Skillet's Domination of Rock | Posted January-18-2022 What You Need To Know
Dominionis Skillet's 11th studio album. After 25 years, the band continues to deliver rock music with biblical messages. Dominion was led by four singles, including "Surviving the Game" and "Refuge," and extensive mainstream media presence and influence from the band. Lead singer John Cooper’s biblical life verses Romans 8:38-39 have shaped his songwriting throughout time. And this project is no different. Dominion is a celebration of freedom and overcoming our trials with faith in God.
What It Sounds Like
Skillet has continued its electronica sound used on previous albums without it being too prominent. However, Dominion offers some of the best songs that the band has written in recent years. These songs feature harmonization from John and fellow vocalist Jen Ledger. The ballads are radio-friendly and offer calming moments between the high-energy offerings. Fans of both new and mid-era Skillet will love this record.
Spiritual Highlights
Skillet's boldness in their faith is partially why they are a huge influence, both in music and media. Dominion is no exception. The messages found in these songs are, as the band says, celebrations of freedom. Some of the songwriting sounds familiar, because the theme of hope and power is frequent in the band's discography.
The messages found in Dominion are ones we need to hear, whether we're believers or not. Prayerful lyrics found in "Refuge" and "Valley of Death" will meet Christians in their walk with God and encourage them onward. Meanwhile, explosive tracks like "Surviving The Game" and "Shout Your Freedom" will offer much needed motivation to any who hear them. Overall, the celebration of freedom echoes Jesus' salvation well.
Best Song
Skillet is reknowned for two elements in their music: anthemic rock tracks and heart-felt ballads. Both are present, so I'll offer my thoughts on both. Out of the ballads, "Valley of Death," "Refuge," and "Forever or the End," the third is the strongest. The harmonies between Jen and John Cooper beloved by many and shine well. "Forever or the End" also echoes a Comatose-era sound while fitting well into this modern set.
As for the best rock song, there are several fantastic new ones to choose from, but "Destiny" is the standout. There is great energy throughout the song, balancing both the emotional charge and rock and roll power. The melodic parts remind me of songs like "Awake and Alive" from their 2009 album, Awake, or "I Want to Live" from their 2016 album, Unleashed. The message is one of longing for better days; coming out of the darkness we find ourselves in.
Skillet's 11th record, Dominion, proves that the band is not losing their touch in the rock arena. They are consistent, which means that there are songs you expect and will find. However, the band has shown significant growth--both incorporating some of their recent works and otherwise pushing in a fresh, modern rock direction. The closing track is an anomaly, and a couple of the ballads feel dated, but as always, Skillet shines on all the energetic tracks. Skillet's Dominion offers motivation while focusing on victory and freedom through excellent rock music.
Hevel EP: Metalcore Worship At Its Best | Posted November-19-2021 What You Need To Know
In early 2021, Texas-based metalcore band Bloodlines recently signed with Facedown Records. Now, they've dropped their first single, "Colder," signed to the label from their EP, Hevel.
What It Sounds Like
Bloodlines creates modern metalcore music with melodic elements weaved within. Lead vocalist Alexizz Rodriguez has some of the most balanced screams and singing in the Christian metalcore scene: being aggressive or captivating where appropriate. Hevel is a refreshing metalcore EP, with the creative musical choices that the band implements, while sounding modern and polished.
Spiritual Highlights
The EP opens with the declaration, "Yahweh/Let Your voice be heard/I will spend my days declaring your name." With that setting the tone, the rest follows suit. Hevel is taken from a Hebrew word whose closest English definition is "vanity" or "empty." The songs on the EP reflect on our spiritual conditions: with and without God. "Lotus" explores the acceptance of a short life and what we leave behind. Who is to be remembered? Us or God? "Devil," featuring Impending Doom vocalist Brook Reeves, is a war anthem against satan.
"Colder" reflects on the emptiness we feel without a closeness to God and His people. The word ruah is the translation from the Hebrew word meaning "spirit" and the eponymous song invites the Holy Spirit to be working in and around us. And the title track embraces grace and worships God for it.
Best Song
Each track on Hevel is dynamic and unique. "Colder" was the first single released, and for good reason. It presents the perfect blend of modern metalcore and progressive metal flair that Bloodlines will be remembered for. The song tackles the relatable feeling of apathy, while drifting away spiritually, yet, provides hope.
