Artist Of The Week - Anchor & Braille

It's been about three years since we've gotten an album from Anchor & Braille, the indie side project of Anberlin's Stephen Christian, but this week, on July 31st, the band's sophomore album will be released. The Quiet Life is a collection of haunting melodies and catchy percussion, certainly a maturation of sound since 2009's Felt. The Quiet Life is available now in stores and online through Tooth & Nail Records.

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Brooks Ginnan (Owner, Editor, Writer)


Top 10 Albums of 2010:
  1. Showbread - Who Can Know It?
  2. House of Heroes - Suburba
  3. The Classic Crime - Vagabonds
  4. My Epic - Yet
  5. Ivoryline - Vessels
  6. John Mark McMillan - The Medicine
  7. Abel - Lesser Men
  8. Children 18:3 - Rain's 'A Comin'
  9. Write This Down - Write This Down
  10. Bradley Hathaway - A Thousand Angry Panthers
Top 10 Metal/Hardcore Albums of 2010:
  1. Demon Hunter - The World Is A Thorn
  2. Haste The Day - Attack of the Wolf King
  3. Underoath - O (Disambiguation)
  4. In The Midst of Lions - The Heart of Man
  5. A Plea For Purging - The Marriage of Heaven and Hell
  6. Mychildren Mybride - Lost Boy
  7. Close Your Eyes - We Will Overcome
  8. Living Sacrifice - The Infinite Order
  9. For Today - Breaker
  10. Hundredth - When Will We Surrender
Honorable Mentions:
    The Chariot - Long Live
    Your Memorial - Atonement
    To Speak of Wolves - Myself < Letting Go
    Fair - Disappearing World
    Anberlin - Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place

    Matthew Alexander (Writer, Interviewer)

    Top 10 Albums of 2010:
    1. Living Sacrifice - The Infinite Order
    2. As They Sleep - Dynasty
    3. As I Lay Dying - The Powerless Rise
    4. A Hope For Home - Realis
    5. Haste The Day - Attack of the Wolf King
    6. Demon Hunter - The World Is A Thorn
    7. A Plea For Purging - The Marriage of Heaven and Hell
    8. Hundredth - When Will We Surrender
    9. Fair - Disappearing World
    10. The Showdown - Blood In The Gears
    Gary Peterson (Writer, Interviewer)

    Top 10 Albums of 2010:
    1. Hundredth - When Will We Surrender
    2. Your Memorial - Atonement
    3. In The Midst of Lions - The Heart of Man
    4. Wrench In The Works - Increase/Decrease
    5. For Today - Breaker
    6. Onward To Olympas - This World Is Not My Home
    7. As Hell Retreats - Revival
    8. Letter To The Exiles - The Shadow Line
    9. I, The Breather - These Are My Sins
    10. Silence O' Israel - The Lord Speaks
    Purple Door Festival 2010 Review



    Purple Door Festival 2010
    Ski Roundtop, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, August 13-14


    Purple Door Festival 2010. Where do I even begin? Well, to start it off, the five hour drive was certainly worth it, despite missing the first two hours of shows on Friday night, the bands that I did see certainly made up for the other missed acts.

    Friday


    As I pulled into the parking lot at Ski Roundtop, I could make out the sounds of The Classic Crime finishing off their set on the Main Stage with "Salt In The Snow," which sounded great. Walking down to the festival entrance, I could also hear A Plea for Purging ending their slot with "Malevolence," but there was still much more to be seen. By the time I got in, Renee Yohe was already starting her acoustic set. For those of you that don't know, Yohe is the inspiration behind To Write Love On Her Arms, an organization that helps with suicide and other similar things.

    I then headed up to the HM Magazine stage to catch War of Ages, who were nearing the start of their set, to a huge crowd. War of Ages were headlining this year's first annual Facedown Friday, sponsored by Facedown Records. The lineup for the whole night was Onward To Olympas, In The Midst Of Lions, A Plea For Purging and War of Ages.

    War of Ages had an explosive set from what I got to see, but the highlights was them playing "Eternal," off their new record that released in April of the same name. The most noticeable part of the song was that vocalist Leroy Hamp screamed the part of Sonny Sandoval (of P.O.D.), which was interesting to hear. I then left to go catch a bit of Bradley Hathaway.

