The End is Where We Begin
Sometimes the best way to move forward is to go back to the basics, taking all of the raw energy and emotion of the past and channeling it into the present. This is exactly what THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH is doing on the aptly titled The End Is Where We Begin, which releases April 17 and finds Canada's favorite modern rockers voluntarily walking away from record label life altogether (even after a slew of profitable offers came along) to reignite the passionate DIY work ethos that first emerged over a decade ago.
While waiting for inspiration to arrive and fuel the writing process, TFK's front man/songwriter Trevor McNevan popped in the band's seminal debut, That's What People Do, which echoed respected rappers like Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys, cross-pollinated with the rhythmic grooves of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Those inspirations return throughout The End Is Where We Begin, alongside the group's continuously marinating blend of towering choruses, razor-sharp rhythms, epic arrangements and stadium shaking rumbles.
"Without trying, this record has a very militant theme to it, with songs like 'War Of Change' and 'Courtesy Call' painting more of a visual for that," states McNevan. "There's an urgency to it and I think the timing feels right. This record's heart can be summed up by 'Be The Change,' the album's lyric and phrase seen throughout the album artwork."
While waiting for inspiration to arrive and fuel the writing process, TFK's front man/songwriter Trevor McNevan popped in the band's seminal debut, That's What People Do, which echoed respected rappers like Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys, cross-pollinated with the rhythmic grooves of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Those inspirations return throughout The End Is Where We Begin, alongside the group's continuously marinating blend of towering choruses, razor-sharp rhythms, epic arrangements and stadium shaking rumbles.
"Without trying, this record has a very militant theme to it, with songs like 'War Of Change' and 'Courtesy Call' painting more of a visual for that," states McNevan. "There's an urgency to it and I think the timing feels right. This record's heart can be summed up by 'Be The Change,' the album's lyric and phrase seen throughout the album artwork."
Track Listing
| Lyrics | 1 - The Introduction | |
| Lyrics | 2 - We Are | |
| Lyrics | 3 - Light Up The Sky | |
| Lyrics | 4 - The End Is Where We Begin | |
| Lyrics | 5 - Let The Sparks Fly | |
| Lyrics | 6 - I Get Wicked | |
| Video | Lyrics | 7 - Be Somebody |
| Lyrics | 8 - This Is A Warning (Intro) | |
| Video | Lyrics | 9 - Courtesy Call |
| Video | Lyrics | 10 - War of Change |
| Lyrics | 11 - Down | |
| Lyrics | 12 - All I Need To Know | |
| Lyrics | 13 - Fly On The Wall | |
| Lyrics | 14 - So Far Gone | |
| Lyrics | 15 - Outroduction |
Album Reviews
NRT Staff Reviews
1
NRT Staff Official Review
TFK Continues to "Light Up" the Music Scene
Thousand Foot Krutch has cemented themselves as one of Christian Rock’s signature rock bands. After leaving their longtime home at Tooth & Nail records, the Canadian rockers are ready to offer up their next full-length studio album (funded by a wildly successful Kickstater Campaign), The End is Where We Begin, and what a ride of an album it is.
The album starts off with a haunting introduction track, which features a brief “speech” (done in a creepy computer voice) that includes the line, “If you don’t stand for something, you might fall for anything.” This leads into the rocking opener, “We Are.” This track demands to be played and played loud. It features some of the most intense vocals by lead singer Trevor McNevan yet.
“Light up the Sky” follows, sounding very reminiscent of “Fire It Up” from Welcome to the Masquerade. The title track follows next--a strong rocker that plays it relatively safe, staying within TFK’s well-established rock sound. Lyrically, it emphasizes the theme of resistance and fighting back that is prevalent throughout much of the album. (In this case, the resistance is about fighting back against the parts of oneself that are corrupt.)
“Let The Spa...
The album starts off with a haunting introduction track, which features a brief “speech” (done in a creepy computer voice) that includes the line, “If you don’t stand for something, you might fall for anything.” This leads into the rocking opener, “We Are.” This track demands to be played and played loud. It features some of the most intense vocals by lead singer Trevor McNevan yet.
