Kings & Queens

After nearly a half-decade long hiatus, Audio Adrenaline came back in 2013 with Kings and Queens, albeit with a much-altered lineup. Featuring the vocal talents of Kevin Max (the other guy in dc Talk), Dave Ghazarian on guitar, Jared Byers on drums, and Jason Walker on the keys. The only original member remaining is Will McGuinness on the bass guitar.
Kings & Queens (2013): 10 tracks, 37 minutes
So, I hope it’s not just my family that’s upset with the new direction Audio Adrenaline is headed in. The only songs that even sound at all like classic Audio A are “He Moves You Move,” “King of the Comebacks,” or “Change My Name.” They’re good songs, I’ll give them that, but if you’re going to call your band Audio Adrenaline, shouldn’t it sound like the original?
Maybe I’m being too hard on them. To be fair, at least half of the original band is still involved in the writing process. Mark Stuart still co-wrote some of the songs and Will McGuinness is still playing bass. However, I think the main reason Audio A made a comeback is because of the ministry they’re affiliated with currently. Named after their hit song, “Hands and Feet” from Underdog, The Hands and Feet Project helps Haitian...

After nearly a half-decade long hiatus, Audio Adrenaline came back in 2013 with Kings and Queens, albeit with a much-altered lineup. Featuring the vocal talents of Kevin Max (the other guy in dc Talk), Dave Ghazarian on guitar, Jared Byers on drums, and Jason Walker on the keys. The only original member remaining is Will McGuinness on the bass guitar.
Kings & Queens (2013): 10 tracks, 37 minutes
So, I hope it’s not just my family that’s upset with the new direction Audio Adrenaline is headed in. The only songs that even sound at all like classic Audio A are “He Moves You Move,” “King of the Comebacks,” or “Change My Name.” They’re good songs, I’ll give them that, but if you’re going to call your band Audio Adrenaline, shouldn’t it sound like the original?
Maybe I’m being too hard on them. To be fair, at least half of the original band is still involved in the writing process. Mark Stuart still co-wrote some of the songs and Will McGuinness is still playing bass. However, I think the main reason Audio A made a comeback is because of the ministry they’re affiliated with currently. Named after their hit song, “Hands and Feet” from Underdog, The Hands and Feet Project helps Haitian orphans by offering child sponsorships and short-term mission trips to Haiti. In his own words, Stuart said, “When I lost my voice, I would have never imagined God increasing the platform of Audio Adrenaline. I would have never expected to be a voice for the Orphans of Haiti.” So, even though they don’t sound the same, they’re still doing some great work.
My favorite track on the record, “He Moves You Move” has some great lyrics about being in line with God’s will and “Believer” is along similar lines. “Kings & Queens” is essentially the soundtrack for their ministry (along with “Hands and Feet”). I like the references to a handful of their old songs in “King of the Comebacks,” in which they even feature vocals from Mark Stuart.
The only lyrical issue is that “Seeker” and “The Answer” both have a reference to God being “the Answer,” making it somewhat difficult to distinguish them.
Musically, the guitar work on “He Moves You Move” is fantastic, but it doesn’t really shine through anywhere else. “Kings & Queens” and “20:17 (Raise the Banner)” are good anthem songs, while “King of the Comebacks” and “Change My Name” get you pumped up. The last three tracks are barely distinguishable from each other.
So, while it’s not Audio Adrenaline in the strictest sense, at least this offshoot made a half-decent album. And at least they still have Mark Stuart and Will McGuinness around to hold down the fort. And you can’t argue with the good they’re doing in their ministry. Still, all that doesn’t make it a great album; maybe a good album, but not quite great. 6.5/10