    As I arrived at the festival's calmest stage, The Gallery Stage, I saw the a small band was accompanying indie singer-songwriter Bradley Hathaway. I listened to "Carolina" from his most recent EP, A Thousand Angry Panthers, before leaving to check out one of the merch buildings, where I met Andy from A Plea For Purging. As I walked outside, I realized that August Burns Red had already started their set and I headed down to the Main Stage.

    From what I got to see, Lancaster-based metalcore act August Burns Red but on a great show, playing a good mix of songs from Constellations and Messengers. They played "Mariana's Trench," which was amazing live, followed up by "Thirty and Seven," and a song that I forgot the name of. They closed with "Composure" and left before the headliners of the night, Thousand Foot Krutch, came on.

    Since I saw them back in 2007 opening for TobyMac, I'd have to say that Thousand Foot Krutch's live set has gotten much better. They opened with "Bring Me To Life," followed by "Move" and "Absolute." They went on to play "The Flame In All of Us," then "E for Extinction" off of their '09' release Welcome to the Masquerade, as well as "Scream." They moved into a few tracks after that, including "Falls Apart" and "Rawkfist." The stage then turned dark, but to the crowd's pleasure, they encored with "Fire It Up" and finally "Puppet" to end the first night of Purple Door.

    Saturday


    After a good night of sleep, which I didn't get much of, I was on my way to the second day of the festival, which started at 10 in the morning and went all day.

    The opening act of the day on the Main Stage was Williamsport's My Heart To Fear, an up and coming post-hardcore outfit, who mixed some quality rock with a few growls here and there. The band played a mix of songs from their EP that released earlier this year, A Ship Built To Sink. Their set was short, and met with a small crowd, due to being so early, but showed promise. Once they concluded their set, I walked over to check out the indie rock set on the Gallery Stage from Oceans In Love, who had a nice set that was met with a good crowd response.

    A little while later, Esterlyn took their place on the Gallery Stage to lead worship, starting with "Freedom Is Here" and "The Lord Is Good," both from their album that released only a few weeks earlier, Call Out. They moved into a cover of worship hit "From The Inside Out," which was the last song I saw before heading back to the Main Stage to catch the rest of Talain Rayne's set. A singer-songwriter with piano-driven songs and a full band to back him up, he performed "Dear Brother, Your Sister," "16" and "Lemonbright*," all from his debut self-titled album that was recently released.

    I then took a walk to the HM Magazine stage to watch the end of CI Records' An Early Ending, which didn't sound to shabby, before walking to the smallest stage of the festival, only set up on the second day, The Forum, to watch Project 86 front man and author Andrew Schwab speak. He had some good things to say and focused on a point of "taking inventory" of our lives, which was a good message to hear.

    Once he was done talking, I headed back to the Gallery Stage to catch some of Gotee's B.Reith and his soulful hip-hop. From what I saw, he performed "Mess," a freestyle rap about Purple Door and then "Go On." I decided to get some lunch, and headed back to The Forum to eat and watch Derek Webb. I watched his soundcheck and part of his first song, before heading to watch Texas In July on the HM Stage.

    Texas In July had a blasting set, which contained "Hook, Line and Sinner" and their new single "Uncivilized," the latter of which sounded great live. On the Main Stage, indie rockers Abandon Kansas were playing a very energetic set. As I headed over, I heard them playing "I Wonder If It's Me," which was followed by "Months and Years," and then a brand new song titled "The Golden State" off their upcoming album. They moved into "Close Your Eyes" as I left to go back to the HM Stage yet again for Mychildren Mybride. By the time I made it to their set, they were halfway through "Terra Firma," and played through "On Wings of Integrity" and "Crimson Grim," and then "Hooligans," and by that time, I was already heading back to the Main Stage yet again for Tooth & Nail Records' rockers Ivoryline.

    Ivoryline's performance consisted of "Be Still and Breathe" and "Days End" from their debut album, There Came A Lion, and "Hearts Open," "The Greatest Love" and "Vessels," all off their sophomore effort of the same title that released only a few weeks earlier. They closed with "The Last Words," which sounded great live and really concluded their set well. Around the time that they were done, I headed back over to the HM Stage to see one of my favorite bands, Showbread.