“Light up the Sky” follows, sounding very reminiscent of “Fire It Up” from Welcome to the Masquerade. The title track follows next--a strong rocker that plays it relatively safe, staying within TFK’s well-established rock sound. Lyrically, it emphasizes the theme of resistance and fighting back that is prevalent throughout much of the album. (In this case, the resistance is about fighting back against the parts of oneself that are corrupt.)
“Let The Spa...
Thousand Foot Krutch has cemented themselves as one of Christian Rock’s signature rock bands. After leaving their longtime home at Tooth & Nail records, the Canadian rockers are ready to offer up their next full-length studio album (funded by a wildly successful Kickstater Campaign), The End is Where We Begin, and what a ride of an album it is.
The album starts off with a haunting introduction track, which features a brief “speech” (done in a creepy computer voice) that includes the line, “If you don’t stand for something, you might fall for anything.” This leads into the rocking opener, “We Are.” This track demands to be played and played loud. It features some of the most intense vocals by lead singer Trevor McNevan yet.
“Light up the Sky” follows, sounding very reminiscent of “Fire It Up” from Welcome to the Masquerade. The title track follows next--a strong rocker that plays it relatively safe, staying within TFK’s well-established rock sound. Lyrically, it emphasizes the theme of resistance and fighting back that is prevalent throughout much of the album. (In this case, the resistance is about fighting back against the parts of oneself that are corrupt.)
“Let The Sparks Fly” is up next and is also the band’s lead single for mainstream rock radio. This one took a bit to grow on me but it’s worth replaying multiple times just for the insanely catchy pre-chorus alone. The hopeful tune proclaims, “Let me take you into the light... Heaven’s not far away and I’m not gonna leave you here.” TFK fans should be eating this one up.
“Be Somebody” slows things down a bit, effectively mixing verses that sound a bit like McNevan’s other band, F.M. Static, with a passionate and emotional chorus. The track sings out “We all wanna be somebody. We’re willing to go but not that far.” This can serve as a strong reminder of the need to work hard in order to “be somebody.”
An instrumental interlude follows, sounding very Skillet-esque, leading into album highlight “Courtesy Call.” The chanting vocals in parts are spookily addictive. Lyrically, this song is as strong as any of TFK’s work thus far: “I think it might wash away tonight. Awaken from this never-ending fight. It takes more than meets the eye. This war we're fighting is not just rotting.” It may not be anything new, but Trevor’s vocals and TFK’s pounding musicianship make it sound fresh and rousing.
The first song fans heard follows with “War of Change.” A powerful rock track, it stays within the album’s militant themes, warning about a change about to be ushered in. The theme of fighting a “war” resonates on a deeper level as a result of the honest delivery of the message.
“All I Need to Know” and “So Far Gone” offer a balance to the chaotic rock, bringing in a stripped-down soft sound, reminding me a bit stylistically of “Look Away” from their previous release.
“The Outroduction” closes things out with a parallel to the “The Introduction.”
One thing that struck me about this release is the diversity. The signature rap rock of the band’s earlier years returns on several tracks. The emotional rock sound of recent releases still retains a commanding presence. There are also plenty of ballads to keep things interesting. It may seem like playing it safe, but I see it as the band taking the best of all of its sounds and blending it into one dynamic release.
Closing Thoughts:
TFK has released quite a stunning rock record that should make many “Best Of” lists at the end of the year. Whether or not it’s their best yet will have to be left to the fans to decide. Ultimately, there’s a little something for everybody in this release and several of these songs should be livening up stages, radios, and playlists throughout the coming months. I’d be baffled if TFK fans weren’t eating this release up. To put it quite simply: TFK’s done it again and rock music is better off for it!
The album starts off with a haunting introduction track, which features a brief “speech” (done in a creepy computer voice) that includes the line, “If you don’t stand for something, you might fall for anything.” This leads into the rocking opener, “We Are.” This track demands to be played and played loud. It features some of the most intense vocals by lead singer Trevor McNevan yet.
