This is Revivalist, a hardcore band from Abilene, Texas, they have the vision and desire to see revival. Not only in the hardcore and metal scenes, but in the heart of a generation that the world has turned it’s back on.
This is a young band, formed in 2012 according to their information on facebook. Again we are dealing with a band that has a passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ which they bring in an hardcore style, meaning: honest and with holding nothing back lyrically. This EP was recorded, mixed and mastered by Luke Garrigus at Blackroom Studios in Mineola, Texas in June 2014. The Ep is available as an exclusive digital download, hosted by HM Magazine. (https://soundcloud.com/hmmagazine/revivalist-paradise?in=hmmagazine/sets/revivalist-brother). CD’s and merch bundles are available from the On The Attack Records webstore. (https://ontheattackrecords.storenvy.com/).
This EP is dedicated to JoshuaD. Parvin who passed away February 13, 2014 from an accidental drug overdose at the age of 25. When I read the lyrics it is easy to guess where the title of the EP and the song ‘Brother’ comes from, it is obvious that it is related to the passing away of Joshua. I think it is not too early to say that I was realy touched by this song lyrically.
Now for the actual EP.
It starts with the song ‘Paradise’ we hear some beautiful relaxing beach sounds which are brutally interrupted by a heavy breakdown. Some would say that it starts a bit generic but what do you expect from an hardcore/metalband? As I have said before and I will probably say it again in the future, originality is almost impossible to find in this style. I find it more important that it is done well, and it is! At some points the double bass drums kick you in the stomach, well done Tanner (Drums)!
The next song ‘Jeremiah’ is about boldly speaking the gospel of Christ. Again an uptempo hardcore song. It ends with a spoken word, a part of Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it’s waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.”
Then the song ‘Brother’, it features Josiah Lyle of Mouth Of The South. As I said before this song really touched me, it is about too late realising that someone feels alone and having regrets not telling him that he is not alone. The lyrics end with: “There should have never been poison in your vains. I should have been a better brother. I’m called to be the light, but I left you in the dark. I’m worse than a dog with no bite and all bark. Brother, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. A passionate, honest, hardcore song!!
The songs ‘Vanity’ and ‘Free’ then close the album. Where ‘Vanity is an uptempo and, at the end, melodical song full of breakdowns, ‘Free’ has a more oldschool hardcore sound.
In summary, an well executed hardcore album. For a band as young as Revivalist you can’t expect a whole bunch of new sounds, but as I said: “It is done well!”
Rating: 7.5/10
Written by: René Woning
Track listing:
1. Paradise (3:20)
2. Jeremiah (5:01)
3. Brother (ft. Josiah Lyle of Mouth Of The South) (3:38)
4. Vanity (4:15)
5. Free (3:24)
Band members:
Broc Baird – Vocals
Dylan Hayward – Guitar
Cansas Estep – Bass
Tanner Coker – Drums
Discography:
“Brother” (2014)
Record label: OnTheAttack Records October 21, 2014
Lyric video below ‘Brother’