Christian Rock Rocks

Anberlin - Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place

2010-09-06T12:12:00.002-04:00

Artist: Anberlin
Album: Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place
Release Date: 9/7/10
Label: Universal Republic

It's been two years since Anberlin signed to Universal Republic and right after, released their album New Surrender. Many fans were let down, especially since the band's critically acclaimed album Cities had released only a year earlier. While, look no further, Anberlin are back and have something to prove with their fifth studio effort, Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place. Perhaps a natural progression, Anberlin have certainly matured and polished up their sound since New Surrender, with a more accessible album that is sure to please both new fans and old ones alike. Dark Is The Way... has a very diverse sound, no two songs sounding alike. Something else that is noticeable is that Stephen Christian's vocals are one of the main focuses of the songs, the instrumentation set for flowing to his vocals, rather than the other way around.

Right off the bat, Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place starts with "We Owe This To Ourselves," a dark rocker that is no doubt Anberlin. Next comes the album's first single, "Impossible," which has a catchy alt-pop texture to it. The pulsating "Closer" is sure to be a fan favorite, where the ballad "You Belong Here" continues the smooth flow that lyrically focuses on a relationship.

"Pray Tell" is musically and lyrically one of the best tracks found on the album. It has a very diverse stomp-clap percussion section and admittedly talks of not keeping anything from God. Another dark alt-rock song focused on betrayal comes with "To The Wolves," with the verse "Who needs enemies when we've got friends like you." The acoustic "Down" has a mellow sound to it and is in the vein of "The Unwinding Cable Car." The album closer "Depraved" has a bit of a depressed feeling throughout, but builds up into an epic ending, the perfect way to end an album.

Rating: 9/10 Anberlin are back with some of their best work to date, contained on Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place. It's no surprise that this album will work its way into many album of the year lists, certainly deserving that spot. Any fans that were lost on New Surrender, welcome back.

Tracklisting:

We Owe This To Ourselves
Impossible
Take Me (As You Found Me)
Closer
You Belong Here
Pray Tell
Art Of War
To The Wolves
Down
Depraved

(Buy Here)

Exclusive Song Stream - Lakes

2010-09-03T17:41:00.005-04:00

We are excited to bring you a stream of a new song titled "Lifting Me Up" from Lakes, who just released their new album, titled The Agreement. The album is available now on iTunes and Amazon, and you can buy a physical copy of the CD on Lakes' site.

Lakes - Lifting Me Up by Christian Rock Rocks

Trip Lee - Between Two Worlds

2010-06-21T07:09:00.004-04:00

Artist: Trip Lee
Album: Between Two Worlds
Release Date: 6/22/10
Label: Reach Records

I'll go ahead and blatantly say that I am not a big fan of rap/hip-hop and probably never will be. However, I do have an exception with a few quality artists, one of which being Trip Lee. The music and beats backing Lee's great vocal delivery is done nearly excellent ranging from mellow jazz rhythms to big string flavored dance beats. Also, accompanying the music are the honest, well written lyrics that deal with how God can get us through the tough moments of life.

Opening up the large bunch of tracks found on Between Two Worlds is "Real Life Music," which offers up more of an R&B sound, along with an interesting mix of strings. It explains who and what Trip Lee performs for, being Jesus Christ. Many guest appearances are found on the album, such as Sho Baraka on "I Love Music." The title is self-explanatory to the lyrical content, which is contained in a fun sound that is perfect for summer. Singer-songwriter Jimmy Needham is also found on the track "Yours To Own," which blends Needham's influential pop and soul elements with jazz instrumentation. Another favorite of mine is "Twisted," featuring an array of guest appearances, in every verse. Among them are rappers Lecrae and Thi'sl, both of which are talented and add to the track. The album ends with the last two tracks, "The Invasion (Hero" and a bonus track, "My Lord." Both have an upbeat, airy sound to them, ending the album perfectly. Between Two Worlds is for sure one of the best hip-hop albums I have heard, showing that Trip Lee has much potential.

Rating: 8/10 Trip Lee's third studio effort Between Two Worlds seems to have everything you could want from a hip-hop album, well written lyrics, great vocals and upbeat instrumentation are only of few elements of what makes the album a memorable listen.

Tracklisting:

Real Life Music
Snitch
Invade ft. J. Paul
Prognosis
No Worries
Covenant Eyes ft. PRo
Life 101 ft. Chris Lee
I Love Music ft. Sho Baraka
Limitations ft. Leah Smith
Yours To Own ft. Jimmy Needham
Apathy (Interlude)
Twisted ft. Lecrae, PRo, Thi'sl
Bear With You ft. Tedashii
Show's Over ft. Mitch Parks
The Invasion (Hero) ft. Jai
My Lord (Bonus Track)

(Buy Here)

My Epic Tour Dates

2010-09-02T12:57:00.003-04:00

My Epic will be teaming up with To Speak of Wolves for a Southeast tour that kicks off this Friday. Tour dates are below. My Epic are touring in support of their newest and most highly praised album Yet.

Sep 3 - Lynchburg, VA @ Cross Point Church
Sep 4 - East Ridge, TN @ The Warehouse
Sept 6 - Memphis, TN @ T.H.A.T. Church w/ To Speak of Wolves
Sept 7 - McDonough, GA @ Armory w/ To Speak of Wolves
Sept 8 - Peachtree City, GA @ Crosspoint Chu w/ To Speak of Wolves
Sept 9 - Burlington, NC @ St. Mark's Church w/ To Speak of Wolves
Sept 10 - Columbia, SC @ South Congaree Assembly of God w/ To Speak of Wolves
Sept 11 - Tampa, FL @ TBA w/ To Speak of Wolves, & Ascend the Hill
Sept 12 - Tampa, FL @ The Cuban Club w/ Ascend the Hill, To Speak of Wolves, and Holding Onto Hope

August Burns Red Release First Song, Announce Pre-Order Options for New Live DVD/CD, Home

2010-09-02T12:44:00.007-04:00

Band's first live DVD/CD in stores September 28

Co-headlining nationwide AP Fall Tour

With just four weeks remaining until the release of their anticipated DVD/CD, Home, genre giants AUGUST BURNS RED are revving up their engines with a flurry of new content and pre-order options.

