Artist: Josh White
Album: Achor
Release Date: 11/9/10
Label: BEC Recordings

For those of you not familiar with Josh White, he was the vocalist of worship band Telecast, and is now a pastor and worship leader. I enjoyed his work with Telecast, but even more so as a solo worship artist, showing on his debut album Achor. Achor is one of the most organic worship albums I have heard to date, and is rather folk-driven, filled with a diverse selection of instrumentation, ranging from piano to banjo, that accompany Josh's voice rather well. The album is not like Telecast at all, but that is not to say that it is not a good album, which is indeed is.

The opener comes with the acoustic-driven "He Who Feeds The Ravens," a slower song that is succeeded by  the country/bluegrass heavy "Holy Ghost Revival." The simplistic "I Love My God" takes on a slower pace, and its title represents the song lyrically, a love song for God. "You Amaze Me" is one Achor's highlights, filled with captivating strings mixed with an acoustic guitar, bringing to mind the likes of John Mark McMillan.

"To Burn In You" actually does sound a bit reminiscent of Telecast, and all in all is a beautiful song. Full of banjo, harmonica and keys is "Let Me See Your Hands." Towards the end of the album comes "Awake," which is filled with mainly a choir singing the whole song, a unique track to include. The closer is the moving "Be Still," that fittingly concludes Achor.

Rating: 8/10 Although you may not hear songs from Achor in your typical Sunday morning worship, Josh White has crafted a beautiful worship album that is full of intimate and personal songs that are full of devotion and love for our Lord and Savior. This is certainly one of the best worship albums put out this year, full of soft, acoustic tones to more upbeat, folksy songs that speak of a desire for Him. If you are searching for a captivating worship album, Achor is your answer.

Tracklisting:

1. He Who Feeds The Ravens
2. Holy Ghost Revival
3. I Love My God
4. You Amaze Me
5. To Burn In You
6. Our God Is Present
7. Let Me See Your Hands
8. This Better Part
9. He Is Able
10. The Well
11. Awake
12. Be Still

(Buy Here)

With the highly anticipated release of Underoath's new album, Ø (Disambiguation), releasing on November 9th, we talked with keyboardist Chris Dudley about the album and their upcoming tour.

Christian Rock Rocks (Brooks Ginnan): Can you say your name and what you do in Underoath?
Chris Dudley (Underoath): I am Chris and I play keyboards.

CRR: Your new album will be releasing November 9th. Can you explain the process of how the making of the album went?
Chris: It was actually a lot different than any other record. All in all, the writing process was a lot shorter, but with Daniel coming in really opened up a lot of new creative doors for us, so even though we took less time, the time that we had was more productive than ever before. The recording process itself had a lot more experimentation than we have ever had as well. Lots of trying new ideas, scrapping older ones, etc. It was really exciting overall.

CRR: What was the process like of having all the clean vocals done by Spencer on the album?
Chris: Honestly, it was awesome. It was really exciting going into the room after he was done with a song and knowing it was going to be something completely new that we had never done before was great. He freaking killed it on this record, and if I wasn't in the band I'd say that as well... haha.

CRR: How did the songwriting on the album go without Aaron?
Chris: Like I said before, it was very open and experimental overall. For the first time in a long time, we had 6 guys who were on the same page as far as what we wanted to accomplish, and that was just invigorating.

CRR: What are some of the lyrical themes found throughout the album?
Chris: Well, Spencer does all the lyrics now, so all in all it's a lot more personal to him. There are themes of struggle, hope, and everything in between, really. I like the fact that this record is so personal for him because I think when you have an album that way it is very relatable to people.

CRR: How do you think Ø (Disambiguation) compares to your previous albums?
Chris: It's always hard to say because when you are involved with a project from its infancy, seeing it come to fruition, and listening back, you have somewhat of a biased view of what it sounds like. In my eyes it is a lot more cohesive, a lot more flowing, and just a more concise effort overall. I've had other people say things like "You sound like a real band now", "This is the best thing you guys have ever put to tape", and "I used to want to vomit when I thought about your band, but this record is amazing", which are all amazing things to hear... haha.

CRR: What is your personal favorite song on the album, and why?
Chris: Today, it's probably "A Divine Eradication". It changes day by day, but today that's the one. It's just a really heavy song and it makes me want to drive fast... that's the sign of a winner to me.