“Light up the Sky” follows, sounding very reminiscent of “Fire It Up” from Welcome to the Masquerade. The title track follows next--a strong rocker that plays it relatively safe, staying within TFK’s well-established rock sound. Lyrically, it emphasizes the theme of resistance and fighting back that is prevalent throughout much of the album. (In this case, the resistance is about fighting back against the parts of oneself that are corrupt.)
“Let The Sparks Fly” is up next and is also the band’s lead single for mainstream rock radio. This one took a bit to grow on me but it’s worth replaying multiple times just for the insanely catchy pre-chorus alone. The hopeful tune proclaims, “Let me take you into the light... Heaven’s not far away and I’m not gonna leave you here.” TFK fans should be eating this one up.
“Be Somebody” slows things down a bit, effectively mixing verses that sound a bit like McNevan’s other band, F.M. Static, with a passionate and emotional chorus. The track sings out “We all wanna be somebody. We’re willing to go but not that far.” This can serve as a strong reminder of the need to work hard in order to “be somebody.”
An instrumental interlude follows, sounding very Skillet-esque, leading into album highlight “Courtesy Call.” The chanting vocals in parts are spookily addictive. Lyrically, this song is as strong as any of TFK’s work thus far: “I think it might wash away tonight. Awaken from this never-ending fight. It takes more than meets the eye. This war we're fighting is not just rotting.” It may not be anything new, but Trevor’s vocals and TFK’s pounding musicianship make it sound fresh and rousing.
The first song fans heard follows with “War of Change.” A powerful rock track, it stays within the album’s militant themes, warning about a change about to be ushered in. The theme of fighting a “war” resonates on a deeper level as a result of the honest delivery of the message.
“All I Need to Know” and “So Far Gone” offer a balance to the chaotic rock, bringing in a stripped-down soft sound, reminding me a bit stylistically of “Look Away” from their previous release.
“The Outroduction” closes things out with a parallel to the “The Introduction.”
One thing that struck me about this release is the diversity. The signature rap rock of the band’s earlier years returns on several tracks. The emotional rock sound of recent releases still retains a commanding presence. There are also plenty of ballads to keep things interesting. It may seem like playing it safe, but I see it as the band taking the best of all of its sounds and blending it into one dynamic release.
Closing Thoughts:
TFK has released quite a stunning rock record that should make many “Best Of” lists at the end of the year. Whether or not it’s their best yet will have to be left to the fans to decide. Ultimately, there’s a little something for everybody in this release and several of these songs should be livening up stages, radios, and playlists throughout the coming months. I’d be baffled if TFK fans weren’t eating this release up. To put it quite simply: TFK’s done it again and rock music is better off for it!
Community Reviews
17great
TFK has done it again! this album is in no way a disapointment. the vocals are awesome, the music is great. It has several radio-worthy songs a few of which have not made the air yet. overall it is awesome
LOVE
LOVE Thousand Foot Krutch, The End Is Where We Begin. It's energetic and rocking - or as TFK might say, it RAWKS - and really fun to listen to, yet with powerful lyrics.
When my daughter opened up the CD booklet and saw the words BE THE CHANGE written over and over on the cover, she asked me what that means. I had a chance to talk to her about being the one to make a difference when we see something wrong. We can't just sit back and do nothing. We have to take action and be the change. A theme that runs through this record.
As my young daughters sing along, and request this album on their own MP3 players, I love that they have this music. It's the kind of music they like, the kind of music they listen to on the pop radio station, and something that their friends can listen to. But I don't have to cringe at the lyrics or messages being spoken to my child's heart.
Thank you TFK.
The End Is Where We Begin
Oh my goodness! This album is incredible! I love how they incorporate all of their styles into one album. They also try some new styles, which I must say are a huge success! Love this album so much!!! Definitely worth the money! TFK has done it again!