Starting today, fans can stream the first single from the live DVD/CD, "White Washed," on the band's newly redesigned MySpace site. A fan favorite, "White Washed" is among the stand-out tracks from Constellations, the band's most recent studio album, which stormed into the Billboard Top 200 at #24 and rocketed the band to the forefront of the metal scene.

Stream "White Washed (live)" here:
http://www.myspace.com/augustburnsred

In conjunction with the redesigned MySpace page, ABR has redesigned and relaunched all of its social sites, including its Facebook BandPage, Twitter and YouTube pages.

The band has also announced a series of pre-order options for Home, which is set for release via longtime label Solid State Records on September 28. Fans can order any number of exclusive packages which include bonus items like t-shirts, posters, signed booklets and even an ABR pillowcase.

Preorder Home:
CD/DVD: http://zambooie.com/solidstate/detail.tpl?sku=SSRCD09851
CD/DVD with Tshirt: http://zambooie.com/solidstate/detail.tpl?sku=SSRCOMBO09851
CD/DVD with Pillowcase: http://www.zambooie.com/solidstate/detail.tpl?sku=SSRCOMBO09851PC
CD/DVD with Tshirt and Pillowcase: http://zambooie.com/solidstate/detail.tpl?sku=SSRCOMBO09851ALL
CD/DVD with Poster (from INTERPUNK): https://www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=185536
CD/DVD with Signed Booklet (from SMARTPUNK): http://www.smartpunk.com/August-Burns-Red

Home – ABR's first live recording – captures the band playing a wildly energetic and ferocious show to a sold-out crowd of 1250+ in the band's hometown of Manheim, PA. The powerful, pummeling performance featured many fan favorites from the band's three full-length albums, Constellations, 2007's Messengers and 2005's Thrillseeker, meaning that Home will appeal to both new and longtime ABR fans. Shot and edited by Space Monkey Studios (COHEED AND CAMBRIA, LAMB OF GOD, EVERY TIME I DIE), the DVD also includes a documentary on the band detailing life on the road and at home and featuring fans discussing the ways in which AUGUST BURNS RED have impacted their lives in a positive, meaningful way.

The recording of Home was yet another highlight for a band that had spent the previous year touring everywhere but "Home," including 5 continents, from Dubai to Australia, Japan to South America, in addition to crisscrossing Europe and North America with everyone from LAMB OF GOD to A DAY TO REMEMBER.

The critical success of Constellations, the band's 3rd album, has helped AUGUST BURNS RED not only become one of the forerunners in the current metal scene, but also break out and reach newer fanbases. The band recently exceeded more than a quarter million in combined album sales. Constellations has sold in excess of 80,000 copies and has been lauded by taste-making publications such as Revolver, AP, Outburn and more, further solidifying ABR's stature.
Never ones to leave fans waiting, AUGUST BURNS RED return to the road this fall as the co-headliner of AP Fall Tour, alongside BRING ME THE HORIZON. The tour stretches from October 13-November 28.

Tickets for the AP Fall Tour can be purchased here:
http://theaptour.ning.com/page/fall-2010

Home Track Listing:

1) Intro

2) Back Burner

3) White Washed

4) Your Little Suburbia is in Ruins

5) The Eleventh Hour

6) Meddler

7) Truth of a Liar

8) Mariana's Trench

9) Thirty and Seven

10) Existence

11) Meridian

12) Shot Below the Belt

13) Up Against the Ropes

14) Composure

15) The Seventh Trumpet

Dates on the AP Fall Tour with BRING ME THE HORIZON and more
Oct 13 - Pontiac MI @ Crofoot Ballroom
Oct 14 - Cincinnati OH @ Bogart's
Oct 15 - Sauget IL @ Pop's
Oct 16 - Milwaukee WI @ The Rave
Oct 19 - Minneapolis MN @ Cabooze on the West Bank
Oct 20 - Kansas City MO @ The Beaumont
Oct 21 - Denver CO @ The Summit Music Hall
Oct 22 - Salt Lake City UT @ In The Venue
Oct 23 - Boise ID @ The Venue
Oct 24 - Seattle WA @ The Showbox at the Market
Oct 25 - Portland OR @ Wonder Ballroom
Oct 27 - San Francisco CA @ The Grand Ballroom at The
Oct 28 - Pomona CA @ Fox Theater
Oct 29 - Los Angeles CA @ Club Nokia LA Live
Oct 30 - San Diego CA @ SOMA
Oct 31 - Las Vegas NV @ House of Blues
Nov 2 - Tucson AZ @ Rialto Theater
Nov 4 - Austin TX @ Emo's
Nov 5 - San Antonio TX @ White Rabbit
Nov 6 - Dallas TX @ House of Blues
Nov 7 - Houston TX @ Warehouse Live
Nov 9 - Orlando FL @ Hard Rock Live Orlando
Nov 10- Ft Lauderdale FL @ Revolution
Nov 11- Tampa FL @ The Ritz
Nov 12- Atlanta GA @ The Masquerade
Nov 13- Nashville TN @ Rockettown
Nov 14- Charlotte NC @ Amos' Southend Music Hall
Nov 16- Norfolk VA @ The Norva
Nov 17- Baltimore MD @ Sonar
Nov 18- Philadelphia PA @ Electric Factory
Nov 19- Boston MA @ House of Blues
Nov 20- Williamsville NY @ Club Infinity
Nov 21- Toronto ON @ Kool Haus
Nov 22- Montreal QC @ Metropolis
Nov 24- New York NY @ Nokia Theater Times Square
Nov 26- Sayreville NJ @ Starland Ballroom
Nov 27- Allentown PA @ Crocodile Rock
Nov 28- Cleveland OH @ House of Blues Cleveland

