What we have here is a six piece Christian hardcore band from South Jersey and Delaware County, PA. They openly declare their Faith in their Saviour. I love the words that co-vocalist Matt said, I got this of their facebook page, so I will not alter his words but just copy and paste them over here so you can all read what this band stands for: “Sometimes the truth isn’t what we want to hear. This World often feeds us with things we want to hear, but ultimately, it all falls flat. We love you enough to tell you the truth, even if it hurts. Our mission is to deliver the unaltered, unapologetic truth of the freedom of the Gospel, to deliver hope to this dark world of conformation.” Whether you share their views or not doesn’t matter, this is a bold statement that earns respect.
This album was released 14 March 2015 and mixed and mastered by Tall Man Studio. They are currently unsigned. Co-vocalist Matt says: “Sometimes the truth isn’t what we want to hear. This world often feeds us with things that we want to hear, but ultimately, it all falls flat. We love you enough to tell you the truth, even if it hurts. Our mission is to deliver the unaltered, unapologetic truth of the freedom of the Gospel, to deliver hope to this dark world of conformation.”
One thing that strikes me first, when I start listening to the album, is that the screamer sounds a bit like Ryan Kirby of Fit For A King, not a bad thing to be compared with though. As a matter of fact, the music can sometimes also be compared with FFAK. The funny thing is, that just when I wrote this, I saw on their facebook page that they are influenced by FFAK among others. So luckily there is nothing wrong with my ears…. There is no doubt that all the elements we are so used to hear in metalcore are present. Right from the start with the song ‘Treachery & Constancy’ we are treated to the traditional breakdowns and aggressive screaming. Followed by ‘Line In The Sand’ which starts with heavy chugging on the strings. In this song we hear for the first time the clean vocalist, a catchy tune where I wonder if it isn’t sung a bit out of tune. The song ‘Harsh Words’ has a menacing tone and has a original part in it with speaking and mean laughing with a nice bass-sound beneath it all. (You have to hear for yourself to understand what I mean).
Then the song ‘Furnace’, this song was released as a single in December 2014. Compliments to James to beat the living daylight out of his drumkit on this song. (Yes, I mean that in a positive way). In the song ‘Redemption’ we hear a piano sound and when the song builds with speaking beautiful words to the Father and becoming heavier, we hear what this band is capable of. This is where the goosebumps come in. This song fluently flows into the next song, ‘The Gate Beautiful’, with speaking word. This song sometimes has an old fashioned hardcore sound and has some more uptempo parts.
Another song which I really think I must mention is ‘Selah’. It starts with mellow music and spoken word. Then the screaming comes, but also in a sensitive way. One of the more original parts on the album if you ask me.
Last song ‘Bones’ is business as usual. Heavy slow breakdown filled hardcore. And that is also my conclusion on this album. If you are searching for an original album full of new, never before done, sounds than this is probably not your cup of tea. But if you don’t mind that the majority is done already, but played very well and with passion, this could be for you. If you like the sound of ‘In The Midst Of Lions’ combined with the heaviness of Fit For A King, you should check this band out.
Rating: 7/10
Written by: René Woning
Tracklist:
1. Treachery & Constancy
2. Line In The Sand
3. Struggle
4. Harsh Words
5. Furnace
6. Redemption
7. The Gate Beautiful
8. Heart Of Man
9. Selah
10. Bones
Band Members:
Matthew Cummings – Vocals
Ian Kelly – Vocals
Sean Cummings – Bass
Chuck Minix – Guitar
James DeVita – Drums
Dave Spencer – Guitar
Discography:
“Great White Throne” – EP (July 21, 2013)
“Furnace” – Single (December 25, 2014)
“Surrender” (March 14, 2015)
Record label: Independent, March, 2015
Weblinks: Facebook / Twitter / Bandcamp
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
Lyric video: ‘Struggle’
Video below: ‘Harsh Words’
Video below: ‘Selah’