    The first thing I noticed when Showbread took the stage was that they were only a four-piece now, and I also had a hard time recognizing vocalist Josh Dies, as he had cut his hair much shorter than usual. From the start of their set, they impressed me, ripping through mainly songs from their release from last year, The Fear of God, opening with "Shepard, No Sheep" and then following it up with "Vehement" and "Lost Connection With The Head," before premiering a new song from their (then) upcoming album Who Can Know It? titled "A Man With A Hammer." I left before they closed with "Nothing Matters Anymore" to go to the Gallery Stage and check out piano-driven pop rockers Seabird.

    Arriving about halfway through their set, Seabird sounded solid live from what I heard. They played a good selection of songs from Rocks Into Rivers and 'Til I See The Shore. As soon as they were on their last song, I headed back up to The Forum to catch an acoustic set from the festival's headliners, Family Force 5. Now I'm not sure how it happened, but they blew out the speakers on the stage by playing interesting acoustic renditions of their songs. They played such songs as "Cadillac Funque" and "Supersonic" from Business In The Front, Party In The Back, as well as "Fever" from Dance Or Die. Folk-rock worship artist John Mark McMillan took his place on the Gallery Stage while FF5 started to finish their set, and I went back down to the stage to watch him. He had a full band to back him up, and they got started immediately. He opened with "Breaking Down," before going on to play such songs from The Medicine as "Skeleton Bones," "Carbon Ribs," "Out of the Ground" and "Carolina Tide," all before taking time to close with his most well known song, "How He Loves." It was a great experience to see the writer of the song perform it live, and was one of the most memorable parts of the festival.

    Due to seeing John Mark McMillan, I missed most of the set from one of my favorite metal bands, Solid State Records' Demon Hunter. By the time I got to the HM Stage to catch their stage headlining set, they were nearly done, only playing a few more songs. They started into "Collapsing" off of their newest album, The World Is A Thorn, before moving into "Soldier's Song." They did an encore, which started off with an expertise drum solo, and right before it ended, I headed back to the Gallery Stage yet again to see indie/experimental act Paper Route. They played mainly songs from their first full length which released last year, titled Absence (which if you don't have it, I'd highly recommend checking it out). The set consisted of "Are We All Forgotten," "Carousel," "Wish," "Tiger Teeth," a new song I believe, and "Enemy Among Us." Apparently, they ended up closing with "Dance On Our Graves," which I did not get to see, because of heading to see House of Heroes on the main stage.

    After an amusing sound check, alternative rockers House of Heroes took the stage, fresh off of their release of one of the summer's best albums, Suburba, only a mere week before. They opened with "Code Name: Raven," from their stellar The End Is Not The End, before moving into "God Save The Foolish Kings" from Suburba. "If" brought back the sounds of The End..., shortly after followed by their newest single, "Elevator." Long time fan favorite "Serial Sleepers" took its respectful place in the set, which was succeeded by "So Far Away." "In The Valley Of The Dying Sun" concluded their somewhat short set, but nevertheless, it was great to see House of Heroes live, as they put on a great show.

    Reach Records's rapper Lecrae walked onto the Main Stage shortly after, to give a good sermon for a few minutes that was really moving. By this point, there were only a few artists left, so all the performances for the rest of the night were on the Main Stage. About fifteen minutes after Lecrae preached, a break dancing team came out and showed off some moves, which about halfway through their performance, Lecrae joined in, starting off his set. He played a wide variety of songs, such as "Don't Waste Your Life" and "Go Hard" from Rebel, and even premiered two songs from Rehab, one titled "Used To Do It Too," and the other called "Children of the Light." He then played "Fanatics" from 116 Clique fame and his set ended shortly after.

    By this point, their were only two more bands for the festival, and I was heavily anticipating seeing Project 86 for the first time. Known for putting on explosive shows, it didn't come as a surprise that their set was nothing less than that. They played a large variety of songs spanning nearly all of their albums, opening with "Sincerely, Ichabod," then moving into "Safe Haven" and "Oblivion." By this point, I noticed that Cody Driggers, bass player for The Wedding, was taking on bass duties and back up vocals during the set. Next, they played a personal favorite of mine, "The Butcher," from Picket Fence Cartel. "Last Meal" followed, before moving into "Light 'Em Up," where Andrew Schwab encouraged much crowd participation. "Evil (A Chorus of Resistance)" came after, then "Destroyer." The band then played the first song I had ever heard from them, "Stein's Theme," and then closed with fan favorite "The Spy Hunter." Project 86 were easily one of the best performances of the festival.