Underoath Set To Return With Ø (Disambiguation) on November 9th

2010-09-01T12:06:00.001-04:00

UNDEROATH:
RETURN WITH

(Disambiguation)

SET FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 9
VIA SEATTLE INDIE
SOLID STATE/TOOTH & NAIL

UNDEROATH are proud to announce they’ll return this fall with their fifth studio album--titled Ø (Disambiguation)--November 9 (not October 26^th as it was falsely reported) via Seattle indie Solid State/Tooth & Nail.

Expect more news early next week....

www.underoath777.com

http://twitter.com/UNDEROATHband

www.solidstaterecords.com

www.toothandnail.com

For Today - Breaker

2010-08-31T11:39:00.001-04:00

Artist: For Today
Album: Breaker
Release Date: 8/31/10
Label: Facedown Records

In today's heavy music scene, many bands aim high, some hitting their goal or missing it. In the case of For Today and their new album, Breaker, they have certainly hit the mark and gone beyond. One of the reasons that account for this is their burning passion for God, that cannot be denied in this breakdown-heavy album, the third release from the band. Besides the fast, heavy side to the album, there are also more melodic parts as well, contained in the numerous gang vocal sections heard throughout Breaker. Lyrically, the album talks about being defiant against the generation and letting our fire for our Creator burn strong.

Breaker starts off with one of the four spoken word tracks that are split up throughout the album, the first of the group being aptly titled "The Breaker's Origin." It begins with a somewhat chilling feel, which explodes into the album's lead track, "Devastator." The resounding chorus of "Let my name be feared at the gates of Hell, as I exalt the Savior" reigns as one of the most memorable verses heard on the album. Just when you thought it couldn't get any heavier, "The Advocate" follows. The heavy breakdowns and bass drops that fill the song are some of the most aggressive heard throughout Breaker. The track that very well expresses the album's theme would be "Seraphim," which has vocalist Mattie Montgomery growling "Burn, and let the whole world see! You were made to burn."

The following track, "Arm The Masses," comes as one the highlights of Breaker, with a great guest vocal section from Drew York of Stray From The Path. His higher, hardcore punk sounding screams accompany Mattie's well, which add a unique depth to the track. Shane Raymond of Close Your Eyes also adds vocals on "Phoenix," which contains the most dominant section of gang vocals heard on the record. The triumphant "King" declares "Long live the King!" which both begin and conclude the track. The last spoken word track, "The Breaker's Commission," serves as the closer to the album, also being the best of the four tracks. It ends with a choir that turns the track into a simple but powerful worship song to fittingly end Breaker.

Rating: 9/10 With Breaker, For Today have given us one of the top metal albums that this year has had to offer so far. The music and ministry of For Today serves as a battle cry to this generation of believers and non-believers alike, burning with a fiery God-given passion. At this point, For Today are not slowing down, and will not be be anytime soon.

Tracklisting:

The Breaker's Origin
Devastator
The Advocate
The Breaker's Valley
Seraphim
Arm The Masses
White Flag
The Breaker's Encounter
Phoenix
Psalm of the Son
King
The Breaker's Commission

(Buy Here)

Impending Doom Video Premier

2010-08-30T15:13:00.003-04:00

Impending Doom have just premiered the title track video from their recently released album There Will Be Violence. You can see it now exclusively on Noisecreep.com

Pick up a copy of There Will Be Violence here: http://facedown.merchnow.com/

And don't forget to get your tickets for the Impending Doom / White Chapel / Miss May I / Oceano tour.

Oct 1 - Macon, GA @ The 567
Oct 2 - Ft Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
Oct 3 - St Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre
Oct 4 - Jacksonville, FL @ Rain
Oct 5 - Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero
Oct 6 - Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall
Oct 7 - Raleigh, NC @ Volume 11 Tavern
Oct 8 - Norfolk, VA @ Norva
Oct 9 - Jermyn, PA @ Eleanor Rigby's
Oct 10 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater
Oct 12 - Boston, MA @ Harper's Ferry
Oct 13 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance Theatre
Oct 14 - Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
Oct 15 - Toledo, OH @ Headliner's
Oct 16 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection
Oct 17 - Elgin, IL @ Mad Maggies
Oct 19 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
Oct 20 - Sauget, IL @ Pop's
Oct 21 - Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall
Oct 22 - Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
Oct 23 - Nashville, TN @ Rocketown

War Of Ages to Headline Project AK-47 Tour

2010-08-30T14:58:00.000-04:00

War of Ages have just announced The Project AK-47 Tour, a fall headlining tour with The Color Morale (Rise), The Great Commission, Legend (Rise), and The Contortionist (Good Fight).
War of Ages will be donating a percentage of their tour proceeds to Project AK-47. For more information on P AK-47 visit their website. http://www.projectak47.com/

Oct 8 - Erie, PA
Oct 9 - Dayton, OH @ The Attic Club
Oct 10 - Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's Downunder
Oct 11 - Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
Oct 12 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
Oct 14 - St. Paul, MN @ Station 4
Oct 15 - South Bend, IN @ Church of Heartland
Oct 16 - St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
Oct 17 - Little Rock, AR
Oct 19 - Douglasville, GA @ The 7 Venue
Oct 21 - Lynchburg, VA @ Crosspoint Venue
Oct 22 - Redericksburg, VA @ The Refuge

The Ember Days Set To Release New Album

2010-08-29T07:59:00.005-04:00

At the heart of The Ember Days is a zeal for communion – a zeal for communion between the created and its Creator. In light of the oftentimes tacky and inwardly focused music created for Christians, The Ember Days uses authentic and quality musicianship. “We want to just write sincere and honest worship,” Jason says. “We strive to write music that is inspiring. And not just for the church, but music that even someone who isn’t a Christian can listen to, find beauty in, and enjoy,” he continues. “We desire to see unity in the body of Christ, and we see worship as a great tool for unity. Churches of all denominations seem to agree that God deserves glory, and that is a great thing!”

