Take It Back! - Atrocities

Artist: Take It Back!

Album: Atrocities

Release Date: 11/10/09

Label: Facedown Records

Atrocities, Take It Back!'s sophomore album features many changes. A new lead vocalist, bass player and certain other things. Now, Take It Back! is a hardcore punk band, which we don't see much of in the Christian scene nowadays. They blend yelling with some great clean vocals along the way, leading to an album that overall may sound great. Now, featured on the album is two songs from the EP "Rumors of Revolt", released last August. Personally for me, the EP showed much hope and anticipated me for Atrocities.

Now, get this straight, the album isn't exactly an instant classic on first listen. The yelling loses me somewhat along the musical journey. There is really no actually "hardcore" screaming until the album's highlight "What We're Fighting For", which also features some powerful clean vocals. The clean vocals are also heard on various parts on the album, but would be much better if they were on about 50 percent of every song.

Now to the lyrical content. The album is not your typical punk styled album with songs about girls and love, but actually features some thoughtful lyrics. The main lyrical message is that the church and Christian body does have problems, and needs to improve on certain aspects. In "What We're Fighting For", it talks about how Christians can get in fights with each other, even though they are on the same side in reality. A great message if you ask me.

Rating: 6/10 Atrocities will not be an instant classic on first listen, and has some things to work on, but shows hope in its message. TiB! will have a big future ahead of them, but they could use a little less yelling and more clean vocals.