CRR: So in just a few weeks, you will be going out on tour with A Day To Remember, The Word Alive and Close Your Eyes. What can fans expect to hear from you on this tour?
Chris: We will be playing a wide variety of songs. Some older songs, a few songs off the new record and some stuff in between. We are just stoked to get out on the road on general. It's been way too long since we've been on tour.

CRR: Any other things you would like to say?
Chris: Thanks for doing this interview, and I hope you dig the record!

We recently talked with Aaron Bridgewater, vocalist of Solid State Record's newest artist As They Sleep, about their new album and more.

Christian Rock Rocks (Brooks Ginnan): Can you say your name and what you do in As They Sleep?
Aaron Bridgewater (As They Sleep): Aaron Bridgewater. I am the singer.

CRR: You have a new album releasing on November 22nd titled Dynasty. I read that it is a concept album, can you explain where you got the idea to do a concept album?
Aaron: Honestly, it's just something we have always wanted to do... I have always found concept albums to be intriguing, I mean if you can tie an entire album together revolving around one subject and keep it interesting, then you've done your job, hahaha.

CRR: What are the lyrical themes found on Dynasty?
Aaron: Dynasty focuses mainly on the rise and fall of various kingdoms, empires and dynasties throughout history... Both factual and mythological. It ties in the reasons for collapse with power and battle-lust, and intertwines it all with modern problems and politics that we are dealing with today. It pretty much outlines popular stories in history regarding false gods, struggle, famine, dictatorship, etc. and why these things didn't work. The album starts off with "Oracle of the Dead" - a balls to the wall look at Hades, the so called "God of the underworld". It then ventures through history, examining ancient Egypt, the Mayan civilization, and even Attila the Hun (look him up kids), only to wrap it all up with "The Unseen"... A kingdom we can only dream of, and exists only through faith.

We chose Dynasty as it perfectly sums up the album, and even though it's a succession of rulers all from the same family or line, it symbolizes our inheritance of this earth as brothers and sisters. Whether we believe it or not, we're all worthy of inhabiting great things in the future, as long as we cleanse ourselves of the past.

CRR: How did the process of recording the album go?
Aaron: About as smooth as sand paper. The studio can be your best friend or your worst enemy. All depends upon your mood... All in all it went pretty good. You tell us! Dynasty is out Nov. 22nd! Haha.

CRR: What role does your faith play in your music?
Aaron: Well, I certainly don't want to send the wrong message, but at the same time, I don't want to shove anything down anybody's throat. It's a thin line, ya know? I just want the listener to interpret the music their own way, as long as I know it's a positive message, I feel good about it.

CRR: How did you get signed to Solid State Records?
Aaron: The old fashioned way! We actually played a show at a venue called The District in Lake Orion, MI with Gwen Stacy. Turns out there was a Solid State A&R rep there and he happened to catch our set. We exchanged info and the rest is history!

CRR: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Aaron: Wow, ummm everything? Seriously though, all metal, from 1980 to present.

CRR: Do you have any upcoming touring plans?
Aaron: Yes, we are happy to announce our spot on the Very Metal Christmas tour in Dec. with our label mates Living Sacrifice, Becoming The Archetype, The Showdown, and To Speak of Wolves. Can't wait! Our CD release party will be in Pontiac, MI on Nov. 26th at RKS Studios... Be there!

CRR: Any last things you'd like to mention?
Aaron: We'd really like to thank the entire Solid State family for believing in us and giving us the opportunity to show the world who we are. Thank you!

Artist: Disciple
Album: Horseshoes & Handgrenades
Release Date: 9/14/10
Label: INO Records

I honestly find the genre of hard rock rather overrated and repetitive, with only a few exceptions. However, I must say that I was surprised when I first listened to the new album Horseshoes & Handgrenades from four-piece hard rockers Disciple. I was not a fan of their previous album, Southern Hospitality, but the tides have turned with their new album.  Much more polished off, and heavy, Horseshoes & Handgrenades is easily Disciple's best work to date.