    The last band of the festival took the stage soon after, being the festival headliners, Family Force 5. They had a very enjoyable set, consisting of songs from Business Up Front, Party In The Back, such as "Kountry Gentlemen" and "Replace Me," and some from Dance or Die as well. They did play a lot more songs from their debut, which surprised me, but they had a very enjoyable set. Towards the end, before playing "Ghostride The Whip," the band came out with huge white balloons with their faces on them attached to backpacks they were wearing. To top that off, the members of House of Heroes also ran out on stage and had a bit of fun. They closed out the festival with "Fever" shortly after, before bassist Fatty (Josh Olds) prayed over the many festival attendees.

    Purple Door could not have been any better, and I highly recommend going next year if you can.

    CRR Purple Door Photo Gallery (© 2010 ChristianRockRocks.com)
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    Advent Christmas Ep, Vol. 2

    Artist: Future of Forestry
    Album: Advent Christmas EP, Volume 2
    Release Date: 11/2/10
    Label: Credential Recordings

    Among all the Christmas music that has released this year, I find that indie rockers Future of Forestry have done something right. I unfortunately have not listened to their previous Advent Christmas EP, but I certainly like what I have heard on Advent Christmas, Volume 2. Creativity is the high point of the six-song effort, with each song having a unique feel, not sounding like the often similar sounding songs heard on many Christmas albums.

    A mix of clicks and bells greet the listener on "Joy To The World." The song is elongated with a few verses from the hymn "All Creatures of Our God and King," before "Do You Hear What I Hear?" steps into the spotlight, a mellow offering that breaks into an array of sweeping guitars. An original from the band, "The Earth Stood Still," is much more laid back, leading into the acoustic "Angels We Have Heard On High." An instrumental track takes its place and gives the listener a moment to reflect, before "Pie Jesu" calmly resonates, and ends Advent Christmas, Vol.2.

    Rating: 9/10 Future of Forestry have given us one of the best Christmas releases of the year, with their creative Advent Christmas EP, volume 2 of the series. An instrumental, original and four Christmas classics, all reinvented fill the EP, and are all done to a good outcome.

    Tracklisting:
    1. Joy To The World
    2. Do You Hear What I Hear?
    3. The Earth Stood Still
    4. Angels We Have Heard On High
    5. Instrumental
    6. Pie Jesu
    (Buy Here)

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    Very Merry Christmas

    Artist: Dave Barnes
    Album: Very Merry Christmas
    Release Date: 11/9/10
    Label: Razor & Tie Records

    Out of the music city of Nashville, Tennessee comes singer-songwriter Dave Barnes with his new Christmas album, Very Merry Christmas. Fresh of the release of What We Want, What We Get which released earlier this year, in April, Barnes brings a fresh take to Christmas songs, both old and new.

    A few originals start off Very Merry Christmas, the first being the fun title track, following up with "Christmas Tonight," a duet with Hillary Scott of country superstars Lady Antebellum. Some other notable songs on the album are the soulful "I Pray On Christmas," the mellow, piano tune "Christmas Tree," with backing vocals from the talent of Brandon Heath. The album's highlight would have to be the closer, "Mary and Joseph," which takes on a modern day version of the nativity story. One of the album's only downfalls would be "All I Want For Christmas Is You," which is covered a bit too much in my opinion by many different artists.

    Rating: 7/10 Dave Barnes brings a nice surprise with Very Merry Christmas. Besides a cover of the overused "All I Want For Christmas Is You," the album is an overall good Christmas album, full of both love songs and some more worshipful songs as well.


    Tracklisting:
    1. Very Merry Christmas
    2. Christmas Tonight
    3. All I Want For Christmas Is You
    4. Meet Me At The Mistletoe
    5. I'll Be Home For Christmas
    6. I Pray On Christmas
    7. Christmas Tree
    8. Holiday Made For Two
    9. The Christmas Song
    10. Mary and Joseph
    (Buy Here)

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    Over The Hills And Everywhere: A Christmas EP

    Artist: Seabird
    Album: Over The Hills and Everywhere
    Release Date: 10/19/10
    Label: Credential Recordings

    Seabird have always had a knack for originality with their warm, piano-driven  pop rock, which they incorporate well into Christmas music. Having released the two song Silent Night EP last year, this isn't the first we have heard the band's take on Christmas music, but this time around, they offer a bit more, with five new songs, and the two from their prior EP. One of the things I admire about Over The Hills and Everywhere is that all the songs are focused on our Savior's birth, staying true to the real meaning of Christmas.

