Lacey Sturm's Metanoia-filled Masterpiece Posted November 15, 2023 By RyanAdams_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know Lacey Sturmis most famous for formerly fronting the award-winning rock band Flyleaf. After her family grew, she stepped down and started authoring books and doing guest vocals occasionally. She eventually released a solo record, Life Screams, to positive critical acclaim. Seven years later, her sophomore solo record, Kenotic Metanoia, is available after five singles.
What It Sounds Like Kenotic Metanoia follows and expands on the musical style that Lacey established with Life Screams. The musicianship is familiar, from the rock and roll guitar riffs, pounding drumming, and melodic elements weaved throughout. It sounds like a natural continuation with notable growth in quality.
This is a hard rock record whose music reflects Lacey's rich range of emotional vocal control. Some songs are significantly heavier, such as the intense, iconic screams in "The Decree" or "(I Died)" but most showcase the masterful balance of melodic ambiance mixed with gritty rock music.
Spiritual Highlights Lacey has always championed the love and hope of Christ in her music and ministry, from Flyleaf to books, guest vocals, and solo music. Unsurprisingly, her second album follows in the same vein as her first. It was evident through the singles leading up to the release that Kenotic Metanoia would be a voice for recovery, healing, and hope. The remaining tracks on the album explore these themes, some from the perspective of God and humanity, while the rest are traditional.
Lacey urges listeners to take the steps needed for healing, such as "State of Me," telling us that "some may fear running to the unknown/please just tell me where else can we go." The same message is heard in "Are You Listening," she empathetically claims, "We don't wanna jump but/we don't want to stay here/oh my God, please help me." Each song on Kenotic Metanoia is emotionally deep, maturely written, and stems from an experienced life that is on fire for God.
Best Song Although five singles were released in advance, the album's complete tracklist of fifteen songs, including an intro and outro, was kept a secret. Admittedly, some singles like "The Decree" and "State of Me" were noticeably musically heavier. But like Life Screams before it, most of the album is more consistently a mix of enchanting melody and captivating vocals.
Lacey knows how to write a gripping song; one of my favorites is "Not Your Fight." The song explores God's encouragement during our struggles and spiritual battles. The chorus reflects Lacey's empathy: "Don't be afraid/Let fears wash away tonight/'Cause know that this is not your fight." The timeless truth that God fights for us day and night is repeated, backed by musical excellence.
Bottom Line Lacey Sturm's second album, Kenotic Metanoia, solidifies her status as a foundational artist in modern rock. Even better, her influence spreads Godly hope, love, and peace among listeners through her music. Anyone who seeks to deepen their relationship with God will benefit from the songs on this album. And for any fan of rock music, the emotionally masterful vocals from Lacey and the outstanding musicianship from her band are sure to draw you in and offer a change in your life.