Horseshoes & Handgrenades starts off with "Dear X (You Don't Own Me)," the album's first single, which contains a a nice string section, contrasted by guitars for the chorus. The song talks of letting go of our past and not letting it hold us down. A few tracks later come my personal favorites, "The Ballad of St. Augustine" and "Shot Heard 'Round The World." The first of the two may be deceiving from its title, as the song is no ballad. It progresses from a single snare that gives a battle march tone, to gritty guitars and near breakdowns. "Shot Heard 'Round The World" is a bit heavier, and contains some growls from vocalist Kevin Young that can be heard backing his already near-screamed vocals in the chorus.

"Battle Lines" is full of crunchy guitars and yelled vocals, followed by "Remedy," which starts off with an acoustic guitar that progresses into a very polished ballad-like song about how God is our remedy. "Eternity" continues the album, as another ballad. It was initially written as the continuation to their past hit, "Things Left Unsaid," which I found interesting for Disciple to do. The closer "Worth The Pain" ends the album very well lyrically, with a message of hope, something that we all need to hear.

Rating: 8/10 Disciple have returned with their new album, Horseshoes & Handgrenades, a big step up from their previous album Southern Hospitality. The album is filled with some gritty, fist pumping rockers, but a few slower ballads that fit appropriately. Horseshoes & Handgrenades is no doubt Disciple's best album to date, and is a hard rock album that doesn't disappoint.

Tracklisting:

1. Dear X (You Don't Own Me)
2. Watch It Burn
3. Invisible
4. The Ballad of St. Augustine
5. Shot Heard 'Round The World
6. Collision
7. Battle Lines
8. Remedy
9. Eternity
10. Revolution: Now
11. Deafening
12. Worth The Pain

(Buy Here)

Your Memorial has posted a new song from their forthcoming album, Atonement.  The band has posted "Surface" on their Myspace and Facebook profiles, a song which features additional vocals from Karl Schubach of Misery Signals.

Facedown's A Plea For Purging have just announced a headlining tour with Your Memorial (Facedown), Within The Ruins (Victory), and The Plot In You (Rise).

Strike First Records would like to extend a warm welcome our newest members, Gideon.

Artist: Abel
Album: Lesser Men
Release Date: 10/19/10
Label: Come&Live!

I was first introduced to Abel last year, when they released their debut EP, titled The Honest Love. I was genuinely impressed with their calming, worshipful indie rock. Now, a bit over a year later, they are back with their first full length effort, Lesser Men. They take everything done well on The Honest Love, and take it up a notch, with more of an edge to their indie rock, that gives it a fuller sound. Lyrically, Lesser Men talks of God's never ending love for us and those searching for that Love. Take "Saints" for example, a plea that proclaims, "If only we could be a children of love."

One of the most impressive songs off of Lesser Men, would be the title track, which is filled with driving guitars and honest, anthem-like lyrics of the song. The following songs, "Titanic" and "Take Me Home," are much more stripped down and calming, the latter being filled with mainly just an acoustic sound. "Standing Still" may be one of the most accessible songs on the record, with the standout line "I just want to be loved." The album closes with "Atlantic," which is split into two songs, "The Broken Hearted King" and "The Voice In The Tides." The first of the two has more of an upbeat sound, full of the well crafted guitar work placed throughout Lesser Men, and flows into the second part of the closer, which is much more of a calmer indie sound, to end the record on a calming note.

Rating: 8/10 Abel bring us a great album in Lesser Men, their debut full length. Well it may not be the top release of the year in the indie scene, it is certainly one of the best indie rock albums this year has had to offer us.

Tracklisting:

1. Silver
2. Saints
3. The Martyr
4. Lesser Men
5. Titanic
6. Take Me Home
7. Standing Still
8. Come Ye Weary
9. Atlantic: The Broken Hearted King
10. Atlantic: The Voice In The Tides

(Download Here)

Artist: Where The Ocean Meets The Sky
Album: Empires
Release Date: 10/12/10
Label: CI Records

Recently, CI Records have been known for starting careers off of such bands as August Burns Red and Texas In July, and now, you can say hello to six-piece metalcore band Where The Ocean Meets The Sky, with their debut album Empires. The firing riffs and guttural growls heard throughout the album are contrasted by clean vocals and synths, adding together for a heavy, yet melodic atmosphere.