Great album, diverse range of music
I picked up this album at a TFK concert and gave it a listen. Thousand Foot Krutch is one of my newer favorite bands, and lead singer Trevor McNevan has an excellent voice, both intense and melodic. After a computerized intro, the album kicks off with "We Are" and "Light Up the Sky". Both of these tracks rock hard, and set the mood for the album. "The End is Where We Begin" alludes to the band's name, a song about coming to the end of our own strength. "Let the Sparks Fly" is a very catchy song and one of the first singles I heard off this album. Following up this track is the somewhat unconventional "I Get Wicked" and one of my favorite TFK songs, "Be Somebody". Trevor's voice really shines through on this worshipful rock ballad with honest lyrics (When I could only see the floor, You made my window a door, so when they say they don't believe, I hope that they see You and me.) This follows up with the epic intro "This Is a Warning" leading into the equally epic track, my favorite on the album, "Courtesy Call". "War of Change" and the rap song "Down" are both energy-filled fight songs that keep the pace pumping. "All I Need To Know" is a slower, melodic track and the strin...
I picked up this album at a TFK concert and gave it a listen. Thousand Foot Krutch is one of my newer favorite bands, and lead singer Trevor McNevan has an excellent voice, both intense and melodic. After a computerized intro, the album kicks off with "We Are" and "Light Up the Sky". Both of these tracks rock hard, and set the mood for the album. "The End is Where We Begin" alludes to the band's name, a song about coming to the end of our own strength. "Let the Sparks Fly" is a very catchy song and one of the first singles I heard off this album. Following up this track is the somewhat unconventional "I Get Wicked" and one of my favorite TFK songs, "Be Somebody". Trevor's voice really shines through on this worshipful rock ballad with honest lyrics (When I could only see the floor, You made my window a door, so when they say they don't believe, I hope that they see You and me.) This follows up with the epic intro "This Is a Warning" leading into the equally epic track, my favorite on the album, "Courtesy Call". "War of Change" and the rap song "Down" are both energy-filled fight songs that keep the pace pumping. "All I Need To Know" is a slower, melodic track and the string-infused "Fly on the Wall" took me some time to get into, but now I really enjoy this song. The worshipful, intimate "So Far Gone" closes out the album. Since I acquired The End Is Where We Begin, I've been listening to it every day. It's great workout or pregame music, and arguably TFK's best.
Thousand Foot Krutch "The End Is Where We Begin" Review
The Introduction- 4/5 I like the robot voice a lot. The music behind the intro is not too bad either. Great way to kick the album off
We Are- 5/5 This is basically where the album really starts to get going. The song has a great riff to it, although I heard the inspiration for the riff was from "Zero" by Smashing Pumpkins because it was danceable and I don't see how the "Zero" riff is danceable? But anyways "We Are" is a great track
Light Up The Sky- 5/5 Favorite song off the whole record. I love the riff, and this is the first track on the album where we hear Trevor McNevan's rapping, he does a great job. Best song on the record, definatly check it out
The End Is Where We Begin- 4.5/5 Trevor does a great job on the vocals for the verses for this done, also the drum beat on the verses is good as well. Good song
Let The Sparks Fly- 5/5 This is the first single off the album, and a great choice. Trevor McNevan says he wanted this song to be like their hit "Fire It Up," and this song is like that. While the messages to these songs are kinda lost on me, this one seems to be about someone wanting to accept Christ, kinda seems like a conversation between a believer and non-be...
We Are- 5/5 This is basically where the album really starts to get going. The song has a great riff to it, although I heard the inspiration for the riff was from "Zero" by Smashing Pumpkins because it was danceable and I don't see how the "Zero" riff is danceable? But anyways "We Are" is a great track
Light Up The Sky- 5/5 Favorite song off the whole record. I love the riff, and this is the first track on the album where we hear Trevor McNevan's rapping, he does a great job. Best song on the record, definatly check it out
The End Is Where We Begin- 4.5/5 Trevor does a great job on the vocals for the verses for this done, also the drum beat on the verses is good as well. Good song
Let The Sparks Fly- 5/5 This is the first single off the album, and a great choice. Trevor McNevan says he wanted this song to be like their hit "Fire It Up," and this song is like that. While the messages to these songs are kinda lost on me, this one seems to be about someone wanting to accept Christ, kinda seems like a conversation between a believer and non-be...