In 2007, one of the most famous bands in Christian music, Audio Adrenaline, split up due to lead vocalist Mark Stuart's worsening vocal problems. Most everybody believed that this was the end. But God had another plan. Last fall, Audio Adrenaline announced they were getting back together, but with a completely different line-up. Kevin Max was to take Mark Stuart's place as vocalist, as well as adding guitarist Dave Gharzarian (Superchic[k]), drummer Jared Byers (Bleach), keyboardist/vocalist Jason Walker (Know Hope Collective), as well as original Audio Adrenaline bassist Will McGuiness. They also announced that their comeback album, Kings & Queens, was to be released in March 2013. This album sees Audio Adrenaline taking a poppier sound, but still maintaining their traditional rock and roll sound.
The album opens with "He Moves You Move," a track musically similar to their breakthrough hit, "Big House." This is an extremely catchy song about moving with God when he tells us to move. Hit single "Kings & Queens" follows, and is a nice pop song. "Believer" is one of my favorite tracks off the album, with its powerful chorus, sung amazingly by Jason Walker, that states "I can push b...

In 2007, one of the most famous bands in Christian music, Audio Adrenaline, split up due to lead vocalist Mark Stuart's worsening vocal problems. Most everybody believed that this was the end. But God had another plan. Last fall, Audio Adrenaline announced they were getting back together, but with a completely different line-up. Kevin Max was to take Mark Stuart's place as vocalist, as well as adding guitarist Dave Gharzarian (Superchic[k]), drummer Jared Byers (Bleach), keyboardist/vocalist Jason Walker (Know Hope Collective), as well as original Audio Adrenaline bassist Will McGuiness. They also announced that their comeback album, Kings & Queens, was to be released in March 2013. This album sees Audio Adrenaline taking a poppier sound, but still maintaining their traditional rock and roll sound.
The album opens with "He Moves You Move," a track musically similar to their breakthrough hit, "Big House." This is an extremely catchy song about moving with God when he tells us to move. Hit single "Kings & Queens" follows, and is a nice pop song. "Believer" is one of my favorite tracks off the album, with its powerful chorus, sung amazingly by Jason Walker, that states "I can push back the mountains/ Can stand on the waves/ I can see through the darkness/ I'll hold up a flame/ Take me to the ocean/ I wanna go deeper/ I'm not afraid, no/ I'm a believer." "King of the Comebacks" is my favorite song, with its extremely slick bassline, and very catchy melody. "Change My Name" is another great and catchy song that is a plea for God to change us.
"20:17 (Raise the Banner)" is a song that is just meant for radio. It's a very epic sounding song that has a great drum line. A cover of Martin Smith's "Fire Never Sleeps," which appears on his new solo album, follows. This song reminds alot of U2's musical style. "Seeker" is my least favorite song, not because it sounds bad, but because there's nothing extremely special in it. "I Climb The Mountain" has a nice palm muted guitar intro, and a very poppy chorus, which kind of weakens the song, but it's still very good. The album goes out with a bang with "The Answer," which sees Kevin Max doing some rapping, which sounds pretty good.
Overall, this album is FANTASTIC. I would highly reccomend old and new fans of Audio Adrenaline go buy this album! You won't regret it!

Rating: 10/10

By Daniel Ramírez
Ladies and gentlemen, to witness one of the greatest comebacks in Christian music. AudioAdrenaline is back on stage and under his arm bring one of the best products that have existed in the industry: Kings & Queens. I have heard hundreds of times and never tire hard to impress me and thank God for letting me live the generation marked by talent at this level.
Kings & Queens marks the return of AudioAdrenaline with implicit messages and double readings. For example: King Of The Comebacks, the most emblematic song disc, focusing on how it is God who has the final say in battle, He is the King of the comebacks: when it seems that all is lost He comes back stronger than ever. Well, but otherwise the song reads like "it (the AudioAdrenaline) is the king of the comebacks'. The song (and the whole album) makes references to the work of the old AudioAdrenaline quoting phrases like '... like an underdog story' and '... a mighty good leader', or in The Answer, which is heard '... I don´t need a Big House ', 'Big House!', the classic of classics, the referent of one of the best bands of the 90's. Also, for fans we do not feel offended, Mark Stuart's voice, original member...