Empires starts off with "On the Backs of Your Brothers," which is layered with synths and a repetitive screamed line of "I'm your master!" The following "We Are But Instruments" is full of explosive riffs, that showcase the expertise guitar work of Where The Ocean Meets The Sky. "Victims" takes refuge in its clean vocals, that go back and forth with vocalist Blake Martin's heavy screams.

The short "Regime Discarded" is made up of only clean vocals, pounding drums and a haunting piano. The song leads into "Delusions of Grandeur," which is a heavier, synth driven track. The closer "Who We Are" follows after the title track, which seems to come a bit too soon of the shorter, eight track Empires.

Despite the expertise guitar work and great growls, the only main downfall on Empires would be the clean vocals, which aren't all that bad, but could have been better. However, songs like "Regime Discarded" and "Delusions of Grandeur" show hope, with better performances of clean vocals. However, the clean vocals do not hold back WTOMTS at all, and in time, are sure to improve.

Rating: 7/10 Empires is a good start for Where The Ocean Meets The Sky, with its firing riffs and guttural growls that are held together by melodic synths and clean vocals. However, the clean vocals could use some work, but no doubt will WTOMTS just continues to improve.

Tracklisting:

1. On the Backs of Your Brothers
2. We Are But Instruments
3. Victims
4. Mettle of a Man
5. Regime Discarded
6. Delusions of Grandeur
7. Empires
8. Who We Are

(Buy Here)

Artist: Lakes
Album: The Agreement
Release Date: 9/3/10
Label: Independent

The unfortunate thing about independent artists are that many will go undiscovered, along with any talent that they have. Hopefully, Lakes will not be one to go unnoticed, as they certainly deserve the attention with their long awaited full length record, The Agreement. The album is a collection of warm indie rock songs, with a pop rock sensibility at times. The band is fronted by Seth Roberts, formerly of Watashi Wa, whose vocals flow with the instrumentation just right.

"Broadlyn" and "The Heart Is An Anchor" start off The Agreement, showing off their talent right away. They are a good representation of the album as a whole. "Oh Lovely" is a piano-driven tune that serves as a nice love song. The darker rocker "Loose Fix" feels nearly a bit out of place, not being as upbeat as some of the other songs that have a lighter feeling to them. My favorite track on the album comes with "Lifting Me Up," which states "When life looses meaning, when it's hard to keep breathing, You keep lifting me up." "The Agreement Song" follows and is a very simplistic song, that is succeeded by the closer "I Was There." It ends The Agreement on rather good terms, with a driving guitar thrown in to close the song.

Rating: 8/10 Lakes have marked their territory in the indie scene with The Agreement. An album full of warm, accessible indie rock, Lakes have started it off well with their debut full length effort.

Tracklisting:

1. Broadlyn
2. The Heart Is An Anchor
3. Oh Lovely
4. The Ghost and the Man
5. The Feeling
6. Back In Your Head
7. Sweet Dream
8. Loose Fix
9. The Tree
10. When We Were Younger
11. It's You It's Me
12. Lifting Me Up
13. The Agreement Song
14. I Was There

(Buy Here)

Artist: Close Your Eyes
Album: We Will Overcome
Release Date: 2/16/10
Label: Victory Records

Some of the best albums can certainly come as surprises. While I've known about Close Your Eyes for a while, it wasn't until last month that I finally gave them a listen, and what I heard on their debut album, titled We Will Overcome, is one of the best debuts that I have heard over the past few years. Close Your Eyes play an interesting style of hardcore/hardcore punk, thrown in with a bit of progressive and pop here and there, mixing for a very nice sound. Lyrically, CYE have a strong, unashamed message about living our lives for Jesus.

The opener, "A Proclamation," is a good example of what to expect on further listen of We Will Overcome, with a chorus proclaiming "With every breath we take, let our lives proclaim the promises that we made to You." A few tracks later comes another highlight with "The Body," featuring guest vocals from Mattie Montgomery of For Today. His vocals are the perfect fit for the song, resonating well with Close Your Eyes' vocalist Shane Raymond.

However, the album's best two tracks come as the last two on the album. The first, "Something Needs To Change," flows with a hardcore vibe, being the heaviest track on We Will Overcome, with well placed growls throughout the song. The end of the song is filled with a great breakdown, that asks "Who will be the hands and feet of Jesus?" "Arms Raised" closes out the album, with a worship sense contained in the lyrics. Sevaral times, the song takes a turn with a pop punk sound, which is very nice on the ears. I could not have asked for a better closer.