They have held true to these principles with the Finger Painting EP. It brings more of Janell’s beautiful vocals and a whole lot more of the band’s captivating and pulsating instrumentals. “These new songs are a great representation of who we are,” Jason shares. “This EP captures how we play live. There’s a lot of instrumental parts. It’s great music to just sit down with and open your Bible.”

ABOUT The Ember Days:

In 2006, Jason and Janell Belcher began the band with a desire to create epic and accessible worship music. To date, the band has put out one full length and one EP. Your Eyes Light Up released in 2007 and The Ember Days EP came out in 2008 – both earning them New Zealand Music Award nominations for Best Christian Album. They’ve toured extensively with fellow New Zealanders’ Mumsdollar, Arms Reach and All Left Out. In addition, they’ve toured the U.S. with Showbread and The Glorious Unseen. Their travels have taken them to play at various festivals including Parachute, Soulfest, Sonshine Festival, Revelation Generation, Cornerstone Festival and Spirit West Coast. They can be found online HERE.

The Devil Wears Prada - Zombie EP

2010-08-23T08:36:00.004-04:00

Artist: The Devil Wears Prada
Album: Zombie EP
Release Date: 8/24/10
Label: Ferret Music

The Devil Wears Prada are back with their living dead inspired Zombie EP, but don't be alarmed, The Devil Wears Prada are on our side on these fast paced five tracks. The band has changed a few things up this time around, showing right off the bat. Their sound has grown heavier and faster, the screams and growls from vocalist Mike Hranica have improved, going from high to low quite smoothly, and the clean vocals from guitarist Jeremy DePoyster have also become a less utilized part of their sound, not to say that they are absent, which is not true to any extent.

Right out of the gate, the faster elements are shown on the opener "Escape." A heavy layered keyboard rhythm is contained, mixed with the heavy, fast riffs, which are also heard on a few other tracks as well. Another standout track would be "Revive," which sets an eerie tone with an orchestral section, offering a bit more depth to the project. "Revive" is also the only track that the clean vocals are one of the dominant parts of the song structure. The closer "Survivor" is the EP's other highlight. It has more of a melodic sound to it, with the clean vocals that come in momentarily some of the strongest heard from the band.

Lyrically, you won't find any messages or anything in the lyrics, being completely about zombies and fighting them off (on "Survivor"). This EP is mainly just for fun, but does show the band progressing into a heavier sound that just might work for them on future projects.

Rating: 7/10 The Devil Wears Prada have become one of the biggest names in today's metalcore scene and have returned with their newest project, the Zombie EP. It isn't too much in depth, due to being based around zombies, the EP is a fun listen. Although this EP won't place near my top metal albums of the year, it is also not a bad listen and is put together well.

Tracklisting:

Escape
Anatomy
Outnumbered
Revive
Survivor

(Buy Here)

The Showdown - Blood In The Gears

2010-08-23T08:49:00.001-04:00

Artist: The Showdown
Album: Blood In The Gears
Release Date: 8/24/10
Label: Solid State Records

The Showdown have officially "arrived". Their newest effort Blood In The Gears is a mix of everything that worked on both Temptation Come My Way and Back Breaker, but without the filler and some added elements that have never been utilized by the band to this point.

From start to finish, this album is amazing. There is not a filler track in the bunch. For the most part, every song uses a growled verse and sung chorus, but these vocals, provided by David Bunton, are by no means whiny or soft, but in contrast have a dirty grit to them.

To choose album highlights would be a very difficult thing to do, since every track has been crafted so well, so I'm going to focus on the tracks that contain elements that were thoroughly unexpected. "Bring It Down" is a hundred percent unadulterated ride through speedy thrash metal. This track is so fast that has an almost thrash/punk sound in the drumming. It was great to hear The Showdown finally tackle this style of metal.

"Dogma Enthroned" is by far the heaviest song The Showdown have done since A Chorus Of Obliteration. It even has some low death metal grunts in places. Another highlight of the song is the Demon Hunter style vocals in the chorus. The album's closer "Diggin' My Own Grave" is a great choice for a closing track. It starts out as a ballad before exploding into a wall of guitars and becoming a great Southern rock song.

Rating: 9/10 Blood In The Gears in this reviewer's opinion is by far the best and most complete album that The Showdown have released. Fans of all their previous albums will find something to like here. Thankfully, The Showdown have learned how to balance their Southern roots with their shredding, more aggressive metal side. Blood In The Gears has become their Magnum Opus.

Reviewed by Matthew Alexander

Tracklisting:

The Man Named Hell
Heavy Lies The Crown
Bring It Down
Take Me Home
Blood In The Gears
Dogma Enthroned
No Escape
The Crooked Path
Graveyard Of Empires
Diggin' My Own Grave

(Buy Here)

Aaron Newberry from Sons of God Interview

2010-06-05T14:47:00.001-04:00

Here is CRR's interview with Aaron Newberry of Sons of God, who are signed to Come & Live!. They also released their new EP The Genesis Prologue in February.