By Daniel Ramírez

Ladies and gentlemen, to witness one of the greatest comebacks in Christian music. AudioAdrenaline is back on stage and under his arm bring one of the best products that have existed in the industry: Kings & Queens. I have heard hundreds of times and never tire hard to impress me and thank God for letting me live the generation marked by talent at this level.

Kings & Queens marks the return of AudioAdrenaline with implicit messages and double readings. For example: King Of The Comebacks, the most emblematic song disc, focusing on how it is God who has the final say in battle, He is the King of the comebacks: when it seems that all is lost He comes back stronger than ever. Well, but otherwise the song reads like "it (the AudioAdrenaline) is the king of the comebacks'. The song (and the whole album) makes references to the work of the old AudioAdrenaline quoting phrases like '... like an underdog story' and '... a mighty good leader', or in The Answer, which is heard '... I don´t need a Big House ', 'Big House!', the classic of classics, the referent of one of the best bands of the 90's. Also, for fans we do not feel offended, Mark Stuart's voice, original member and founder of that AudioAdrenaline is heard singing: '... you can’t stop the comeback'.

Another proof? What about Change My Name? On one hand the song speaks of the need for God to change our name, is a clear allusion to the great biblical characters whom God changed their name, but on the other hand is an implicit statement in which Kevin Max speaks to God: 'Everywhere I went people knew my name / written on my face Were the scars of fame / I was Known for the pride deep inside of me / but you knew the man I was born to be ... " He's talking about his past with dcTalk, the song takes on a different meaning. Double reading again.

The axis on which moves the album is the concept of victory. Again and again listening to Kevin Max singing about a battle, about the human condition, but always declaring that victory is from God. '20: 17 (Raise The Banner)' is a proof: 2 Chronicles 20:17 become song. 'Fire Never Sleeps' is another proof: 'So pull me from the ashes / ignite my soul'.

The sound of the second half of the album is spectacular, big sound that U2 did in the late 80's on albums like The Joshua Tree and October. Kings & Queens is a comprehensive album: soul, body and spirit are touched by this masterpiece. It’s not an iconic album, but it is an example of impeccable technical production.

AudioAdrenaline’s live sound is splendid. True, they have to work in some settings (mainly Kevin Max), but the assembly is almost perfect. (I heard them through the stream for the Easter Festival from Queensland, Australia. My comments about their live show are at my Twitter TimeLine).

But how is that a band can achieve that quality sound in such a short time? The answer lies in the central point I wish to address: AudioAdrenaline is a trademark. Mark Stuart's vision to revive AudioAdrenaline is to have a source of income to support Hands & Feet Project, Stuart took the name, the brand, and gave them life with old-school talents, something honest and fearless: investment in is financially strong, product quality is high, very high, the risks must be calculated.

This is not the original AudioAdrenaline. There is only one original member in the band! bassist Will McGuinness, the rest are veterans in CCM industry: Kevin Max, former dc Talk, guitarist Dave Ghazarian, from Superchick, Jared Byers on drums, founder of Relient K, and Jason Walker, who was a member of Know Hope Collective, on keyboards. Many years of experience out there when they stand on stage. Just a matter of time to perfect the assembly.

Of course, now with the return of Kevin Max believe what brand increased its value? Of course, dcTalk. The emotional value is very high now, the minds and hearts (and wallets) of us consumers are tied to the branding. Moreover, unlike AudioAdrenaline, none of us would agree that one of the three dcTalk be replaced by someone else.

Yes, it is a strange feeling to hear the classics of AudioAdrenaline with this band, perhaps eventually achieve move some memories of the collective memory, but until that happens, the AudioAdrenaline brand has been delivered to characters worthy of carrying it in their hands.

Also there is something imminent: if the King Of The Comebacks is with them, who are we to stop them?

_
About the author:
Daniel Ramírez writes a weekly column about music, faith and pop culture in niveenverano.com. His mission is to bring great music to your attention.