    "Angels We Have Heard On High" opens up, and sounds exactly as expected, with Seabird's slow buildup into a catchy chorus, fluid guitars pulsing throughout, and topped with airy keys. A folk sound is tried on for size on "Go Tell It On The Mountain," before an energetic version of "What Child Is This?" comes into view. The tempo slows down a notch on "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," but picks up on the joyous "Joy To The World," and then concludes with a great rendition of "Silent Night."

    Rating: 8/10 Seabird have crafted a very enjoyable Christmas project, with their latest Over The Hills and Everywhere. It adds a bit more to their previous Silent Night EP that released last year, and comes out with a good result.

    Tracklisting:
    1. Angels We Have Heard On High
    2. Go Tell It On The Mountain
    3. What Child Is This?
    4. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
    5. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
    6. Joy To The World
    7. Silent Night
    (Buy Here)

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    Rehab

    Artist: Lecrae
    Album: Rehab
    Release Date: 9/28/10
    Label: Reach Records

    Over the past few years, Reach Records have been doing big things in the Christian rap and hip hop realms. The driving force behind them has been Lecrae, and on his fourth album, Rehab, we hear Lecrae at his best. From the redemptive, Spirit-filled lyrics to the flowing beats, the biggest factor of Rehab is the message about God changing our lives and us keeping our eyes on Him.

    The beginning of the journey of Rehab starts with "Check In," which prepares us for what is to come on further listen. "Killa" covers the topics of lust and temptation that come at us daily, and "Divine Intervention" talks of nothing mattering except Christ, and giving Him our lives. The simplistic, yet hard hitting "Just Like You" is one of Rehab's many highlights, with lyrics such as "They say You came for the lame, I'm the lamest, I made a mess, You say You'll erase it, I'll take it." "Gotta Know" is another mellow song, that precedes the highly catchy "Used To Do It Too," which features Reach's newest artist, KB, and looks back on a sinful past, before being remade by Jesus.

    "Children of the Light" has guest appearances from both Dillavou and Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D., the former of them adding a reggae/funk sound to the song. "High" is a fun song that has a danceable beat, as well as the following "New Shalom." Both Tedashii and Trip Lee provide vocals on "40 Deep," making the track another of the most memorable moments on Rehab. "God Is Enough" talks of being content only with God, and not coveting other materialistic things. "Boasting" shakes things up a bit, replacing the synths and keys with an acoustic guitar, while "Background" has more of a pop feel to it, and is a song about giving God everything in our lives, and letting Him use us.. "New Reality" and "Release Date" offer up some more mellowness to Rehab. The bonus track, "I Love You," brings the energy back up and is a love song, ending Rehab.

    Rating: 9/10 Lecrae's Rehab is not just an album, but a journey for the listener. The spiritually uplifting lyrics are very refreshing to hear, and are accompanied nicely by catchy beats and instrumentation and a slew of guest vocalists. Rehab is Lecrae's defining album, and is hands down some of the best Christian hip-hop I've ever heard, and that is coming from someone who is not a big fan of rap and hip-hop.

    Tracklisting:
    1. Check In
    2. Killa
    3. Divine Intervention ft. J.R.
    4. Just Like You ft. J. Paul
    5. Gotta Know ft. Benjah
    6. Used To Do It Too ft. KB
    7. Children of the Light ft. Sonny Sandoval & Dillavou
    8. High ft. Sho Baraka & Suzy Rock
    9. New Shalom ft. PRo
    10. 40 Deep ft. Tedashii & Trip Lee
    11. Walking On Water
    12. God Is Enough ft. Flame & Jai
    13. Boasting ft. Anthony Evans
    14. Background ft. C-Lite
    15. New Reality ft. Chinua Hawk
    16. Release Date ft. Chris Lee
    17. I Love You ft. Chris Lee (Bonus Track)
    (Buy Here)

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    Artist: The Wedding
    Album: Distance EP
    Release Date: 11/16/10
    Label: Independent

    For two years, we haven't gotten new music from The Wedding. Despite their heavy touring schedule, news on new songs or an album were not evident, until a few months back when they announced a new EP that needed to be funded. Well, the EP was funded and is now here in the form of Distance. They haven't completely changed from their prior release, The Sound, The Steel EP, but has progressed to more of a straight up rock sound. Vocalist Matt Shelton (formerly of Letter Kills), has cut back on his unique screams from his first release with the band, but they are still evident in a few songs throughout Distance. All of these elements coming together provide for a cohesive new release from the band.