The Introduction- 4/5 I like the robot voice a lot. The music behind the intro is not too bad either. Great way to kick the album off
We Are- 5/5 This is basically where the album really starts to get going. The song has a great riff to it, although I heard the inspiration for the riff was from "Zero" by Smashing Pumpkins because it was danceable and I don't see how the "Zero" riff is danceable? But anyways "We Are" is a great track
Light Up The Sky- 5/5 Favorite song off the whole record. I love the riff, and this is the first track on the album where we hear Trevor McNevan's rapping, he does a great job. Best song on the record, definatly check it out
The End Is Where We Begin- 4.5/5 Trevor does a great job on the vocals for the verses for this done, also the drum beat on the verses is good as well. Good song
Let The Sparks Fly- 5/5 This is the first single off the album, and a great choice. Trevor McNevan says he wanted this song to be like their hit "Fire It Up," and this song is like that. While the messages to these songs are kinda lost on me, this one seems to be about someone wanting to accept Christ, kinda seems like a conversation between a believer and non-believer
I Get Wicked- 4.5/5 Great song about how we should not let our kindness as believers become weakness. Not bad rapping from Trevor, nice lead guitar intro as well. Have to deduct 0.5 points off (big difference right? lol) because the sped up section of the song took a little bit to grow on me
Be Somebody- 5/5 Best slow song on the album. Very nice guitar line, along with stellar vocals from Trevor. It seems like on their slow songs he really shows he can sing. The song kinda goes by fast though
This Is A Warning- 3/5 Nice string intro into "Courtesy Call." Two points off because it's not much
Courtesy Call- 4/5 Pretty good song. Message is pretty lost on me, but the music isn't too bad on it
War Of Change- 5/5 Love this song!! I like how Trevor McNevan words the message "Change can be beautiful and painstaking, but rarely is it comfortable." Nice chorus, like the handclaps and stuff in the pre-chorus
Down- 3.5/5 Not the album's best, but not horrible by any means. 1.5 points off because the raps are the least favorites of mine on the album, I like the line "Rock it like Queen when I'm under pressure" though since I'm a huge classic rock fan. The song is about not giving up on your dreams
All I Need To Know- 5/5 At first listen this song took me by surprise, since it does not sound like normal TFK, but I thought they did a really good job on it. Nice vocal performance from Trevor. The song is about how God is there with us during trials
Fly On The Wall- 5/5 Great song, seems to be about not letting a liar decieve someone anymore. It's really cool how the strings are the main instrument on the verses, they really go well with the vocals. The chorus has the only real guitar in it, and Trevor does a good job on vocals
So Far Gone- 4/5 Total worship song. Again, this one caught me by surprise because it does not sound like TFK, but they did do a good job with it
The Outroduction- 3/5 Not too bad. Both the intro and outro really get the message of the album across, arguably more plainly than the songs.