Bloodlines' Hevel EP is an immediate gem in the metalcore scene. Combined with their last record, Hostile Minds, their love for biblically-sound heavy music, and Hevel, Bloodlines is on their way to become a household name in Christian-based metal. Their passion is contagious and they are sure to reach and encourage many in their faith.
Dire: Volume II - Turn Up the Volume | Posted November-16-2021 What You Need To Know
Dire is an American heavy metal band from Georgia. Under their belt, they have one studio record, Volume I, and two EPs, Dire and Depths. Now, you can add a second studio album to that list. Volume II is their biggest and best yet.
What It Sounds Like
Dire's heavy metal sound has an old-school flair to it. Flurries of guitar riffs and solos energize the album, pairing well with pounding drums and driving bass. Lead vocalist Joran Messer's screams and singing is reminiscent of modern heavy metal giants such as Killswitch Engage and Trivium.
Spiritual Highlights
Dire's Volume II is full of solid, biblically sound songwriting that is strengthened by great heavy metal music. The first song "Reign" sets the worshipful tone well. This lyrical style is similar in songs like "Forever New" and "Without You."
Some songs focus more on the human condition, spiritual, and mental struggles we face as both humans and Christians. "Not Enough" confronts pride and "No Dying Breed" wrestles with loneliness. There is no shortage of passion and mature songwriting here.
Best Song
"Reign" is a killer track that easily carves its way into the best metal songs this year. The chorus proclaims an everlasting truth, "Dominion, honor/To Him who sits upon the throne/Glory, power/Who was and is and is to come!" On top of the refreshing boldness in songwriting, "Reign" does what every opening track should do: set expectations and leave an impact.
Volume II is a crushing heavy metal album that is sure to leave an impact on those who listen. Dire has showcased great improvement and growth from previous releases and I hope this is a sign of more metal to come from them. At 14 songs, it is longer than most modern records, so fans used to recent EPs might need to set aside extra time to focus in, but it is worth it. Each song is enjoyable and there is a lot of depth to the songwriting.
#ChooseToLive Is More Powerful With Music | Posted November-08-2021 What You Need To Know
Amongst Wolves is a four-piece, pop and electronic rock band based in the U.K.. #ChoosetoLive is Amongst Wolves' first full-length album. As the title suggests, it is based on the anti-suicide movement #ChooseToLive (Instagram tag).
What It Sounds Like
The album contrasts the weighty, and often dark, topic of suicide with fun, upbeat music. Amongst Wolves embraces a modern mix of pop and eletronica with their rock foundation. Their style blends well and allows for a variety of energetic songs. There's also a spoken-word song about anxiety.
Spiritual Highlights
Ultimately, the band's goal of injecting biblical hope into hopeless, lifeless situations is vividly clear. Songs like "Voices" is poignant in their directness, singing "There is nothing romantic about suicide/don't you believe it/it's a filthy lie/Jesus already paid the price."
Another highlight is the song, "Defender." It embraces the foundation we have with Jesus as the defender of our souls. The song also features some unique vocals and music found on the record.
Best Song
The opening song, "i just want to feel alive" is a very relevant song, centering on the struggles of a world shut-down and shut-in from the pandemic. But also includes a testimony of having dead and lonely souls before the hope of Jesus. The song showcases the creativity that Amongst Wolves brings--both musically and lyrically.
Amongst Wolves tackles modern struggles with vulnerable lyrics and encouraging music with #ChooseToLive. The spoken word song "i am anxious" runs long at three minutes which might surprise listeners, but it does have good content.
Also, being pop and electronica, some songs naturally blend together. But with only nine songs, most stand out well enough on their own. Amongst Wolves does a great job addressing suicidal struggles with songs that are fun, yet inject biblical hope and truth. If you're struggling with hopelessness, you need to listen to #ChooseToLive and be encouraged by what they have to say.
Blurred Visions: A Clear Vision for Rock | Posted November-04-2021 What You Need To Know
Idle Threat's Blurred Visions (stylized as blurred visions) is the rock band's first full-length album. Currently signed to Tooth and Nail Records, they are a rock trio with post-hardcore influences.
What It Sounds Like
If you enjoyed rock bands of the late 2000s, such as Norma Jean, Anberlin, and Emery, then you'll love blurred visions. Idle Threat's music features a fusion of genres; post-hardcore elements containing screaming and hardcore musicianship mixed with ambient rock. This means that there's plenty of time to headbang, but also enough time to sit down and reflect. Some of the band's heaviest songs and melodic songs are present on this record.
