Tension
Tension is the fourth album from Denver-based trio, Random Hero. It is their debut album from Rockfest Records, and is produced by Memphis May Fire's Kellen McGregor. It features 10 songs written by Random Hero, including six co-penned with McGregor and four tracks co-written by Disciple's Josiah Prince. Random Hero is comprised of Aaron Watkins (vocals), Rob "Los" McDonough (bass), Patrick Madsen (drums), and Micah Labrosse (guitar).
Track Listing
| 1 - Desperate Measures | ||
| 2 - Motivation | ||
| 3 - Weight Of The World | ||
| Video | 4 - Tension | |
| Video | 5 - Outgrown | |
| 6 - So Close | ||
| 7 - Public Enemy | ||
| 8 - Set It Free | ||
| 9 - The Sound | ||
| 10 - White Flag |
Album Reviews
NRT Staff Reviews
1
NRT Staff Official Review
Tension by Random Hero
What You Need To Know
Random Hero has been active in the Christian rock scene for about a decade now with three albums released. They have appeared on the City Rockfest Tour several times and every year, they've been able to perform and open up for many rock veterans while playing in a variety of festivals, including Christmas Rock Night in Germany. Random Hero is comprised of Aaron Watkins (vocals), Rob "Los" McDonough (bass) and Patrick Madsen (drums). Since the Denver-based band's debut, they have earned numerous Top 5 Christian rock singles, including "Mirror Mirror," "Not Alone," "Burn Up the Night" and "Mercy," in addition to the Top 30 mainstream rock hits "Impossible" and "Running." With their fourth release, Tension, releasing on Rockfest Records, they have promised fans through a few short videos that this album changes everything.
What It Sounds Like
Rockfest Records continue to collect an impressive roster of groups and Random Hero may be their biggest breakout yet. Vibrant rifts, strong hooks, and melodic choruses strengthen this album on top of its honest and hopeful lyrics. There are notably less unclean vocals as there was on their last album, The Covering, w...
Random Hero has been active in the Christian rock scene for about a decade now with three albums released. They have appeared on the City Rockfest Tour several times and every year, they've been able to perform and open up for many rock veterans while playing in a variety of festivals, including Christmas Rock Night in Germany. Random Hero is comprised of Aaron Watkins (vocals), Rob "Los" McDonough (bass) and Patrick Madsen (drums). Since the Denver-based band's debut, they have earned numerous Top 5 Christian rock singles, including "Mirror Mirror," "Not Alone," "Burn Up the Night" and "Mercy," in addition to the Top 30 mainstream rock hits "Impossible" and "Running." With their fourth release, Tension, releasing on Rockfest Records, they have promised fans through a few short videos that this album changes everything.
What It Sounds Like
Rockfest Records continue to collect an impressive roster of groups and Random Hero may be their biggest breakout yet. Vibrant rifts, strong hooks, and melodic choruses strengthen this album on top of its honest and hopeful lyrics. There are notably less unclean vocals as there was on their last album, The Covering, w...
What You Need To Know
Random Hero has been active in the Christian rock scene for about a decade now with three albums released. They have appeared on the City Rockfest Tour several times and every year, they've been able to perform and open up for many rock veterans while playing in a variety of festivals, including Christmas Rock Night in Germany. Random Hero is comprised of Aaron Watkins (vocals), Rob "Los" McDonough (bass) and Patrick Madsen (drums). Since the Denver-based band's debut, they have earned numerous Top 5 Christian rock singles, including "Mirror Mirror," "Not Alone," "Burn Up the Night" and "Mercy," in addition to the Top 30 mainstream rock hits "Impossible" and "Running." With their fourth release, Tension, releasing on Rockfest Records, they have promised fans through a few short videos that this album changes everything.
What It Sounds Like
Rockfest Records continue to collect an impressive roster of groups and Random Hero may be their biggest breakout yet. Vibrant rifts, strong hooks, and melodic choruses strengthen this album on top of its honest and hopeful lyrics. There are notably less unclean vocals as there was on their last album, The Covering, while the lyrical content has improved. The album's tracks are mostly heavy with just two ballads.