CRR (Brooks Ginnan): Hey man, can you say your name and what you do in Sons of God?
Aaron Newberry: My name is Aaron, I play guitar, keys, sing and I founded Sons of God.

CRR: So you first got your start in music after being with As I Lay Dying?
Aaron: I first started making music LONG before AILD. It was really the usual, playing in local bands in Muskogee and Tulsa, and from there I would make connections and slowly began to expand my career by going on to play with other acts that were touring nationally. I was 14 when I started playing in my first band, that was when I was still playing drums. But I definitely began focusing on making my own music after my experience with AILD.

CRR: How did that all start?
Aaron: I'd just toured with so many bands up to that point and I thought to myself often that I could make my own music and there was nothing stopping me from doing so. When I was younger, I would experiment with stuff on Cakewalk and although it was very raw and unpolished, I loved what was coming out. So, once I moved to Atlanta and spent about a year there, that's when I began piecing Sons of God together, little did I know that people would come and go too frequent to really be able to practice or play shows.

CRR: How was it to be in As I Lay Dying?
Aaron: Well contrary to popular belief, and I'm not sure how it has happened, but I was never a member of As I Lay Dying. I'm going to go ahead and set the record straight. I was playing guitar for a band out of Grand Rapids, MI, called The Tide. We were managed by Mark LaFay and after a few months with the band, I was getting restless and moral was a bit low due to internal things so I decided to leave the band. On my drive back home to OK, I got a call from Mark and he asked if I'd be interested in playing bass for As I Lay Dying. I said of course and then began talking back and forth with Tim. I sent them a DVD of me playing live upon request and they sent me rough tracks from Frail Words and Shadows to do some overdubs with my vocals. They dug it enough to ask me to fly out to San Diego. When I showed up, Josh (who is now their bassist) was there as well. He and I both tried out at the same time, we took turns pretty much for 3 days and that was it. Nothing spectacular, just tryout sessions that thankfully resulted in the right guy getting the gig and some awesome new friends for me now.

CRR: When did Sons of God officially become a band (in current state)?
Aaron: In it's current state, I believe it was October of last year.

CRR: How did you get signed to Come and Live! Records?
Aaron: Well, having met up with Chad is previous bands I was with that Tooth & Nail was showing interest in, Chad and I just got to know each other a little. I was promoting a show in my hometown and one of the bands on tour told me about Chad Johnson starting a new label and leaving T&N. I thought he was crazy. So, I decided to email Chad and talk to him about it, when he confirmed that was the case, I sent him "Caution," the demo version and he said he loved it but that was the last I heard. A few days later, my friend Casey called me and asked me where I was. I told him I was home and he said he and Chad were going to be in a nearby city that night and that Chad wanted to talk to me. I went, it was a Sleeping Giant and Glorious Unseen show. We hung out and talked more about C&L! and Sons of God's involvement with them and it was just kind of, natural. We also spent that night praying in the center of the venue after the show with a group of people and some amazing things happened, definitely some people healed that night, it ruled.

CRR: How is it to be with Come and Live?
Aaron: It's awesome, many people ask what they do for us and I think people are surprised with my answer to that question. More than giving us money, bonuses, advances, tour support or whatever, they disciple us. It's not about money, it was never about money, it's really just a family and their greatest desire is to disciple us. Often times, the business aspect isn't even involved when we hang out, we will just be together in community or praying hardcore. The greatest gift they've given me is simply their time and care. If it wasn't for C&L!, I even wonder to myself where I would be or if my faith would even still be intact. Things have been difficult spiritually for me lately and C&L! has stepped in every time to pray for me and encourage me.

CRR: You recorded a new EP and it released in February. How did the writing and recording process go?
Aaron: Well, it was new. I recorded that EP a year ago but I suppose considering it came out in Feb. that it is still pretty fresh, haha. It was a hectic process. At the time, it was just me and I was in between tours as I was playing guitars for Spoken at the time. I had five days to get it all done and it was definitely rushed because our time in the studio was short and I was playing all the instruments. I barely made my flight back out to tour because we were in the studio ALL night until my flight left early that morning editing and mixing. I full expect the next record to be much better, but given my circumstances, I'm pretty happy with how the EP turned out.

CRR: Do you have any plans for a full length album?
Aaron: Absolutely. Right now the plan is to get in by the Fall. Things have continued to get pushed back a little but with each member living in a different city and separate states it's been difficult to get a schedule together. It's a miracle we are able to tour for two weeks this year. We are in the process of finalizing those plans, currently writing for it most certainly and we are looking forward to really bringing Sons of God as a band to life.

CRR: What are SoG's plans for touring this summer and in the distant future?
Aaron: We will be doing an East Coast tour July 26-August 6 with Soul Fest thrown in there on August 4th. Right now, those are our only plans for touring, but we keep tossing around a lot of other dates. It's really our focus right now to make a great record and tour on that, so that may very well be our only tour of 2010.

CRR: Any last things you want to say?
Aaron: I'm just so appreciative and thankful for the support we've managed to gain, even though we haven't played out. It really has been overwhelming and we are really excited to get out on the road. Also, a huge thanks to Come & Live! for being amazing and for loving us in a manner that really encourages us to show people who Christ truly is. If you have questions about anything, especially about Jesus or Christianity or if you are jaded from bad experiences with the church, we would love to talk to you. We talk to all our friends/fans all the time about anything, so just know that is why we are here. Feel free to email us (wearesonsofgod@gmail.com), find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Thanks so much!

Be sure to check out Sons of God's Myspace page to listen to some songs and check out their missionary label, Come & Live!.

A Plea For Purging and Oh Sleeper Tour Dates

2010-08-18T15:53:00.001-04:00

A Plea For Purging is heading out for a fall tour with The Bled, Oh Sleeper, and Let Live. Plea is touring in support of the summer release of The Marriage of Heaven and Hell.

