Christian pop rock band All Together United, a group with roots in various genres, have been releasing music since 2014 (their newest release, Anything Is Possible, was released in 2020). The band's goal is to encourage people with biblical messages in their music.
What It Sounds Like
Their pop rock music blends familiar melodic sounds with acoustic layers. A few songs include more prominent rock elements. Lead singer Matthew Ide's vocal range allows for great melodies in the album's contemporary music to flow throughout the record. Vocals range from soothing and warm to deeper and anthemic--just enough variety without losing their focus.
Spiritual Highlights
If you're looking for God-glorifying music with a rock flavor, All Together United has you covered. Throughout the record, you will hear the band's passion and love for God with contemporary Christian music-styled lyricism. Anything Is Possible's style of worship is cheerful, motivating, and biblically-based.
Best Song
"Lord" has standout rock elements, which is pleasing to the ears. Most of the album's songs are closer to pop rock and contemporary music, while "Lord" is heavier hitting and feels more original.
The variety in music style paired with encouraging lyrics makes Anything Is Possible a worship project worth checking out. Some more rock-focused tracks would give this record more needed cohesiveness. All Together United shows growth from previous music and leaves the listener inspired in their faith.
The four-piece progressive metalcore band Mothaltar's debut EP, Prologue, has an intriguing instrumental opening and four biblically-based songs. Formerly known as Forerunner, the band has rebranded and solidified its sound and line-up.
What It Sounds Like
Musically, Mothaltar seems to draw on many influences, as evident in the range of musical styles heard throughout the EP. There is an abundance of technology, low riffage, and melodic elements. The vocals range from spoken word, singing, and lots of screaming.
Spiritual Highlights
Some of the EP's lyrics are based on Isaiah chapter 6, the band's favorite scripture. So, it's no surprise that their content has plenty of spiritual highlights. The band is proud of their faith; they write songs that contrast the difficulties of life with the confidence found in God.
Best Song
Right out the gate, "Return" stands out. Everything that a metalhead would want in a song can be found here: intense riffage, vocal variety, and multiple breakdowns. The melodic side of the band is also evident. The lyrics are solid and they speak to our spirituality as Christians. This song is exemplary of the band's talent.
Mothaltar's debut, Prologue, is hopefully just a prologue for much more to come. This EP is very promising. Mothaltar's ability to meet our spiritual conflict, through the heaviness in music, yet hope in faith, is something to commend. The mix could be heard as muddy at times, definitely a nod to the hardcore genre, though. I strongly recommend any metal fan to listen to Prologue.
Yours For Mine: How Dark The Night Review | Posted March-29-2021
What You Need To Know
Yours For Mine is a post-hardcore band whose new record follows-up on a 10-year-plus musical hiatus. Their full-length debut, Dear Children, was released in 2009. Yours For Mine: How Dark The Night (How Dark the Night for short) is a pleasant surprise and hopefully they won't need such a long pause before more music is released.
What It Sounds Like
Many people reminisce about the explosion of post-hardcore and pop-punk rise in the 2000s. That kind of sound is what you can expect on this album. There is a creative blend of styles that ultimately brings a special range of music. Vocals range from spoken word to screams. The music is exhilarating and captures the emotion and truth spoken throughout.
Spiritual Highlights
Yours For Mine expertly weaves their faith into songs of life. You won't walk away after listening to this record without being encouraged in your situation, whether spiritual or not. The amount of depth here is, dare I say, worth the 12-year wait. The lyrical songwriting is as transparent as a faith-filled man's prayer to God—comparable to the Psalms.
Best Song
This record is full of great tracks that range in their aggressiveness and captivating melody. "Break The Teeth" is one of the most energetic tracks. "Sing, Sing Again" is easily the most mellow, yet, enjoyable. Perhaps the song that best showcases the fantastic range of music is "We All Hide." The lyrics demonstrate a vulnerable heart wanting to sympathize and encourage, and the music perfectly matches the intensity. Starting out loud and fast, but slowing down for extra care toward the end.
