice to love, yet we choose to hate. This is an anthem screaming to choose what is right and pure.
"Down" is probably the most aggressive song on the album, but is also very interesting. Here, Trevor raps, sings, and screams about all of the people who told him that he would not be able to make a difference with his band and telling them how wrong they were. Props to Trev.
Another breather is taken on the album with the acoustic song "All I Need to Know". I must admitt, TFK knows how to sound incredible both through screaming and riffing as well as haromonizing and singing a ballad with an acoustic guitar. Trevor sings about how so many people know so many things and memorize so many things, yet miss out on the beautiful wonders of the God of the Universe. Definitely one of the highlights of the album.
"Fly on the Wall" brings the tempo back up a little bit, but sets the tone as more of a mid-rocker. The orchestration during the verses create a very interesting and unique listen, and upon hearing the chorus, you can't help but put your fist up in agreement. The fly is an analogy to a person who is waiting for someone to do something about the world, yet Trevor sings in the chorus that we need to let that side of us go and be the change.
The final song, "So Far Gone", closes out the album, in slow, yet passionate and beautiful fashion. The band exits with a worship-style track exclaiming their thanks to Christ for helping them get back on their feet in the hard times, even when they found it hard to trust in Him. This could be one of the best ways I have heard a band close out their album, emotional and VERY powerful.
Overall, this is no album. This is a journey into the minds of four musical geniuses as they explore the deep and touchy subject of becoming the change in a Godless world. Well-done, TFK. VERY well-done.
Special Twist on Christian Music, and it is a FUN Twist! | Posted July-14-2010
Many people believe that if it sounds partyish, it cannot be called, "Christian". Party rock quintet Family Force 5 easily shows that being a chrstian can be VERY fun too! These guys combine screaming, rapping, singing, synthesizers, and head-banging melodies to form what they call club-oriented crunk. The five brothers each call themselves by nicknames: Soul Glo Activator: lead vocalist/guitars. Crouton: Drums/vocals. Phatty: bass/vocals. Chap Stique: lead guitars. Nadaddy: synthesizers/hype-man. Their songs on this debut album range from hard rock, crunk, hip-hop, metal, dance, and rap metal. Their partyish spirit takes their screaming to a much more fun level, even for those who do not like screamo. Some of my favorites on this knockout album are "Kountry Gentlemen", "Earthquake", "Love Addict", "Supersonic", "Replace Me", and "Put Ur Hands Up". These guys are basically a clean and christian version of 3OH!3...so for fans of 3OH!3 and possibly Hawk Nelson...this is a good album for you. Also, their live show is DEFINITELY something to check out. AWESOME SHOW.
Christian Music Is Finally Awake! | Posted April-24-2010
Skillet's latest album, "Awake", packs the punch of 1,000 freight trains and yet also beholds the beauty of incredible CCM music at it's best! Along with this CD being the most anticipated album of their entire career, their fanbase, Panheads, has had a major increase in members. The CD itself has crisp, intense instruments along with the soaring, snarling voice of frontman John Cooper. The addition of the beautiful Jen Ledger as drummer and backup singer has gotten Skillet even more won with her angelic, sweet voice that also has a sound of urgency and power.
The beginning track, "Hero", shoots the CD off with a hip-hopish sound to it with fast, almost rappy vocals, but with chugging guitars and frantic drums. Their second track and also second single, "Monster", is definitely their darker song on the album but also gives people a chance to look inside of themselves and see the monster that they want gone in their life. It is also one of the hardest songs they have ever made, which may turn some people off to it.
"Don't Wake Me" brightens up the disc with a lovely power ballad which talks about the times when love really hurts, but we can all overcome that. The incredible and demanding "Awake and Alive" uses the beautiful vocals of Jen Ledger again and is a declaration of faith, saying that as Christians, we must stand up for our faith and stay strong through the hard times. The strings give a Comotose-ish glare to the song, but still does not fail what-so-ever.
"One Day Too Late" again shoots off the power ballad with a thoughtful song that sings about making a difference to the world as well as, in a way, evangelism. The power ballads fade away with the militant "It's Not Me It's You", which is an angry song about people who try to put you down for your beliefs, such as Christ or the way you dress. Another quite hard song that may give some people a dark feeling, but looking at it all around, it is a strong declaration of faith as well.