This album is TFK's best, it was cool to hear them do some rock/rap stuff and expand their sound with some of the ballads. It's also very cool how the album keeps a faith-based message despite the secular audience this band has. 10/10 for the album
We Are- 5/5 This is basically where the album really starts to get going. The song has a great riff to it, although I heard the inspiration for the riff was from "Zero" by Smashing Pumpkins because it was danceable and I don't see how the "Zero" riff is danceable? But anyways "We Are" is a great track
Light Up The Sky- 5/5 Favorite song off the whole record. I love the riff, and this is the first track on the album where we hear Trevor McNevan's rapping, he does a great job. Best song on the record, definatly check it out
The End Is Where We Begin- 4.5/5 Trevor does a great job on the vocals for the verses for this done, also the drum beat on the verses is good as well. Good song
Let The Sparks Fly- 5/5 This is the first single off the album, and a great choice. Trevor McNevan says he wanted this song to be like their hit "Fire It Up," and this song is like that. While the messages to these songs are kinda lost on me, this one seems to be about someone wanting to accept Christ, kinda seems like a conversation between a believer and non-believer
I Get Wicked- 4.5/5 Great song about how we should not let our kindness as believers become weakness. Not bad rapping from Trevor, nice lead guitar intro as well. Have to deduct 0.5 points off (big difference right? lol) because the sped up section of the song took a little bit to grow on me
Be Somebody- 5/5 Best slow song on the album. Very nice guitar line, along with stellar vocals from Trevor. It seems like on their slow songs he really shows he can sing. The song kinda goes by fast though
This Is A Warning- 3/5 Nice string intro into "Courtesy Call." Two points off because it's not much
Courtesy Call- 4/5 Pretty good song. Message is pretty lost on me, but the music isn't too bad on it
War Of Change- 5/5 Love this song!! I like how Trevor McNevan words the message "Change can be beautiful and painstaking, but rarely is it comfortable." Nice chorus, like the handclaps and stuff in the pre-chorus
Down- 3.5/5 Not the album's best, but not horrible by any means. 1.5 points off because the raps are the least favorites of mine on the album, I like the line "Rock it like Queen when I'm under pressure" though since I'm a huge classic rock fan. The song is about not giving up on your dreams
All I Need To Know- 5/5 At first listen this song took me by surprise, since it does not sound like normal TFK, but I thought they did a really good job on it. Nice vocal performance from Trevor. The song is about how God is there with us during trials
Fly On The Wall- 5/5 Great song, seems to be about not letting a liar decieve someone anymore. It's really cool how the strings are the main instrument on the verses, they really go well with the vocals. The chorus has the only real guitar in it, and Trevor does a good job on vocals
So Far Gone- 4/5 Total worship song. Again, this one caught me by surprise because it does not sound like TFK, but they did do a good job with it
The Outroduction- 3/5 Not too bad. Both the intro and outro really get the message of the album across, arguably more plainly than the songs.
This album is TFK's best, it was cool to hear them do some rock/rap stuff and expand their sound with some of the ballads. It's also very cool how the album keeps a faith-based message despite the secular audience this band has. 10/10 for the album
TFK Continues to Rock!!!
Welcome to the Masquerade was a hard album to beat, but I think The End Is Where We Begin did it, or at least tied with it. The amazing thing is the band did it independently with the support of their fans. Trevor’s vocals really shine on the record (He’s such a good vocalist). The album is pretty diverse, without traveling too far from TFK’s usual rock sound, adding a little bit of rap in songs like Down. It’s very solid and there is no real weak point, though my favorite songs seem to be grouped near the end of the album. My favorite song off the album is Fly On the Wall or Courtesy Call, with my least favorite being We Are (which is still a good song).
All in all, I have to give it 5 stars and I have to admit I consider it one of my favorite albums of all time. I can listen to it the whole way through and not get the least bit bored. It has a really good message too. I recommend it to all rock fans, especially Thousand Foot Krutch fans. Actually, it's a must have for them!
My thoughts on TFK latest CD.
The End Is Where We Begin is a fantastic CD. Not saying Thousand Foot Krutch's other CDs are bad just....this one is amazing. They blew my mind AGAIN with their music! Be Somebody, The End Is Where We Begin, All I Need To Know, and So Far Gone are some of my favorite songs now! I really hope you check this CD out and get it! And see TFK live. :)
TFK is awsome
Once again Thousand Foot Krutch has done it again. I have been listening to the preview all morning long and I absoultly love this CD. I can't wait until Thursday to buy it. I own all of thier CDs and I believe this is going to be the best one to date.
Great sound!
A great combination of new and old sounds makes this album the most diverse one yet. It brings sounds from where they started (songs like Be Somebody and parts of other songs sound like refined renditions of the style of Set it Off) and where they are going (songs like Fly on the Wall bring a new sound to the table). All in all a great album!