How Dark The Night is a record that stands out among many others of its kind for its excellence in songwriting and musicianship. I found, at times, that a few songs blend together so closely that they didn't stand out as individual experiences. This may be a benefit to some listeners, though. It's been a while since I felt such genuineness in music. I'm grateful for an album like this in such a time as this.
Rebirth, This Surrender Review | Posted March-18-2021 What You Need To Know
This Surrender is a band led by James Franchise. Some better know him by his social media nickname, The metal worship leader. He is best known for his covers of Christian contemporary worship songs. This Surrender's debut album, Rebirth, features three original songs and six covers.
What It Sounds Like
James' love for metal music is evident all throughout the record. You'll hear screams and growls, but also some singing. Breakdowns. A couple guitar solos are heard, too. Most choruses are sung; most bridges are the heaviest parts. Overall, it's metalcore covers of praise songs (this is James' form of praise). The last song, "Make Room," is the softest, by far.
Spiritual Highlights
Given the nature of the cover songs, the spiritual content is great. This Surrender covered the classic "God of Wonders." The band covered recent church favorites "Way Maker," "Break Every Chain," and "God of the Promise." There are also three original songs that all fit in with similar lyrical songwriting and musical arrangement.
Best Song
The arrangement and style of "God of Wonders" is my favorite cover. James' passion and talent in the metal music side of things is best presented in this song. As for his originals, "Anchored" is the best of the three, considering the songwriting and personal touch.
This Surrender's Rebirth is a creative and heartfelt record. Though mostly comprised of cover songs, James' own songwriting and talent is clearly heard and seen. The mixing, especially on the drums, is rough at times and the vocals don't always complement each other. Rebirth is a solid foundation to grow upon and I'm excited to hear what James has in the future.
Devin Williams is no stranger to the Christian rock community. He's rocked Billboard's Christian Rock charts seven times. He also produces music. His passion as a worship leader comes through in his honest lyrics. His upbringing in Nashville fuels his love for music and rock. Every Eye is his newest release.
What It Sounds Like
Simply put, Devin is a native from Nashville--and it shows in his music. His southern influence reminds me of rock bands Down and Disciple to name a few. Every Eye has an easy-to-follow layout musically: hard, soft, hard, and soft. Three originals and one acoustic remix forms a cohesive rock EP with highs and lows.
Spiritual Highlights
Each song has easily identifiable biblical messages and influences. "Every Eye" is about the return of Christ based on Revelation 1:7. There is a warning in here too, "Now is the time to get it right/Before He steps out on the clouds." "Sunshine" is the soft song on the album which also gets acoustic remix. If you need a pick-me-up song, this is it. It's encouraging and has a nice mood to it through out. Lastly, "Riverside" takes on forgiveness of sins through the classic imagery of being washed in the river.
Best Song
I love the title track, "Every Eye." It's hard-hitting and feel-good rock and roll. There's a neat little guitar solo thrown in from Amongst the Giants Marco Pera. Devin's crispy voice shines bright on this standout track.
Devin's Every Eye EP is a cohesive rock project showcasing a great rock voice and well-produced musicianship. I think the acoustic remix treatment would have been better suited to one of the other two songs, since "Sunshine" is the softest of the three anyway. This EP is short and to the point at roughly 15 minutes. Chance it. It's a great listen.
Songs of Death and Resurrection Review | Posted February-25-2021 What You Need To Know
Songs of Death and Resurrection is Demon Hunter's 11th studio album. It's a collection of reimagined songs from almost every album in their discography, plus one new original song. Every song is rearranged differently than its original, but the lyrics are still the same.
What It Sounds Like
Any fan of Demon Hunter's ballads on their albums will love these songs. There are no hard-rocking songs or metal music on this record. Instead, the band focuses on giving their fan-favorite songs a new creative experience. The band focuses on adding piano and stringed instruments into the songs, increasing the melodic side.
