On the one hand, it's hard to believe RED has been around for a decade already. On the other, it's hard to imagine they've only been around that long, given how much they've contributed to the Christian rock scene. 

It all started with RED's debut, End of Silence, and as the band re-releases that project as an anniversary edition, the NRT staff came together to share their personal reflections on the songs that made up that record.

"Break Me Down" - Micah Garnett
I first heard End of Silence ten years ago at the tender age of fourteen. I had just been introduced to Christian rock and I remember being floored by the heavy-hitting guitar, soaring melodies, and raw lyrical vulnerability in RED's music. One of the songs that immediately stood out to me was "Break Me Down."

As a teenager trying to find his place in the world, this song spoke to me on a spiritual level. "Break Me Down" is a desperate cry of escape from everyday life, a hole in our souls that only God can fill. What starts out as a dark song quickly finds hope in the chorus as Michael Barnes proclaims "Break me down / Replace this fear inside / Take this nothingness from me / I want to find / I want to shine / I want to rise / Break me down!"

Ten years later, I am a senior in college and can relate to this song more than ever. As I get ready to venture into the real world I am reminded that God's plan is better than mine. I want Him to "break me down" so that he can build me back stronger in my walk with Him. Only then can I "rise" and "shine" like he truly intends. The weight of the world can be overwhelming at times, but thanks to RED I am reminded that I don't have to face it alone.

"Breathe Into Me" - Marcus Hathcock
I remember being at Creation Festival 10 years ago, and that was back in the days when downloads hadn't quite taken over the industry, and the festivals were still handing out sampler CDs. On one I'd received, a song had been tucked deep into the tracklist by some band with the peculiarly simple name, RED, called "Breathe Into Me." 

At that time, the song had no radio play, really no marketing. It seemed that this band had emerged out of nowhere--fueled by word of mouth and, well, incredible music. Playing through the sampler, RED's track came on, and I was completely captivated. It was darker, harder rock than most of what I'd heard in Christian music, yet the lyrics were absolutely a prayer for God to breathe His life into a struggling soul. 

The symphonic strings, the gritty distortion on the guitars and Michael Barnes' passionate vocals were mesmerizing. Add to that a few well-placed screams that didn't sound demonic, and I was hooked. 

I don't even remember what other songs were on the sampler CD, because I'd immediately skip the other tracks to get my RED fix-- for like months. I was disappointed when Christian radio took out the screams, but was delighted that they recognized the genius of this then-up-and-coming band. Their passionate performances-- recorded and live-- certainly heralded the arrival of a truly special band in Christian music.

"Intro (End of Silence) - An Overanalysis by Doug Battle
Where do I start?  From the muffled speaking at the intro's intro to the stuttering audio at the intro's outro, the abstract artistry of "Intro (End of Silence)" has made this song the most influential on my life of any song made by a band named after a primary color. The song opens with inaudible dialogue, causing a knee-jerk reaction in an individual like myself who compulsively says "what" before comprehending what a speaking person has said. When I asked "what" at the beginning of this track, I asked a question that only the music could answer. The smooth piano whispered to me, saying "listen close, because this album is going to be so epic that you will write a review on the album's intro ten years from now." The strings gave an overpowering "ditto." Moreover, the lyrics "(instrumental)" really hit home with me because I don't have human emotions. Such lyrics translate to speakers of all languages, and such accessibility has contributed to the universal appeal that has made RED the biggest hit since Coldplay's song "Yellow."  As the instrumental intro concludes by seamlessly transitioning into the next song's instrumental intro, one starts to wonder if the lead singer will remain silent throughout the entirety of the album. But then, Michael Barns begins singing, bringing an End of Silence. BOOM. MIND BLOWN. 

"Pieces" - Phill Feltham
RED's chart topper "Pieces" from the 2006 album End of Silence exemplifies art from beginning to end. The piano is a very intimate instrument that artists can use to convey messages without words. RED takes advantage of this fact by gently hitting a few simple chords to set the mood at the beginning of the song.

As the one-minute instrumental progresses, other instruments subtly join in without coming on too strong. The song comes alive once the acoustic guitar begins. The instrumental leaves the listener feeling vulnerable--yet safe. When lead singer Michael Barnes joins in at the minute mark, he remains calm, but his genuine and heartfelt vocals reveal brokenness and hurt. He sings how he has tried to overcome life's problems on his own. But, as the lyrics reveal, he's "come undone."

At this point, other artists might steer the listener into a mood of despair with rough vocals and lyrics of melancholy. However, Barnes takes comfort that he can turn to the Lord--even when he's broken in pieces. This honest vocal performance builds trust between the singer and the listener. The listener can relate to the hopeful lyrics and show empathy toward the singer's message. Furthermore, this worship song doesn't take the Lord for granted, but praises a savior who shows mercy in times of hardship.

"Pieces" reminds me of a black and white sketch I saw recently in a book. In the sketch, a child, in tears, is screaming, trying to break free from Jesus. The savior doesn't let go and holds on to the child tightly. A subsequent sketch illustrates the Savior still holding onto that same child. This time, the child is at peace, almost asleep.

RED is not afraid of praising the Lord's name with gritty guitar riffs and screaming vocals. This song, however, highlights RED's vulnerability, showing the listener that they can find peace when "in pieces."

"Let Go" - Mary Nikkel 
When I first heard "Let Go," End of Silence was just a few months old, and I was a teenager buried deep in depression and self-destructive patterns that had left me feeling crippled with no way out. I spent a pivotal few months the summer after the album's release deciding whether or not I was going to end my life.

One night in the thick of that struggle, I sat in a dark room with "Let Go" on repeat for hours. As the song's desperate plea for freedom resonated with every part of my spirit, it uncovered a truth to me: as much as I desperately wanted my harmful habits and addiction to self-destructive patterns to let go of me, for that to be possible I also had to let go of them. This song came to embody that revelation and that battle cry.

What is your favorite song from End of Silence, and why?