True TFK Style
If you have been tracking with TFK over the years, this CD will not disappoint. If you are new to TFK, this is a great place to start! They are a solid band that rocks it hard. Looking forward to the actual release so I can pick it up on iTunes. Keep it up guys!
Kickin' Crazy
Thousand Foot Krutch's The End Is Where We Begin is kickin' crazy. The introduction to the album puts any listener into the TFK mood, simply by drawing the listener into the album. Super cool! As the album continues, some songs bring back the Thousand Foot Krutch's first album Set It Off sound, with Trevor's phenomenal rapping technique, as well as his authoritative rock vocals. The variety is rad. Thousand Foot Krutch made this album big.
The End Is Where We Begin
After 'The Flame In All of Us' and 'Welcome To the Masquerade' there is another one: 'The End Is Where We Begin'. Another title which lets me think about life...
The music is really great and when listening to the lyrics I get even more enjoyed.
Really an album worth buying :)
The music is really great and when listening to the lyrics I get even more enjoyed.
Really an album worth buying :)
TFK - The End is Where We Begin
I think this is the best TFK album yet. It has great flow from beginning to end. Very well done. The album is self released so get it today. The band has done an amazing job of mixing up the edgy sounds with well written smooth lyrics.
amazing
This album is amazing. It amazes me how far you guys have come. You're still able to rock out with the best of them and don't seem to be slowing down at all. I love the fact that you've gotten harder over time. There is such a differenece between you and your alternative band (fm static). I hope to see you guys live when you are the lead act. I bet your show is amazing.
There Is No End to Incredible Music!
TFK has done it again! The End Is Where We Begin is a great album, not only does it have a great intro/outro, the songs in between are amazing!
From the 'scream your lungs out' sound of Let the Sparks Fly, Light Up the Sky, and I Get Wicked to the rock of Down, War of Change, We Are, and The End is Where We Begin this album is a mix of greatness!
Fly On the Wall, is a special favorite. The use of strings, a great melody, with a heartfelt cry for rising up to who we were made to be, makes this song one of the best.
Along with some hard rock'n songs, So Far Gone, All I Need To Know, and Be Somebody speak to the heart and even though they are slower and less head-bangin', they do not fall short of the quality that TFK has again produced!
I highly recommend, the End is Where We Begin!
From the 'scream your lungs out' sound of Let the Sparks Fly, Light Up the Sky, and I Get Wicked to the rock of Down, War of Change, We Are, and The End is Where We Begin this album is a mix of greatness!
Fly On the Wall, is a special favorite. The use of strings, a great melody, with a heartfelt cry for rising up to who we were made to be, makes this song one of the best.
Along with some hard rock'n songs, So Far Gone, All I Need To Know, and Be Somebody speak to the heart and even though they are slower and less head-bangin', they do not fall short of the quality that TFK has again produced!
I highly recommend, the End is Where We Begin!
4.5/5
Thousand Foot Krutch proves that they still have that punch ow that they are basically free do make whatever music they want to make. The End Is Where We Begin is an album that tells us that we should stand up for something and proceeds to give us 12 reasons as to why. All throughout this album we get that sense of independence as the band manages to do things with their sound that they probably wouldn't have been able to do if they were still on a label. There aggressive hard rock style is still intact with the addition of Trevor McNeaven's more intense vocals and it still sounds as amazing as always. The real fun is in songs where Trevor busts out his raps. This nostalgic trip back to the band's past further pushes their new independent status plus its just fun to hear him rapping again with the riffs going on in the background.
Overall, The End Is Where We Begin is an excellent album that tells us to stand up for something and also showcases the band's new independence. It's a heavy rocker with some powerful slower songs mixed with traces of the past. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Overall, The End Is Where We Begin is an excellent album that tells us to stand up for something and also showcases the band's new independence. It's a heavy rocker with some powerful slower songs mixed with traces of the past. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Far From the Beginning, These Guys Know How to Rock!
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...
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...
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.
My grade for this album: 97% (A)
- 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.
My grade for this album: 97% (A)
