This record took me back to my childhood days when I would borrow punk and rock CDs and music video VHS tapes from our Youth Pastor. There is a heavy grunge sound present; at times, it’s reminiscent of classic Audio Adrenaline and Switchfoot tracks, even more so their secular contemporaries. The standout track on this release is “Y,” soon ripping into the first verse with a powerful guitar and vocal line. Closing the album we have a haunting duo; “Follow Me Anyway,” a slower almost-ballad of a song featuring female backing vocals, followed by the albums closer, “Zombieland,” a faster homage to hardcore punks (think about the essence of Hermosa Beach bands like Black Flag maintaining the grunge sound). Be aware, though. Some songs are lyrically edgy like, “Watch What You Wish For.” It may be a throwback sound, but they’ll need another album to mature before they’re considered a credible force.
Features
Heaven's Metal
When rock emerged from blues and 'heavy metal' began to surface, faith-based metal acts also rose to start their own journeys. Initially shunned by both believers and non-believers, they were fighting for their spot at the table, ultimately building a legacy that would go on to change the genre forever. HM presents an oral history of the beginning of Christian metal music, featuring Guardian, Tourniquet, Holy Soldier, Whitecross, and, of course, Stryper.
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Alphaville’s Metal Renaissance
With influences that span Miles Davis and Stravinsky to Geddy Lee and Les Claypool, jazz metal force Imperial Triumphant is the epitome of genre-bending. HM contributing writer Andrew Voigt spoke with the band about their unique style, the massive bass presence in their music, and the rise and fall of civilization.
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Atreyu's Baptism
At their core, Atreyu is a hard rock band with metal riffs and pop choruses. Now, after more than 20 years, the band has stepped boldly into their next chapter with a change in lineup and an album that proves the lifeblood of Atreyu is stronger than ever.
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Five Death Metal Bands You Need to Know Now
Death metal is no longer strictly a one-kind-of-sound genre but a cloud under which many elements have formed. We have assembled five must-hear death metal acts you should be listening to now, each distinctly set apart from another in form, yet still brethren in the death metal community.
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