Spiritual Highlights
Lead singer Ryan Clark says, "Writing lyrics that resonate deeply has not only become a personal prerequisite but a cornerstone of what fans come to expect from the band." This mindset has been present from the beginning. You can see the consistency just by listening to this discography-spanning record. Writing about the reality of spiritual warfare is ever-present, whether in heavy or soft songs or whether it comes out in an encouraging or somber song. Hope and love remain centerpieces for Demon Hunter.
Best Song
The whole Demon Hunter crew, plus a few extras, flexed their creative skills in every way throughout the record. Some songs played different keys or became more upbeat. Some songs that were more full became stripped back. One of the best examples would be the fan-favorite, "I Am A Stone." Ryan Clark, adds "This rendition of the song is more triumphant and proud. It’s less somber than the original, but somehow these changes feel equally fitting." I completely agree. This one definitely stands out, but all are fantastic and have their own touch on the listener.
Demon Hunter's 20 years of experience is utilized to the max. They prove they still have plenty to give back to fans. Songs of Death and Resurrection is one the most unique personalized records from a metal band in years. Just as some of these songs have been dear to fans in years past, the "resurrected" versions of these will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.
Brotality is a Christian-based thrash metal band. The band members are young, but no doubt talented. Teenaged brothers Bryce and Reece, as well as their 14-year-old friend Liam, are committed to their bio, "faith, love, and heavy music." They recently released their debut full-length album, Worldwide Desolation.
What It Sounds Like
You don't hear Christian-based thrash metal bands much anymore. So, when I heard their sound, I was hooked. Brotality's sound and lyrical content is mature and certainly surprises for a debut. Lots of classic metal influences are evident: guitar solos, gritty and low vocals, rhythmic breakdowns, and distorted instruments.
Spiritual Highlights
One of the reasons Brotality deserves your attention is the strong biblical foundation behind their songs. "Foxhole" opens with a call to seek truth and turn from hypocrisy. "Salting The Wound" calls for relief much like the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12. "Dirtnap" addresses the impending death to all, but offers to "find your rest in His hands." "The Way of Suffering" is an emotionally-charged, encouraging album closer, written from Jesus' perspective on His day of death.
Best Songs
"I Am Fire, I Am Death" is a fantastic onslaught of metal and melody that is sure to hook you. The record starts strong with "Foxhole" and "Salting The Wound." Listening to the aforementioned songs will no doubt compel you to listen to the rest of the album. Talent from all three young men shines on this track.
Brotality's Worldwide Desolation is a truly impressive debut record. They boast a sound and skill that some bands struggle to nail down for a couple of records. Overall, the album is straightforward. But, there's not a lot of variety in the nearly one-hour runtime. But, there's a lot of raw talent. With more time and practice, Brotality could easily become a big name in Christian metal. Worldwide Desolation is a unique metal record that'll stand out for years to come.
Anthem For The Outcast Review: Praise-filled Hard Rock | Posted February-12-2021 What You Need To Know
Rock band The Midnight Wedding's debut full-length album, Anthem For The Outcast, was produced by Disciple's guitarist Josiah Prince. It features several big-name guest vocalists, such as Disciple's lead vocalist Kevin Young, as well as Fireflight's lead vocalist Dawn Michele. At 15 songs in total, including an intro and outro, there is plenty of music for rock and contemporary fans.
What It Sounds Like
This record is roughly a two-thirds split of rock anthems and beautiful nearly-contemporary worship-stylized songs. All rock songs are led by Brandon Trlak, while his wife Caitlin covers backing vocals and leads the softer songs. The rock anthems are soaring and catchy, while emotive. The softer songs are melodic and captivating.
Spiritual Highlights
The Midnight Wedding addresses biblical topics head-on all throughout the record. It is refreshing and needed. The band calls out the hypocrisy in others ("Enforcers") and in ourselves ("What I Preach"). Regret and sin struggles are addressed in songs like "I Swear" and "Walk Through Hell." The gospel is presented well in "Hate's Door" as it takes the perspective of John 4 (the woman at the well). Anthem For The Outcast has no shortage of quality source material and great songwriting.