Spiritual Highlights
Idle Threat holds nothing back when it comes to deep content. They pour their heart and soul into blurred visions. The theme is about control in our lives. How life is when circumstances are going well and how we find peace without much control present. Songs like "Driftwood" address the fading in and out of reality and calls out to be brought into a place of peace.
Some songs, such as "Simon," lean more into faith, offering biblical references and hope. "Simon" seems to take influence from struggles that the apostle Peter went through. blurred visions comes to a fitting close with "No Turning Back" surrendering, "So I let go/My illusion of control."
Best Song
In an album so full of variety and emotion, it's hard to pick one song. "No Turning Back" has high-energy that gives the album a much-needed kick. It also has relatable lyrics, which offers the listener a time of reflection. It also wraps up the message of blurred visions well, as every great closing song should do.
blurred visions has sounds that are reminiscent of post-hardcore from years past. But, it also has a uniqueness that only Idle Threat can offer. Ernie Fabian's and Zeke McKinney's vocals aren't the most stand-out in the genre, but are definitely where they need to be (yes, they still sound great). Some may be surprised by the variety of genres and styles; this is showing the band's refusal to be boxed in. Listen to the album and enjoy the music.
Impending Doom - Hellbent EP | Posted October-31-2021 What You Need To Know
Hellbent is hardcore band Impending Doom's first studio EP since their signing to Facedown Records in 2007. The five songs are led by the single, "Satanic Panic."
What It Sounds Like
This EP's sound is reminiscent of what Impending Doom offered in the 2010s, though the production is cleaner and sounds crisper. As always, there are some bouncy riffs, chuggy breakdowns, and intense vocal work from lead singer Brook Reeves. The deathcore sound has a powerful presence, as well as heavy lyrics.
Spiritual Highlights
Impending Doom continues to address relevant and tough topics with an honest approach. The lyrical content overall tackles the emptiness of the world's promises in contrast to our biblical hope. A "reaping what you sow" tone is evident for the majority of the record. Some may have concern over the phrase "We're ready for war/so, what the hell are you going to do" on "New World Horror."
Best Song
"I Must End" is a fantastic deathcore song that concisely presents Impending Doom's message. With captivating phrases like "You can't put me in my grave/if I'm already there" and the humbling, closing lyrics, "Bring the doom/I must end," the song is easily one of the band's best.
Impending Doom's Hellbent EP presents deathcore at its finest. Being able to write songs that are not satanic in a genre so aggressive is commendable and Impending Doom continues to inspire. Some may be disappointed by the short length, since the band's always done full-lengths, but each track on Hellbent is worth your time.
Alive At Zero Review | Posted October-11-2021 What You Need To Know
Roselyn, a chaotic metalcore band from Denmark, are comprised of members from other bands. Their new lead singer Ebbe Ryberg is formerly with contemporary band Selah. Alive at Zero is their first full-length album.
What It Sounds Like
Roselyn's sound is a vintage style of metalcore, reminiscent of early 2000s bands like Living Sacrifice and Zao. The music has some melodic elements as well as plenty of groovy, chaotic sounds. Singing is minimal on this record, as Ebbe's vocals consist almost entirely of a variety of screams.
Spiritual Highlights
Alive At Zero is inspired by the 2015 refugee crisis in Europe. The band shares, "We dig into some of the pain and injustices in the hopes of finding a glimpse of light and hope that there is more for us and that we can do better as humans."
Despite the focus on an earthly struggle, Roselyn brings powerful proclamations of universal hope and salvation. "Grace and Fire" cries out "grace and fire/You saved me from myself." "Iron Sharpens Iron" claims, "Let His light through the curtains/Guilt and shame dispelled/By living light overwhelmed." "Calm The Storm" is prayerful and intimate.
Best Song
One of the best songs on Alive at Zero is "For The War." This song captures, both musically and lyrically, the depth that Roselyn brings. The catchy riff is one of the best parts, working opposite of the melodic backing in the chorus. And lyrically, it addresses the core of what Alive at Zero focuses on.
Roselyn's debut full-length record, Alive at Zero, is essential for chaotic metalcore fans. The title track is overly repetitive and "Strings / Interlude" seems out of place. But, the impressive vocals, mature songwriting, and intense musicianship ought to bring the album the attention it deserves.
Relent's | Posted October-06-2021 What You Need To Know:
Heavy is Relent's second full-length studio album on Rockfest Records, following Heart Attack.
