Is Kutless a rock band or a worship group? The answer is simply "yes," and their brand new album Surrender continues to prove that. Here's a look back at some of the group's standout rock tracks from each of their nine studio albums.

"Tonight" from Kutless (2002)
 
There are quite a few rockers from Kutless's self-titled debut project, but "Tonight" is one of the strongest. The grit in Jon Micah Sumrall's voice in the chorus backed by brooding, gravelly guitars throughout landed this one in the post-grunge movement.

"Let You In" from Sea of Faces (2004)
 
The fact that Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter features on this song should speak for itself. The dark texture achieved in the guitar tone marks this as a rock track that still holds up more than a decade later. "Treason" is another rocker from this album well worth checking out.

"Take Me In" from Strong Tower (2005)
 
The first of Kutless's worship albums dials back the rock and roll, but it's certainly still present. The title track shows this off a little, but so do the album's covers, such as the haunting take on "Take Me In" (originally written by Dave Browning). Kutless followed in the footsteps of founding Christian rock group Petra in creating this heavier take on the worship staple.

"Shut Me Out" from Hearts of the Innocent (2006)
 
This song shows up with an instant in-your-face riff that is certain to get adrenaline pumping. The message in the song is equally aggressive in its diehard dedication to the truth.

"To Know That You're Alive" from To Know That You're Alive (2008)
 
The title track from what may be one of Kutless's most underrated albums (and in my opinion one of the most underrated rock albums overall of that era) is the perfect blend of melodic and hard-hitting. In a timeframe when symphonic rock was in vogue, the group chose an effective and straight-forward electric-guitar driven approach for this anthem which encourages "I know your pain is for a reason, you need to feel just to know that you're alive."

"You Save Me" from It Is Well (2009)
 
2009's worship release brought a whole new audience to Kutless's music with the smash hit "What Faith Can Do," but there are some alt-rock leaning gems hidden in this album's tracklist as well.

"If It Ends Today" from Believer (2012)
 
The opening track to this album, with its forceful gang vocals and message of hope, is Kutless rock and roll at its best. This song also brings a unique guitar hook to the table, lending a dynamic that draws the listener in instantly. 

"Never Too Late" from Glory (2014)
 
Although Glory took the AC route perhaps most of all the releases in Kutless's discography, you can still see the rock and roll undergirding beneath the soaring, smooth melodies. "Never Too Late" borders on the sound of a rock ballad, reminding the listener of the tireless grace of our Savior.

"My Heart is a Ghost" from Surrender (2015)
 
Although brand new release Surrender sees a strong showing of the classic Kutless rock edge throughout many of the tracks, an early standout is the compelling "My Heart Is a Ghost." The chilling vocal tones, raw lyrics and haunting textures built from their approach to the guitar part should qualify this for instant inclusion on a list of the best rock tracks released this year. Album opener "Tear It Up" is also well worth a listen for fans of the heavier elements of Kutless's work.

Header photo by Tyler Schmid.