Best Song
A strong case could be presented for one of the fantastic singles such as "I Swear" and "Enforcers" being the best song, especially with Kevin Young on the latter. However, "What I Preach" is truly a standout. It has a similar tone as the aforementioned songs. But, it takes an inward approach to hypocrisy, confessing "I say I love You/Then I curse Your name..." and asking "Can I practice what I preach?/Can I fall down on my knees?" The deep song challenges us all. Worth noting on the softer side of the music, "Set Me Free" is incredible.
Anthem For The Outcast skillfully showcases how to balance the dichotomy of hard-hitting rock n' roll and expressive praise music--there is no compromise. You'd be hard-pressed to find a song you don't relate to here. Maybe it's the length overall, but I found that a couple of the songs blended too closely together, losing some individuality. Ultimately, The Midnight Wedding firmly establishes their merit among names like Disciple and Fireflight with Anthem For The Outcast.
Blinded by Sorrow Review | Posted February-07-2021 What You Need To Know
Defying Death is a hardcore metalcore band from Virginia. They introduced themselves to the music industry by releasing two singles in 2020. In February 2021, the band released their first EP, Blinded By Sorrow. It features an instrumental opening track and five diverse, metal songs.
What It Sounds Like
The guitars are dark, intense, and distorted, and the drums are commanding. The vocals are predominately low growls, alongside some sung choruses.
Spiritual Highlights
The name and music of Blinded By Sorrow cover the trauma and struggles of life. The lyrics range from mental health, hypocrisy, and more--ultimately through a hopeful perspective driven by Christian faith. The title track, "Blinded by Sorrow," is a prime example of Defying Death's foundation of faith: "If this is the plan you have for me/Then God clean my eyes/So my heart can finally see what it wants to be."
Best Song
"Withered Roots" and "Blinded By Sorrow" are the EP's standout songs. It's worth mentioning that every song has a great aspect to it. "Withered Roots" is my go-to heavy song on the album. It has a hopeful and catchy chorus. It also showcases the band's signature heavy sound, accurately. Meanwhile, "Blinded By Sorrow" is especially unique. It's the most melodic song on the EP, by far; it offers a softer side to the music, while it targets anxiety with hope.
Defying Death's debut EP, Blinded By Sorrow, firmly establishes them as a hardcore metal band worth following closely and supporting generously. There is only the occasional vocal that is not as clear and crisp, as the majority. I really appreciate that every song on Blinded by Sorrow offers hope in the midst of a difficult life.
Imago Amor Review | Posted February-05-2021 What You Need To Know
Rock band Remedy Drive's newest record Imago Amor is the third in a thematic trilogy of albums, primarily centered around fighting human trafficking. The other albums in the trilogy, include 2018's North Star and 2014's Commodity. The album's name is Latin for "Image of Love." And, the new music reflects that name well.
What It Sounds Like
Remedy Drive is an expert at weaving cool rock songs with melodic, emotive music into a cohesive package. Imago Amor opens with the blazing rock song, "Dragons." This tune reminds me of heavier rock songs from Switchfoot and U2. Throughout the record, you hear incredible musicianship paired with heartfelt lyrics.
Spiritual Highlights
The idea of standing up for the vulnerable and abused--in this case, human traffic victims--is godly at its core. Using music only strengthens the idea. James 1:27, Exodus 22:22, and Genesis 1:27 come to mind throughout the album. There are several other subjects sung about as well, not just the aforementioned. Imago Amor is unquestionably driven by the band's heart for the gospel.
Best Song
I cannot imagine a stronger and more fitting opening song to this record than "Dragons." I love the captivating statement found in the chorus "This is a storm/That we can weather/We're turning numbers/Into names in these days." The song captures Imago Amor so clearly that it resounds throughout every song, both musically and lyrically.
Imago Amor excellently combines rock music with compassionate lyrics that compels action. This record showcases love for the outcasts, calls for unity to the hurt, and condemns injustice to all--in the name of music and Jesus. The lyrics are, at times, poignant and somewhat uncomfortably raw, though it is handled well. If you want to know where Remedy Drive's heart is as a band, (which is extended into The Exodus Road, a non-profit anti-human trafficking organization) listen to Imago Amor.
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