Sep 22 - Lancaster, CA @ Allied Arts Cedar Center

Sep 23 - Bakersfield, CA @ Jerry's Pizza

Sep 24 - Fresno, CA @ Club Retro

Sep 25 - Modesto, CA @ Modesto Virtual

Sep 26 - Portland, OR @ Satyricon

Sep 27 - Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven

Sep 28 - Spokane, WA @ The Blvd

Sep 30 - Ogden, UT @ The Basement

Oct 1 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre

Oct 2 - Wichita, KS @ Eagles Lodge

Oct 3 - Little Rock, AR @ Downtown Music

Oct 6 - Wichita Falls, TX @ The Hangar

Oct 7 - Lubbock, TX @ Conference Cafe

Oct 8 - Fort Worth, TX @ Ridglea Theatre

Oct 9 - Waco, TX @ Art Ambush

Free Facedown Records Summer Sampler at AltPress

2010-08-18T15:44:00.001-04:00

The Facedown Summer Sampler is now available for free download exclusively from AltPress.com!

Our newest sampler includes a dozen tracks from your favorite Facedown bands, and don't miss the as-yet unreleased track from For Today's upcoming album Breaker. Click here to download your copy of the 2010 Summer Sampler:

http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/free_download_facedown_records_summer_sampler/

As Hell Retreats Tour Dates

2010-08-10T15:34:00.002-04:00

As Hell Retreats has just announced a bevy of autumn tour dates with The Advocate and Gideon. The band is touring in support of their 2010 release "Revival."

Aug20 - Memphis, TN @ T.H.A.T. Church
Aug 21- Bessemer, AL @ Regenerate Venue
Aug 22- Jackson, MS @ Club Fire
Aug 24 - Houston, TX @ Nay's
Aug 26 - San Antonio, TX @ The White Rabbit
Aug 27 - Odessa, TX @ The Pine Box
Aug 28 - Roswell, NM @ The Unity Center
Aug 29 - Albuquerque, NM @ The Compound
Aug 30 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Warehouse
Aug 31 - Yucca Valley, CA @ Joshua Springs Calvary Church
Sep 4 - El Paso, TX @ The Spot
Sep 7 - Waco, TX @ Art Ambush
Sep 9 - Hot Springs,AR @ Low Key Arts
Sep 10 - Columbus, MS @ The Princess Theater
Sep 11 - Madison, AL @ Cornerstone Church
Sep 12 - Gadsden, AL @ Gadsden Convention Hall
Sep 15- Pompano Beach,FL @ Rocketown Florida
Sep 16 - Kissimmee, FL @ Second Saturday Showcase
Sep 17 - Pensacola, FL @ The Rush
Sep 18 - Saraland,AL @ Saraland First Assembly of God (no Gideon)

The Burial Songs Streaming on AP & Hails

2010-08-10T15:37:00.001-04:00

The Burial will be releasing their Strike First debut album The Winepress on August 17th and you can hear two exclusive streaming tracks from the album this week on Alternative Press and Hails and Horns.

Check out "Death Conquered" at AltPress.com http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/exclusive_stream_the_burials_death_conquered/

and "Reconciliation" at HailsandHorns.com http://www.hailsandhorns.com/news/the-burial-the-winepress-single-reconciliation/

Pre order The Winepress now at Facedown Records. http://facedown.merchnow.com/

As Hell Retreats Video Up Now

2010-08-16T18:33:00.004-04:00

Strike First's As Hell Retreats has just released their first video from their 2010 album Revival. You can see "Inferior" now on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjRvgayFp-k

And don't forget to check out As Hell Retreats' tour dates to see if they're coming to your town.

Tour Dates
Aug 20 - Memphis, TN @ T.H.A.T. Church
Aug 21- Bessemer, AL @ Regenerate Venue
Aug 22- Jackson, MS @ Club Fire
Aug 24 - Houston, TX @ Nay's
Aug 26 - San Antonio, TX @ The White Rabbit
Aug 27 - Odessa, TX @ The Pine Box
Aug 28 - Roswell, NM @The Unity Center
Aug 29 - Albuquerque, NM @ The Compound
Aug 30 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Warehouse
Aug 31 - Yucca Valley, CA @ Joshua Springs Calvary Church
Sept 4 - El Paso, TX @The Spot
Sept 7 - Waco, TX @Art Ambush
Sept 9 - Hot Springs,AR@ Low Key Arts
Sept 10- Columbus, MS @ The Princess Theater
Sept 11 - Madison, AL @ Cornerstone Church
Sept 12 - Gadsden, AL @ Gadsden Convention Hall
Sept 15- Pompano Beach,FL@ Rocketown Florida
Sept 16 - Kissimmee, FL @ Second Saturday Showcase
Sept 17 - Pensacola, FL @ The Rush
Sept 18 - Saraland,AL @ Saraland First Assembly of God (no Gideon)

Impending Doom On Tour with Whitechapel

2010-08-16T18:45:00.001-04:00

Impending Doom will be direct support for the upcoming Whitechapel tour this October with Miss May I, Oceano, and I Declare War. Doom is on the road supporting the recent release of their third Facedown album There Will Be Violence. Check out the dates below.