The poppy and, in a way, sassy "Should've When You Could've" is about relationships and how holding on once broken up has bad effects. Although it has a very exciting beat to it, the lyrics tend to be a little bit stangely rhymed. "Believe" again is about relationships and how drama gets in the way, but there is always a time to start over. The acoustic mixed with the electric really sounds awesome.
A much more happy and worshipful song, "Forgiven" deals with sinning and how no matter how many sings you have committed, God still loves you and he will forgive you if you repent. The instruments jam this song with a great piano intro with strings. The opposite of "Forgiven", "Sometimes" deals with the dark side that all of us have that we sometimes let win. It is, from the first note on, a dark song but is very realistic and is incredibly truthful. The line that might get families a little questioned, "I want someone to hurt like the way I hurt. It's sick, but it makes me feel better" serves a purpose, for it shows the angry side trying to overtake him. Songs aren't always made to be happy, but to serve a purpose.
"Never Surrender", a very hopeful song but also deals with hurt and trying to fit in, shows that someone is always there for you, whether it is the Lord Jesus Christ or someone you just want to talk to. The intro gives off some beautiful qualities Skillet has mastered, with a moving violin introduction, but then a drum solo adds in the guitars and bass. The final song, "Lucy", is a heart-wrenching piece which talks about the loss of a loved one, but trying to cope with it. It also deals with getting a second chance for a brand new start. It is beautiful, happy, and sure to get people crying in a heartbeat.
In conclusion, the fantastic album, "Awake", shows off many different genres, ranging fom head-banging hard rock to slow, moving pieces for all emotional people. Anyone who loves "Comotose" NEEDS to get "Awake". These rockers have matured in Christ over the years heavily and show it. I'm awake, I'm alive!
The Aliens Have Invaded! | Posted April-22-2010
These modern rockers who have had EXTREME attention from both the christian audience as well as the mainstream radio stations and audience are without a doubt one of if not the best christian rock band out there! With an explosive fourth album, Alien Youth, these guys show analogies between aliens invading Earth and the walk of Jesus Christ. While a quite weird and head-scratching analogy, this band gives this analogy a sleek, truthful look and sound. With tracks ranging from exciting, fist pumping hard rock to easy, silky worship songs, this album is a must-own for any crazy Skillet fan, such as myself. The head-banging "Rippin' Me Off" is a declaration to the world that we will stand strong in our faith and will not care about insults about our gracious God. The techno-hard rock sound fills this song and does not fail in the least. On the flip end, the sweet and beautiful "You Are My Hope" tells us to be a light in the dark and continue to serve Him. These guys are continuing to shine and surely do not dissappoint in this album and any other album that they have made. Go Skillet!
The Best Crash I Have Ever Seen! | Posted April-22-2010
With incredibly soaring vocals of the awesome C.J. as well as the rocking guitars, bassist, and thundering drums, this crazy good album touched my heart deeply!One of their best songs that I have ever heard, "Fading", is a desperate call out to God to save ourself from the scum and sin of the world that we are currently stuck in. This song, along with a powerful message, has a great rock beat with a slicing intro to get any hard rock fan on their feet! One of their ballads on their album, "Best I Can", talks about living as close to perfect for God as we can, but knowing we can never live all the way up to Christ. A beautiful piece with heart-wrenching vocals from C.J. Decyfer Down, you guys have done it again! Also, check out their live set...it is mind-blowing. Their show will have how singing in your car for quite a few days!
Not the Usual "Stellar"...and Not in a Good Way | Posted April-22-2010
I am pretty dissappointed with this Stellar Kart album. It has some interesting qualitiesto it, such as their quicker and more blazing version of "Spirit in the Sky", but other than that, it was just...boring and not quite what Stellar Kart does which is usually...well...stellar. I haven't lost hope in them, but this album isn't boosting any ratings for me. Try harder, Stellar Kart!
Very Graceful Words! Awesome! | Posted April-22-2010
While many borderline hardcore bands come out with music that sounds the same and kind of blurs, Sent By Ravens bends the rules with their new EP, Our Graceful Words. With cranked tunes that borderline genres such as punk, hardcore, and hard rock, these guys know how to get melodic with a lot of raspy, intense vocals as well as chugging guitars. The only part not quite liked about this is it felt a little too much like a repeat of their last EP. But overall, a well-rocked EP with incredibly graceful words!
skilletrockshard's Music and Book Reviews 
