Tension by Random Hero | Posted August-11-2019 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.
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.
Falcone Rising Review | Posted July-29-2019 What You Need To Know
John Falcone is a successful and experienced surgeon who discovered that his passion for music can be combined with his recently found faith in Christ. Every song is associated with scripture that served as the main inspiration behind the songs. Though most of the tracks on this debut album are very centered on Christ, a few songs are romantic, towards his wife. He is an independent artist who worked withCreative Soul Records founder Eric Copeland to find a band to record this album with.
What It Sounds Like
Slap some traditional Gospel music lyrics on 80's or 90's rock and roll and you got yourself Falcone Rising's style of rock. It has guitar solos and melodic hooks a plenty. "The Sixth Hour Ballad of St. Dismas" not only shares a similar name as Disciple's "Ballad of St. Augustine," but it also sounds similar. The softer songs on the album sound like Stryper's earlier ballads.
Spiritual Highlights
Spiritual highlights are all over the place, and that is good! The scriptural references are provided by Falcone on his website, so I attached them with the song names below. Some have some creative interpretations on them while remaining accurate. The lyrics are all encouraging and will be familiar with Believers. There are some contrasting lines between some struggles and sin issues that are brought to Biblical answers.
Best Song
It is a close call between "The Sixth Hour Ballad of St. Dismas" and "I Never Knew You." Both stand out significantly in both lyrical style and musical prowess. "I Never Knew You" wins it in the end for me. I like the creative exploration of the end times via Matthew 7:13-23, in the eyes of the cast away.
For Fans Of
Disciple, (early) Kutless, DaysEye
Final Word
Falcone Rising could very possibly be a rising star in Christian-based rock. The music is impressive and some creative lyric writing is evident. Fewer love songs and more creative lyric writing might be a step of improvement for Falcone to find his way to larger audiences if that be his goal. Either way, there are some unique aspects to this album that you should check out, and you can be encouraged by the lyrics along the way.
Eclipse by Wolves at the Gate | Posted July-14-2019 What You Need To Know:
Wolves at the Gate is a post-hardcore band based out of Columbus, Ohio who have been signed to Solid State Records. Since 2008, they have been easily identified through their signature lyrical style. They have been very upfront and direct with their Christian faith through their lyrics combined with aggressive music. Eclipse is their new album, which they produced themselves, and which also features two guitarists consistently - both new changes.
What It Sounds Like:
One of the first descriptions I came up with when I discovered Wolves At The Gate was "if Disciple went post-hardcore, this would be a close fit." Minus the southern influence, of course. Nick Detty has more clean vocals mixed in and a majority of the songs have softer verses while having the bigger choruses. Strong screams, truly gripping lyrics, and great melody between Stephen Cobucci on cleans and Nick Detty on unclean solidify this album as some of Wolves at the Gate's best work!
Spiritual Highlights:
Romans 1:16 seems to drive "Response," with staying unashamed of the Gospel while trying to share it with others who may be hesitant being a main theme. Matthew 22:22-23 tells of Peter walking on water toward the Lord, and "The Sea in Between" is based around the theme of being in the waves with God singing "Will you carry me across and redeem what I have lost?" and"The waves they crashed upon Your frame You suffered all my loss. This rescue came with suffering completely at Your cost.""A Voice In The Wilderness" has similar sound and lyrics that "Relief"and "Dead Man"have from previous albums. Altogether, the songs almost all have a direct focus on God's help in our time of need and trials.
Best Song On The Album:
"Response" is a heart-touching and passionate song about telling others of the Gospel. "I'm not tricking you; I'm not selling truth / I just want you to hear of this matchless love! I'm not selling you lies, just a beggar who has found favor." Every believer who has tried to share their faith to a resistant heart will resonate with this song, and perhaps, even connect with the aggressiveness and passion of the song. We want nothing more than for others to receive God's perfect love.
Eclipse is a great step forward in musical production for Wolves at the Gate. Fans of their older music will find that the lyrics are not directed to God as directly, though they are still often clear enough to be faith-driven. If you are struggling in your faith or going through some rough times, the messages in these songs should encourage you and remind you of what to do. It tells one major story in a myriad of ways: don't let what's real be hidden by darkness.
In the Dark review | Posted July-10-2019 What You Need To Know:
Silversyde is a female-fronted hard rock band from across the U.S. Their music aims to find hope in the worst of life's circumstances. The bass-thumping rock helps deliver a strong message of hope, healing, and help by relying on the Lord and His love. They released SILVERSYDE with a mission of helping people find "Hope, Eternity, Love and Purity" (how they define HELP) through passionate, honest, and hopeful lyrics. They released their first album, Circus Circus in 2011 independently and most recently dropped a 6-song EP, Casting Shadows, in 2015. In The Dark is their first full-length album through a major label, Rockfest Records.
What It Sounds Like:
In the Dark is an album that should fit right in with any rock fan's library. The overall sound of the album is not surprising, as you find your typical rock and roll elements. With a familiar sound, SILVERSYDE mixes in their messages of hope and God's love. Only a handful of screams are found on the whole album, most notably on "Hope On The Horizon." There is a guest vocalist on "Maelene's Song," and most of the songs have either a faded intro or a long instrumental intro. The song "Sleepwalking" has a very strong Fireflight sound to it.
Spiritual Highlights:
Faith-driven lyrics make it easy to see the spiritual battles that Silversyde write about. Isaiah 41:10's message is one that resounds throughout several songs. During "Maelene's Song," a line says "dont give up, I hold your tears", reminding us of Psalm 56:8, Psalm 147:3, and John 16:20. The Lord promises to care for us, He notices our tears, and will turn them from tears of sadness to shouts of joy. Bringing beauty from ashes is something that God promises to do. It might not be our timing and we must be patient, but this is a message that SILVERSYDE sends well.