Tour Dates:

Oct 1 - Macon, GA @ The 567

Oct 2 - Ft Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room

Oct 3 - St Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre

Oct 4 - Jacksonville, FL @ Rain

Oct 5 - Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero

Oct 6 - Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall

Oct 7 - Raleigh, NC @ Volume 11 Tavern

Oct 8 - Norfolk, VA @ Norva

Oct 9 - Jermyn, PA @ Eleanor Rigby's

Oct 10 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater

Oct 12 - Boston, MA @ Harper's Ferry

Oct 13 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Loft @ The Chance

Oct 14 - Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon

Oct 15 - Toledo, OH @ Headliner's

Oct 16 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection

Oct 17 - Elgin, IL @ Mad Maggies

Oct 19 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

Oct 20 - Sauget, IL @ Pop's

Oct 21 - Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall

Oct 22 - Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco

Oct 23 - Nashville, TN @ Rocketown

Oct 31 - Frisco, TX @ Dr. Pepper Arena

The Burial - The Winepress

2010-08-16T18:00:00.001-04:00

Artist: The Burial
Album: The Winepress
Release Date: 8/17/10
Label: Strike First Records

For those of you who may have missed The Burial's debut EP Age of Deceit, you missed quite a debut. It was quite the breath of air for a stagnant scene. Age of Deceit was filled with brutal yet technical metalcore. Fast forward almost a year and a half later and The Burial are back with their latest album, The Winepress.

A lot has changed in the time between albums for these guys. David Marshall has been brought in for vocal duties, the band has changed record labels from Sancrosanct to Strike First and The Winepress was delayed two months due to that change. Thankfully for the band, these changes are for the best.

The Winepress is a no-holds barred display of brutal, technical metalcore, at times having a deathcore feel to the heaviness. These guys succeed in keeping things fresh for the listener. The songs are not built around chugging riffs or breakdowns, but use those to enhance the beautiful technicality of the guitar riffs. At certain points, I am even reminded of Embrace The Eternal-era Embodyment, with the combination of speed, brutal drumming and the constantly changing riffs.

The Burial even manage to throw in a beautiful instrumental called "Valley Of Decision" to give you a brief rest from their brand of pummeling brutality. Some of the highlights are the title track, with its slower tempo and nice guitar work, "Reconciliation" with its versatile vocals and changes in tempo, and "Delegation Of The Seven Plagues," with its speedy tempo and very technical guitar work.

Lyrically, The Burial do a great job in glorifying our Savior and encouraging believers to live a life of holiness without compromise. The one complaint I do have is the length. The Winepress only consists of eight tracks and less than twenty-eight minutes of music. This to me is even more strange considering the two month delay due to the changing of record labels.

Rating: 8/10 In this scene of copycats, The Burial do enough to stand out and not fall into the abyss of mediocrity. They would find it to their benefit to continue to explore their technical boundaries. The Burial do a great job of varying the tempo in such a brutal style. The Winepress is impressive, but I think they are only touching the tip of the iceberg that is their potential

Reviewed by Matthew Alexander

Tracklisting:

Intercessor
Demons Never Sleep
The Winepress
Reconciliation
Valley Of Decision
Delegation Of The Seven Plagues
Monolith
Death Conquered

(Buy Here)

Purple Door This Weekend!

2010-08-11T21:09:00.000-04:00

This weekend is almost here and that means that Purple Door is just around the corner! If you don't know already, Purple Door is held at Ski Roundtop in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania and is two days packed with music, art and much more! Who will be going this year?

Starflyer 59 - The Changing Of The Guard

2010-08-10T13:40:00.001-04:00

Artist: Starflyer 59
Album: The Changing Of The Guard
Release Date: 8/10/10
Label: Tooth & Nail Records

Jason Martin is certainly no stranger to the music scene, fronting Tooth & Nail mainstay Starflyer 59 for nearly 17 years. The signature melancholy indie rock from SF59 is back yet again with The Changing Of The Guard, which is almost sure to be one of the most underrated albums of the year. Not changing it up much musically, the album takes on some darker tones, but still comes across as a solid release.

The mystifying opener "Fun Is Fun" is a good introduction for what follows on The Changing Of The Guard. The chorus of the next track, "Shane," takes on a eerie sound and will stick in your head. One of the highlights of the album comes with the song "Trucker's Son." It contains everything that Starflyer 59 does well, complete with a dreary guitar part and the quirky melodies that the band has become known for. "The Morning Rise / Frightening Eyes" is one of the only tracks that blatantly mentions anything spiritual, but there are other metaphorical phrases relating to spirituality on the album.

As the album comes to the close, "Kick The Can" and "Lose My Mind" end The Changing Of The Guard solidly. "Kick The Can" stands out among the other tracks, which is acoustic fronted, taking on a bit of a different sound. The closer, "Lose My Mind" does exactly what it's meant to do, close the album off on a high note. Containing such elements as a dark keyboard section and a somewhat downbeat tempo, it's wraps up the album perfectly.

Rating: 8/10 Jason Martin and Starflyer 59 have pulled it off again successfully with The Changing Of The Guard, a good addition to the large discography that SF59 has garnered over the years. While not necessarily earning a spot as a contender for album of the year, this solid release is sure to be one of the year's most underrated releases.

Tracklisting:

Fun Is Fun
Shane
Time Machine
Trucker's Sun
The Morning Rise / Frightening Eyes
I Had A Song For The Ages
Coconut Trees
C Mar
Kick The Can
Lose My Mind

(Buy Here)

Called To Arms - Peril And The Patient

2010-08-09T08:06:00.003-04:00

Artist: Called To Arms
Album: Peril And The Patient
Release Date: 8/10/10
Label: Tragic Hero Records

What happens when you mix a story from one of the greatest authors of all time with progressive metal? The answer is the new album from progressive metal act Called To Arms titled Peril And The Patient, which is based on C.S. Lewis' classic story, The Screwtape Letters. What we have here is an album full of brutal growls and screams that are slightly reminiscent of Zao, mixed with soaring solos that show much skill, epic if you will. Throw in the inspiration from The Screwtape Letters and you have a very rounded off, nearly perfect metal album.