Spiritual Highlights
Several lyrics directly address our need for the Lord to help us when life is hard. A lot of the lyrics are also formed in questions, which challenge and grip the listeners. "Desperate Measures'" chorus says, "Oh, Lord, please save my soul" and "Motivation's" bridge declares, "though my sins cut to the bone, I still testify." The title track, "Tension," challenges the listeners to stop living complacently saying, "Lack of motivation making me complacent in my damnation" and "Waging my salvation just to make a statement; I'm not okay with this." Additionally, the finale "White Flag" is a soaring anthem of absolute submission to God, drawing Tension to a fitting close. The songwriting is superb throughout this album and is a great improvement off of The Covering's success.
Best Song on the Record
"Weight Of The World" is an aggressive song that highlights the dangers of taking on too much of life by yourself. An attention-grabbing intro, gripping lyrics and energetic rock and roll make this song a dynamic standout on the album. An honorable mention is the closing track, "White Flag," which is a vulnerable song of full surrender to God with a bold chorus.
For Fans Of
Seventh Day Slumber, Disciple, The Protest
Final Word
Random Hero has produced an album that belongs in your rotation just as much as long-time veterans Disciple or Skillet. Topping this album will be tough, yet I am very excited to hear what is next from them, and so will you after hearing this. Tension is a fantastic rock album that will leave you feeling empowered and hopeful through whatever difficulties are going on in your life.
Random Hero has been active in the Christian rock scene for about a decade now with three albums released. They have appeared on the City Rockfest Tour several times and every year, they've been able to perform and open up for many rock veterans while playing in a variety of festivals, including Christmas Rock Night in Germany. Random Hero is comprised of Aaron Watkins (vocals), Rob "Los" McDonough (bass) and Patrick Madsen (drums). Since the Denver-based band's debut, they have earned numerous Top 5 Christian rock singles, including "Mirror Mirror," "Not Alone," "Burn Up the Night" and "Mercy," in addition to the Top 30 mainstream rock hits "Impossible" and "Running." With their fourth release, Tension, releasing on Rockfest Records, they have promised fans through a few short videos that this album changes everything.
What It Sounds Like
Rockfest Records continue to collect an impressive roster of groups and Random Hero may be their biggest breakout yet. Vibrant rifts, strong hooks, and melodic choruses strengthen this album on top of its honest and hopeful lyrics. There are notably less unclean vocals as there was on their last album, The Covering, while the lyrical content has improved. The album's tracks are mostly heavy with just two ballads.
Spiritual Highlights
Several lyrics directly address our need for the Lord to help us when life is hard. A lot of the lyrics are also formed in questions, which challenge and grip the listeners. "Desperate Measures'" chorus says, "Oh, Lord, please save my soul" and "Motivation's" bridge declares, "though my sins cut to the bone, I still testify." The title track, "Tension," challenges the listeners to stop living complacently saying, "Lack of motivation making me complacent in my damnation" and "Waging my salvation just to make a statement; I'm not okay with this." Additionally, the finale "White Flag" is a soaring anthem of absolute submission to God, drawing Tension to a fitting close. The songwriting is superb throughout this album and is a great improvement off of The Covering's success.
Best Song on the Record
"Weight Of The World" is an aggressive song that highlights the dangers of taking on too much of life by yourself. An attention-grabbing intro, gripping lyrics and energetic rock and roll make this song a dynamic standout on the album. An honorable mention is the closing track, "White Flag," which is a vulnerable song of full surrender to God with a bold chorus.
For Fans Of
Seventh Day Slumber, Disciple, The Protest
Final Word
Random Hero has produced an album that belongs in your rotation just as much as long-time veterans Disciple or Skillet. Topping this album will be tough, yet I am very excited to hear what is next from them, and so will you after hearing this. Tension is a fantastic rock album that will leave you feeling empowered and hopeful through whatever difficulties are going on in your life.