I got my Album of " Kings & Queens" by Audio Adrenaline three to five days before when it supposed to release tmmrw. at the date of me writing this review. The only way you could get the album early is either by attending one of their most recent live concert where you could buy it at their show before release day or on their official site through one of the various pre-sale packages. Luckily I will be getting the exclusive " King of Combacks" video documentary soon via since I bought the top pre-sale package that included all the great bonuses with it.“Kings & Queens” Audio Adrenaline Review:

Song analysis:

1 1 He Moves You Move – A very upbeat song that says to leave behind all the mistakes we have made in the past and to move on. We are all afraid to take the next step in our faith when God shows us a different way to live. However, God was the one who is and always will be the author of our story in our life. It is wise to let the Holy Spirit himself influence us to move even if we think about the degree of ambiguity when going into the uncertain. We cannot therefore be two things at once, we cannot be moved if we drift back to our past and never forgive ourselves of...

I got my Album of " Kings & Queens" by Audio Adrenaline three to five days before when it supposed to release tmmrw. at the date of me writing this review. The only way you could get the album early is either by attending one of their most recent live concert where you could buy it at their show before release day or on their official site through one of the various pre-sale packages. Luckily I will be getting the exclusive " King of Combacks" video documentary soon via since I bought the top pre-sale package that included all the great bonuses with it.

“Kings & Queens” Audio Adrenaline Review:
Song analysis:
1 1 He Moves You Move – A very upbeat song that says to leave behind all the mistakes we have made in the past and to move on. We are all afraid to take the next step in our faith when God shows us a different way to live. However, God was the one who is and always will be the author of our story in our life. It is wise to let the Holy Spirit himself influence us to move even if we think about the degree of ambiguity when going into the uncertain. We cannot therefore be two things at once, we cannot be moved if we drift back to our past and never forgive ourselves of our own sins and maybe even our own past which we might be ashamed of.

2 2 Kings & Queens – Audio Adrenaline’s lead single off this album. This is a song devoted to the children and orphans in Haiti. Sometimes we are so caught up in life where our only concern is how I will use my money wisely someday when I get a job and will I be happy with my job someday. This song promotes unity among believers to reach out to everyone even those forgotten and left behind by the world. Some of our world just discards those less fortunate “The least of these” because sometimes individuality consumes us and we so forget to love others like God wants us to. Sometimes loving those who are not necessarily well-liked, famous, wealthy or wide-known is one of the hardest things to do. I encourage us as a nation to love those who are lesser than ourselves and to give ourselves freely not only in our actions but also likewise with our ideas.

3 3 Believer – This is melodic and has a great beat. Kevin Max’s vocals soar to above the skies of Heaven. This song discusses the themes in the Bible where we have to kill our flesh to see through the darkness and to move from our ordinary duty in the world from our education and individuality into the divine service of God where we want to get out and explore a new light, a new horizon and receive a new life that honors God and gives thanks back to him daily and continuously. Finally, this song is the transition from darkness to light of the Christian believer in their faith.

4 r King of Comebacks - We all deserve a second chance through Jesus Christ and in him alone.

5 Change My Name – This song is original and very creative. It lies within the concept of our changed identity when who we were in our past has passed away and when we have received new life and a new purpose. Thus many of us want to be renamed and only remembered by the things we do in our " New life" - the life commonly not pursued by our flesh but by the holy spirit and our new personality and desires God has given us.

6 20:17 (Raise the Banner) – This song is sweet and innocent. This song comes from 2 Chronicles 20:17 which says "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid ; do not be discouraged. Go out to face tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." ( NIV.) It also the most melodious and unique song by Kevin Max. His vocals guide the perfect sound for this. We have to raise our banner of love to everyone, stand up for what we want. We must fight the battle between the two forces of Light and Darkness as we have always known. We have to shine our light on others and be heard in this world.

7 7, Fire Never Sleeps – It begins with a hard guitar riff at the beginning and just sounds good.

8 8. Seeker – God seeks us out, he chooses each of us in his Kingdom for a special purpose. Even though people will deny it, God is the only thing that suffices in our life to provide us comfort. God is the one who finds all of us lost and scattered among the nations.