Best Song On the Album:
A culmination of the lyrical style, the scream at the end of the song, and the melody of Laura's singing synced with the thumping of the bass makes "Hope on the Horizon" the best song on the album. The chorus has a catchy rhyming and the message is simple and hopeful. "It's my last chance, last breath and it's all gonna be alright." It's a step better than the rest overall.
Silversyde can slide right into mainstream rock with their quality, yet familiar sound of rock and roll. That's great, because they will leave a hopeful message of love, even in the darkest of life's moments. Believers will find encouragement through the album, and hopefully the unsaved will find true hope in Jesus through the music.
For We Are Not Yet, We Are Only Becoming | Posted July-07-2019 What You Need To Know:
Comrades is a trio from Colorado that started out as an instrumental post-rock band. After signing to Facedown Records, they released their first LP, Lone/Grey, which they recorded at Dark Studios. Dark Studios is known as the place where Underoath and The Chariot recorded a lot of their music. Laura McElroy provides clean vocals, her husband Joseph plays guitar, while Ben Trussell provides unclean vocals and drums. For We Are Not Yet, We Are Only Becoming is their second LP released through Facedown Records.
What It Sounds Like:
It does not sound like what you would expect from most post-hardcore, or even in broader terms, metal bands. Ben's screams sound similar to most bands on Facedown Records, which may be a highlight or a letdown depending on your preference. With Laura on clean vocals, there is a beautifully balanced harmony between her and Ben throughout each song. The songs typically slow down for Laura's vocals and amp back up for Ben's. Sometimes it is the opposite, which definitely helps keep your attention.
Spiritual Highlights:
1 John 3:2 and Philippians 3:12 come to mind when looking at the title of the album. There are clear messages of the hope and salvation that Christ brings. "When you feel like giving up, there is room in this house for you" speaks of the always open arms of Jesus in "Fault Lines.""This is not the end, but how we began" speaks of the start of our forever life with Christ beginning with the end of ourselves. "Every veil and mountain, you'll find me in. This you can depend on, over and over and over and over again" reminds us that when things are hard or easy, God is always there. The song, "No Past" directly addresses God and discusses life's situations in an honest and approachable manner.
Best Song:
"Fault Lines" is the best song overall. It opens the album very well and sets the theme for the album's messages, and demonstrates signature Comrades sound and lyrical style. Ben is backed by crashing cymbals and deep bass while Laura is backed with melody and soft music. The lyrics speak the truth and are relatable. This song is the complete package for Comrades fans, and hopefully can win over new fans.
Christian-based Post-Hardcore is not a fast-growing genre by any means, but when a release like this comes out, it begs the question, why not? Comrades demonstrate growth from their last album in both musical and lyrical style. They remain consistent in their signature sound, and let's hope it stays that way because it is a unique voice in this genre of music!
Stream For We Are Not Yet, We Are Only Becoming on Spotify or buy it on Apple Music.
Solid First Album | Posted May-28-2019 What You Need To Know:
The Persuaded is a new four-piece metalcore band recently signed to RockFest Records, along with the likes of Amongst the Giants, The Protest, and Zahna. Josh Honea started the band when he began writing songs to combat depression, anxiety, and suicide through a Biblical viewpoint - heavy topics for heavy music! After some lineup changes and two early EPs, The Persuaded released Dawn of Destruction through RockFest Records on March 1, 2019, running at about forty minutes throughout eleven tracks. "Wolves" was the first single, released a month prior. If you want to catch them in their home state, they are based in the Tennessee area.
What it Sounds Like:
If Disciple were committed to making metalcore music, they would sound rather similar to these guys. The Persuaded boasts great variance in vocal capabilities to pair with traditional metalcore elements. Both Joseph and Josh have large ranges and execute their vocals well throughout, often harmonizing or echoing each other in the background. Chunky guitars and breakdowns are found in most songs. Key songs on the album are "To My Brothers,""Betrayal," and "The Fire." Each one stands out for it's lyrical differences. If you are looking for a ballad, look at "Heavy Heart."
Spiritual Highlights:
The Persuaded take on struggles that many go through head-on and unashamedly through a Biblical viewpoint, especially with their constant calling out to God to save. They call out to Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit by name, and a couple of songs are a direct prayer to God. Topics that Christians sometimes shy from are embraced here, such as betrayal, loneliness, cutting, and persecution. Yet, the band is quick to tie in hope and salvation to each. "Wolves" handles betrayal in a way that tries to understand the betrayer but still acknowledges own hurt. "You feel betrayed. But I feel it more. I called your name and you closed the door." "The Fire" is a bold conclusion to the album, wrapping up everything with, "Holy Spirit, rain on me. And burn away all my sin and shame."
Best Song on the Record:
"Lost Souls" wins the best song on the record for me. The vocals are strong and diverse, the lyrics are honest and hopeful, there's a killer breakdown, and it ends with a bang! Everything one wants in a killer metal song is here. It is sure to keep the pit circling and heads banging while accomplishing the band's goal of spreading hope. "So tell me when it is. That I will find my way home. After the darkness, you will surely find the light".
The Persuaded has crafted a solid first album. This album sounds like fourth or fifth album from a vetran that's grown stronger with each release. Any fan of metal should buy and listen to Dawn of Destruction - with the hope within it, they will find that metal and the Bible do indeed mix well.
RyanAdams_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