"Patient's Prognosis" starts off the album with Southern metal-influenced riffs leading into vocalist Daniel Grissom's brutallic growls. The next track, "Safest Road To Hell," contains one of the best solos I have possibly ever heard, but is only one example of the expertise guitar work found on Peril And The Patient. The lyrics are very haunting, as they are letters between demons, which is the premise of The Screwtape Letters. Creating a haunting atmosphere on the album is "Ashamed, Awake" which is filled with mainly clean vocals, but a few screams are thrown in towards the finish of the track. The song is somewhat chilling, talking of the feeling of new life found in God. The song's eerie sound certainly sets the right tone for the full effect of the message.

Something that is very unique about Called To Arms is the fact that they take into much care their musicianship. It really shines through on Peril And The Patient, as the drumming is quick and pulsating and the guitars really make a big impact especially, showcased on the solos that show much expertise. Called To Arms may be one of the best progressive metal bands out there today, and that is no understatement.

Rating: 9/10 Called To Arms have delivered quite nicely with their newest album, inspired by The Screwtape Letters, Peril And The Patient. Their progressive metal styling shows much expertise, both musically and vocally, blending together brutal screams and growls with quick paced instrumentation, building up to memorable, soaring solos. This is an album that nearly any metal fan could find nearly perfect, offering such an array of sounds, from Southern-influenced guitars at points to the classic rock sounding solos. Called To Arms have shown to be one of the best progressive metal bands out there today.

Tracklisting:

Patient's Prognosis
Safest Road To Hell
Pleasure In The Trough
Dead Fire In A Cold Room
Let Sleeping Worms Lie
Vintage Pharisee
A Hedonist At Heart
Our Realism, Our Rejection
Ashamed, Awake
Dismembered And Devoured

(Buy Here)

The Museum - Let Love Win

2010-08-03T15:25:00.002-04:00

Artist: The Museum
Album: Let Love Win
Release Date: 7/27/10
Label: BEC Recordings

There are many bands out there in today's CCM scene that all certainly show their love for God, but there are a few that really stand out. The Museum are one of those bands. While containing a pop rock sound that isn't anything groundbreaking, their lyrics really show a hope that some people just need to hear. The sounds of their debut album Let Love Win get their message across loud and clear, that there is a deeper love found in God that we all need to depend on everyday, no matter what circumstances.

Many of the songs are undeniably radio friendly and are almost sure to get some good recognition, such as the album's first single, "My Help Comes From The Lord." Among the others, songs like "You Are Love" would seem fitting for a youth group, with it's high energy and declaration of God's love, while the title track seems branded for radio as well. "Allelujah" is done very nicely, adding a depth to the worship song.

Rating: 7/10 The Museum have gotten a good start with Let Love Win. Their message of God's love and hope is nicely expressed through their pop rock sound and are sure to get the recognition they deserve at radio. A nice debut from The Museum.

Tracklisting:

Never Look Away
You Are Love
Let Love Win
My Help Comes From The Lord
Lost In You
Buy This
The Call
Allelujah
Radiance
The Only One
The Anchor

(Buy Here)

House of Heroes - Suburba

2010-08-02T12:11:00.000-04:00

Artist: House of Heroes
Album: Suburba
Release Date: 8/3/10
Label: Gotee Records

Nearly two years ago, a band named House of Heroes graced the whole Christian music scene with their hard hitting album The End Is Not The End. Critics and fans alike were all certainly pleased and it was not hard to see why. Now, House of Heroes are back with their new album Suburba, that certainly fulfils the expectations to follow up an album as big as The End Is Not The End in high style. This time around however, the inspiration behind the album is American themed, talking about the life of a teenager. Some of the songs certainly have more of an upbeat rock tone to them, but as a whole, Suburba is full of infectious harmonies sure to capture the listener.

The opening sounds of "Relentless" capture the energy and precision of Suburba, certainly setting the tone just right. "Elevator" shows off the rock sense heavily, along with the line "This elevator goes straight to the top of the line" that is sure to get stuck in your head. The high energy "Love Is For The Middle Class" tells a story of love, which is followed by "So Far Away" that serves as an anthem. "God Save The Foolish Kings" follows in the same sense, which features guest vocals from the talent of label mate Stephanie Smith.

The softer acoustic sound that House of Heroes have also grasped well is not forgotten, with "Salt In The Sea" serving that purpose. Immediately kicking back into full gear is the witty "Independence Day For A Petty Thief," yet another upbeat rocker. A full chorus sound proclaiming "I want the truth" is showcased on "Somebody Knows," which seems to follow the same lyrical theme as it's predecessor, continuing the story of a robbery and getting turned in. The mysterious atmosphere set on "Disappear" is nearly haunting, but also has a feel of a few of the songs found on The End Is Not The End. Another love song is found on "She Mighty Mighty," containing a heavy bass line that sets a groove, intertwining with the expertise guitar work.

The ballad "Constant" found on Suburba is pulled off perfectly, in fact one of the album's highest points. The lyrics hit straight to the heart and are very honest at that. The closer "Burn Me Down" turns up the energy and cranks up the guitars, that are played with a crunch. Tim Skipper's soaring vocals are great on the song, the perfect closer for a perfect album.

Rating: 10/10 Without a doubt, House of Heroes have delivered excellently again with their new album Suburba. No doubt is this the album of the summer, House of Heroes have followed up The End Is Not The End perfectly. From the opening sounds of "Relentless" to the closing guitar work of "Burn Me Down," Suburba contains something for everyone, guaranteed not to disappoint.

Tracklisting:

Relentless
Elevator
Love Is For The Middle Class
So Far Away
God Save The Foolish Kings
Salt In The Sea
Independence Day For A Petty Thief
Somebody Knows
Disappear
She Mighty Mighty
Constant
Burn Me Down

(Buy Here)