What It Sounds Like:
Heavy builds upon the foundation they laid down in Heart Attack. Their fusion of old-school nu-metal with modern hard rock is a standout in the aggressive music scene. Improvements are found in every area–vocals, lyrics, and music.
Spiritual Highlights:
Relent addresses some heavy topics in this record, as expected from both the album title and artwork. Issues like hypocrisy, addiction, depression, and more are handled through mature, hope-filled songs.
The difficult topics can be summarized as lead singer Miggy Sanchez shared with RockOnPurpose: "God has always shown up in the midst... If He can do it for me, He can do it for you. Don't give up. I know it's hard, but you're going to be stronger from this."
Best Song:
The band's creativity shines on the title track "Heavy." They tap into the hip-hop style more–rapping verses, a near-spoken word bridge, and continually heavy choruses. Relent gets more ferocious in songs like "Danger" and "Ghost" which can't be missed.
If you feel low in your soul, Relent's new music is sure to bring you some inspiration. What Christian-based nu-metal lacks in quantity, you'll often find quality. Relent is no exception. Heavy is definitely a highlight of the year.
Rhema: Screaming the best of War of Ages | Posted September-16-2021 What You Need To Know
Rhema is War of Ages' first studio EP of their 16-year career. There are four songs of unashamed Christian metal from one of the champions of Facedown Records.
What It Sounds Like
What War of Ages will be remembered for is their consistency. They not only bring what you expect from an expert metal band but continually improve as well. All the goods are here: guitar solos, catchy riffs, soaring choruses with gritty verses, and faith-filled lyrics.
Spiritual Highlights
War of Ages is one of the most unashamed bands in Christian metal. Their music often calls for divine intervention in our lives but also calls out wickedness.
"Sleight of Hand" is based on Proverbs 6:16-19. "No Altars" reminds us that God is a jealous God who won't settle for any other altars in our lives. "Pyrite" is the heaviest song on the EP, featuring some of the most impressive vocals from singer Leroy Hamp --including some deep growls. The lyrical content matches the song title: condemning a fake faith (pyrite is fool's gold). "Unspoken" brings a more melodic side, musically. It fights for truth and encourages listeners to stand their ground through the fires of life.
Best Song
Each song delivers quality metal music with compelling lyrics. However, "No Altars" stands out above the others--slightly. The ultimate call of the song is an undeniable command of "Fall to your knees/Bow down to the one true king." On top of that, the song could easily place in War of Ages' top five songs of all time. "No Altars" is a crushing song that must not be missed.
War of Ages's EP, Rhema, leaves the listener wanting more. These four songs will empower you in your faith and drive a stake into any wickedness in your heart. Rhema is excellent metalcore.
In Those Days & Also After: A Beautiful, Complex Hardcore Album | Posted September-04-2021 What You Need To Know
Meadows is a five-piece melodic hardcore band from Alabama. They signed to Facedown Records in 2021; this is their debut with the label. They previously released two EPs out of a three-part series - In Those Days & Also After Pt.1 and Pt.2 with Pt.3 being released both inside this full album and seperate. In Those Days & Also After includes both of those and the new, third EP compiled together.
What It Sounds Like
Meadows brings a fresh blend of classic hardcore with melodic rock to create a nostalgic, immersive sound. Their style of hardcore reminds me of earlier bands signed to hard rock labels Facedown Records or Tooth and Nail Records. The vigorous music matches the cutting words of each song well. There are atmospheric and melodic elements throughout, giving it a difference from traditional hardcore.
Spiritual Highlights
Meadows tells an intricate story full of emotion, relatability, and ultimately, hope. Some songs are more directed to God, personally and lyrically, while others are more focused on others or self struggles. Ultimately, the songwriting is superb and must be heard in its entirety for the big picture.
Best Song
Meadows ends their conceptual album with an emotive finale (two songs, actually). "The Answer" and "The Beginning, The End" combine into a fitting ending to the record--full of closure and passion. The latter features vocalist Kevin Klein from the rock band Valleyheart. Both songs are also great examples of the types of sounds and music that can be heard throughout the record.
If hardcore music is not usually your favorite, I encourage you to check out Meadows anyway. There are different elements woven throughout this release; you're likely to find something meaningful and enjoyable. The three EPs (Pt.1, Pt.2, and Pt.3) have a different atmosphere to them; to some, the music would be better listened to in three parts. Overall, Meadows writes dramatic, narrative songs set to diverse, heavy music to send songs of life to us.
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