Rating: 8/10 Close Your Eyes have released one of the year's best debut albums thus far with We Will Overcome. Some great hardcore punk, mixed in with elements of pop punk, this album has been on a heavy rotation for me, and on giving it a listen, I'm sure almost anyone would agree.

Tracklisting:

1. A Proclamation
2. Friends Are Friends Forever
3. xChet Steadmanx
4. Digging Graves
5. The Body
6. Song For The Broken
7. 17:20
8. Wake Up!
9. Bitter Path
10. Something Needs To Change
11. Arms Raised

(Buy Here)

We recently talked with up and coming metal band I, The Breather about their new album, touring and more!

Christian Rock Rocks (Brooks Ginnan): Can you say your name and what you do in I, The Breather?
Jered Youngbar (I, The Breather): My name is Jered and I play guitar in I, The Breather.

CRR (Gary Mark Peterson): First off, congrats on signing to Sumerian. How did signing with them come about and what made you decide on them?
Jered: Thanks a lot. Our manager Chris is good friends with Shawn and Ash of Sumerian Records. So he helped us a lot with the process and got our music into the right hands. We love Sumerian Records and are really pumped to be part of the family.

CRR: How was the writing process for the record? How does everyone contribute to the actual songwriting process? Is everyone involved or do only a few core members write the music?
Jered: Normally how it goes is that Justin will write the skeleton of a song, and then Morgan, him, and I will practice together and work out the kinks and get it exactly how we want it. We're very picky and particular when it comes to writing music, haha.

CRR: I love how I, The Breather put out videos that were basically instructionals on how to play ITB songs. I thought it was very unique and showed that you guys care about your fans deeply. Who thought of that and why?
Jered: Kids would ask us often at our shows and on the Internet about how to play our songs. So we decided to do the videos. We figured that would be the best way for them to learn and play along.

CRR: I saw you guys at Scream The Prayer and was blown away. I had already heard of ITB and knew I wanted the music but was amazed at how tight y'all are live. How were you received overall? Anything that you guys would like to improve upon in regards to your live shows (not that I found any flaws)?
Jered: Thanks man. We loved Scream The Prayer! It was awesome to see the kids get into it and have fun. We are constantly trying to improve our live show and with our stage presence. It's very important to us that kids can see that we're having fun on stage and it not just being a routine.

CRR: You guys were billed a little higher than some of the other, shall we say, more established, bands on Scream The Prayer. You seemed to take full advantage of the nice billing with the performances. How did you guys end up with that slot?
Jered: Honestly, we thought we were opening the tour beforehand. And then first day of the tour we found out we were fourth every night.

CRR: I noticed on Twitter that you started having a few van issues towards the end of STP. Please tell me the issues are being handled and that we'll be able to see you guys on more tours soon? We all know that being on the road is hard on you guys so what are some ways fans can make your travels a little easier?
Jered: Yes, we had some major problems happen to our van, but we got everything fixed and we'll be back on the road in a few weeks. And to answer your other question, just come to our shows, support us, and buy our merch. It helps more that you think.

CRR: Speaking of travel, when can we expect the new album and tour supporting it? In regards to the new album, what can we expect in terms of release, length, amount of songs, etc.?
Jered: The album is scheduled to be released on December 21st. It will have 11 tracks and I believe runs about 40 minutes. Tours will follow and are being worked out right now.

CRR: Do you have a name yet for the album?
Jered: Persecutors

CRR: How did you get started as a band?
Jered: We started in August of 2009. We all were good friends with each other, but were in different bands at the time. Eventually we all came together and formed I, The Breather.

CRR: What role does your faith play in your music?
Jered: It plays a huge role in not just our band, but with everything in our lives. We all believe strongly in Jesus Christ and try our best to show His love to everyone we meet.

CRR: Any last things you'd like to say?
Jered: I just wanna say thanks to everyone that comes out to our shows and supports us. We have two tours coming up soon so check out our Myspace and Facebook for the dates and we'll see you guys soon!

Your Memorial will be releasing their Facedown debut album Atonement on November 23rd, and you can hear the title track from their stunning new album here:  http://www.myspace.com/yourmemorial