This is Spirit and the Bride (SatB), a hardcore-band from Cincinnati, Ohio. They are signed to OnTheAttack Records and this is their debut release. Who are SatB and what do they stand for? Well, here it is in their own words: “Spirit and the Bride stands for one purpose: one vision, to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The music they write is original, heavy, and has a strong emphasis on worship, not condemnation. Scripture based lyrics and passionate melodies make up their unique sound. “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17”.
This album is recorded by Eric Tuffendsam at Moonlight studios and Jeff Stuckel (Keyoung).
All sale proceeds from “With Eyes and Ears To See and Hear” go to support the skateboarding ministry at the Roots of Hope ministry in Jaco, Costa Rica, run by Aaron and Bonnie Wells (https://missiongo.org/donate/missionaries/aaron-andbonnie-wells).
Now for the actual album; No long and boring intro’s but we get straight to the point, high energy hardcore right from the beginning with the song ‘Bite Your Tongue’. Where we also find in the lyrics the title of the album: “In my youth I was blinded by false truths. I was reaching into the dark only to find emptiness. But by grace alone, Jesus removed the cover from my vision. And now with eyes and ears to see and hear, I see Jehovah, the Holy King of King’s, and a once cunning foe lays slain at His feet.” What I especially like it the diversity of this song. A bit hardcore but also some fragments of math-core and interspersed with a small part of clean singing.
‘Name Above All Names’ has that punky feeling to it, so again, no generic hardcore. This song is about some of the names of God. For example Jehovah Jirah, Jehovah Rapha and Jehovah Nissi etcetera. I am not going to explain what they mean, just listen to this song and find out for yourself….
Next song ‘To be A Man’ has an interesting riff and melody underneath the usual hardcore-sound. But it touches metal from time to time. And also the obligated breakdown is something that we find in this song. Joshua has that typical hardcore scream that is so well-known in the hardcore-scene.
In the song ‘If Trees Could Talk’, again, we hear some math-core influences along the lines of Norma Jean. The lyrics are pure worship which could easily fit in a church songbook.
‘All Flesh Is Grass’ is a song about specific sin, as I read it is about struggle with lust. But that there is hope in Jesus to clean you, that His blood brings victory over the spirit of Jezebel. Freedom in Christ. I am really impressed and have a deep respect for their openness about this subject. You can hear the passion in this song which, for me, is the highlight of this album.
One but last song ‘Abednego’, well what to say about it? Straightforward hardcore with breakdowns.
‘Doxology’ is an old hymn that is sung in churches all around the world. It is a hardcore-version of this old Psalter for which the lyrics are written by Thomas Ken in 1674: “Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen! “ I have just one thing to say about this song: Awesome!
I have never been a great fan of this song but this version….
This is a record for all you hardcore-lovers who dare to think ‘out of the box’. Actually, the whole album is hardcore-worship. If there is something of an hardcore church somewhere on this planet, than this music should be played over there.
Rating: 7.5/10
Written by: René Woning
Track Listing:
1. Bite Your Tongue 04:37
2. Name Above All Names 04:43
3. To Be A Man 03:04
4. If Trees Could Talk 03:53
5. All Flesh Is Grass (ft. Keyoung) 05:37
6. Abednego 04:12
7. Doxology 03:00
Band members:
Joshua Simmons (Vocals)
Josh Summerville (Guitar)
Jeremiah Medley (Bass)
Adam Simmons (Drums)
Discography:
“With Eyes and Ears to See and Hear” (2016)
Record label: OnTheAttack records, March 2016
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
Video for ‘All Flesh Is Grass’