99. I Climb the Mountain – Why do we hold God and keep him to ourselves? Why would we hide and constantly promise him that we will take actions and care for the other of billions of people in this world? We must come to the Lord because we sometimes don’t want to tell others about Christ because we think they might call us Jesus freaks or think lesser of us or even some of our friends might think of us as outcasts in public if we share God and talk about Jesus. That is only if we are unevenly yoked which we are in society. We will come across those who believe in the one true God and others who don’t and then those who claim they are believers but are false teachers. God says be careful of those that look like prophets and look the same but whose hearts are very different from our own.

1 The Answer – A quite and solemn tune to end the album out , then some harder guitar riffs begin. This discusses the themes of abandoning our concerns with our jobs , riches , how are friends think of us and a change of our self-perceptions regarding the world and actions that the rest of the world might call morally good. All we are missing to fill the void of our hearts is our Lord and savior Jesus. In the other part of the track , the backup vocals sound more like the Newsboys.

Overall: I will admit I had my biases about this group since their past lead singer lost his voice. If you love the upbeat Newsboys with Michael Tait’s rhythm and the album “Born Again” Miracles Edition then you will love this. You will also love this album if you love Christian Alternative Rock, Christian Rock , Christian Pop and Kevin Max, Tait , and DC Talk. Each song is poignant with Kevin Max’s lyrics breaking the boundaries in Christian music and soaring above Heaven to create a truly inspirational album and CD with his divine voice and rhythm that reinforces the themes of Unity , a tribute to the orphans in Haiti and a thanksgiving in all circumstances to the Lord. The new Audio Adrenaline is a voice for our nation and a voice to bring communication and love to others no matter if someone is from Haiti , Europe , Russia , Ireland , The United Kingdom or the United States and anyone else in the world. We are all in this fight to defeat the darkness and then after that to serve our Lord in ordained and divine service by spending all our time around people and in God’s word while still making time to do our jobs in this world , strengthen relationships; communication in the church and to reach out to help unselfishly with those lesser than us so we can live as human beings in this world despite all the darkness that consumes it and drifts people away from their particular service God has assigned to them.

Favorite Songs & Explanations:

1. 20:17 (Raise the Banner) – This song is my favorite on the album because it shows our love we need for people and for us to shine our light on this world despite what perceptions and stereotypes people hold against us. I imagine us pulling through the banner of a finish line once we are consumed within God’s love because our victory is already promised by God. Our faith along with our obedience to uphold God’s divinity for all willing to listen and to those who accept him experience it. Will you be the one to win the race or will you be one of those that get left behind and cannot see the light because the gates of your own transgressions withhold you?

2. Fire Never Sleeps – A beautiful song with incredible guitar riffs. I love it because of Kevin Max’s vocals. The fire is our past and darkness that leaves us broken as individuals. God will deliver us from our ruin and give us new desires to be able to serve him. On the other hand, God’s love is representative as fire to because it consumes us. Thus, it represents an ignition in the heart that ignites us to want God’s qualities that he gives freely. It relates the most to me so I enjoy it the most.

3. Kings and Queens – I love because they open up to share the stories of those orphans in Haiti.

4. The Answer – The sounds remind me of those children who are struggling out of the United States. Also, the second most inspirational song and related song to me because I don’t need riches, comfort in friends nor comfort in material goods to be happy. All I need is to honor God and carry out my purpose extending to love for my friends and family.

5. He Moves You Move

Score:
Divine & Pure – 10/10
Band’s Rebirth – 10/10
Nostalgia – 10/10
Sound- 11/10 – I give Kevin Max bonus points for his great vocals that God has blessed him with.
Message – 10/10
Replayability Ratio : 100/100

**** End Note**** Go buy this album as soon as you can to support a great cause where all profits go towards the " Hands and Feet" foundation to help build better homes and facilities for the orphans that lie within the areas in Haiti. Also ignite yourself with the great return of this awesome 1990's Band that could possibly have made just now the single largest comeback in the Christian music industry.