Young Oceans has done a wonderful job of creating an ambient EP in Advent, taking old hymns and re-vitalizing them for the Sufjan Stevens/Iron and Wine crowd. While not as epic as a Sigur Ros album, this eclectic group of musicians take the slow building approach of setting a scene, before adding on to it, thickening their plots with each verse and chorus. The self-proclaimed “neo-alternative worship” band born out of New York City’s Trinity Grace Church succeeds with Advent, but it’s more of a meditative record; you probably wouldn’t put it on and listen to a couple singles. It does a much better job as personal worship and background music to set the mood.
Features
Overflowing with Wrath
Dempsey Mills is the brains behind Vials of Wrath, an atmospheric solo project rooted in Nordic inspiration, historic genre, and a dichotomy of peace and tension that underlies the heaviness of the music. Just don't call it unblack.
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Changing Focus
When Weathered wrote their debut album, 'Stranger Here,' it was an introspective take on life as they knew it. The appropriate way to follow it up? Turn the mirror around and tell the stories of those around you.
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Love and Death and Resurrection
After an eight year hiatus, Love and Death return with 'Perfectly Preserved,' an eclectic and personal release for nu-metal icon and frontman Brian 'Head' Welch. Still at the heart of it all, the man with the dreads details his life in the spotlight after returning to Korn, the launch of a holistic recovery center, and his spearheading of an autobiographical documentary. As fresh as he's ever been at 50 years old, he's still got more to give.
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In a World of Hurt
...a kind word goes a long way. "When it comes to writing and music, these are the gifts God has given me and that’s what I want to use to further the Kingdom and return those things back to God."
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