    "The Distance Between You and I" serves as the intro for Distance, and is made up of gang vocals that set the mood, before heading into "Heartbreak In Melody." The riff-heavy song is indeed melodic, with toned down verses that build up, foreshadowing the catchy chorus that will be sure to stick in your head. "Won't Back Down" brings to mind bands such as Disciple, and hits off with a Southern rock feel. "Not Like I'm Doing Now" starts off slow, with only an acoustic guitar, but flows into a rocker that talks of being a musician with a message. "Remedy" is one of the only songs on the EP that really brings to mind The Sound, The Steel, but really shows off a more polished and heavier song structure, yet staying true to The Wedding's energetic rock. The maturity of the band really comes out on "The Same Mistake," taking on the sense of a ballad. I find the song to be the highlight of the EP, and ends Distance on a high note.

    Rating: 8/10 The Wedding are back, and once again come through with Distance. Although only six songs, the EP satisfies, with catchy melodies and upbeat rockers. Exploring a slower sound on songs such as "The Same Mistake" and even some pop rock, on "Not Like I'm Doing Now," The Wedding still stay true to their energetic rock roots. I'm glad to have something new from them, and look forward to a new full length album hopefully sometime soon.

    Tracklisting:
    1. The Distance Between You and I
    2. Heartbreak In Melody
    3. Won't Back Down
    4. Not Like I'm Doing Now
    5. Remedy
    6. The Same Mistake
    (Buy Here)
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    I've Lost All Faith In Myself

    Artist: Venia
    Album: I've Lost All Faith In Myself
    Release Date: 11/30/10
    Label: Blood & Ink Records

    Pure hardcore is becoming a rarity in today's heavy music scene, with the progressing metalcore genre at the forefront of it all now. Well, Venia are here to prove that good hardcore is still out there, with their great brand of authentic, Spirit-filled hardcore. Their newest release, the five-song I've Lost All Faith In Myself, shows off where Venia stand, among the true hardcore bands. A sound that I'm certainly sure carries over well live, elements such as the gang vocals and speedy drumming are strewn throughout the five songs, adding to the live feel.

    I've Lost All Faith In Myself bursts to life with the flying, fast-paced "Crux." The next few songs, "Mouth of a Liar" and "Numbers Game" follow with high adrenaline and ferocity, before coming to the highlight of the EP, being "The Call." The song features the songwriting and vocal talents of former Strongarm vocalist Jason Berggren. Besides the aforementioned contributions to the song, Berggren also provides a bit of spoken word in two parts of the song as well. The final product is an anthem of a track, with dueling vocals and a breakdown for good measure. "Calloused" has a very aggressive, yet sludgier sound due to the frantic guitar work and slower vocals from vocalist Chad Urich.

    Rating: 8/10 Venia have done something right with their solid EP, I've Lost All Faith In Myself. The five songs on their newest effort show off the band's skillful ability to make authentic Spirit-filled hardcore. Fans of real hardcore, this is for you.

    Tracklisting:
    1. Crux
    2. Mouth Of A Liar
    3. Numbers Game
    4. The Call
    5. Calloused
    (Buy Here)

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    These Are My Sins

    Artist: I, The Breather
    Album: These Are My Sins
    Release Date: 12/7/10
    Label: Sumerian Records

    2010 has been a great year for Christian metal. With the year drawing to a close comes the debut album from Maryland metalcore act I, The Breather, adding to the list of solid metal albums that the year has had to offer. Drawing comparisons to the likes of August Burns Red, but with a bit more added technicality and a unique flair of their own, I, The Breather are ready to take the music scene by storm. Vocalist Shawn Spann keeps the songs interesting and cohesive, with an interesting formula of screaming vocals that sometimes transition to a brief yell, before residing back to explosive screams. Backing the vocals are some very technical, soaring riffs, expertise double-bass drumming, and heavy bass drops that all come together to form a cohesive album, that is These Are My Sins.

    Breaking out of the pack is the strong opener "Forgiven." The track is a good choice for the opener, setting the feel of the record, both musically and lyrically. The next few tracks follow in suit, not changing it up much musically, but "High Rise" hits hard, really utilizing some of Spann's yelling vocals, as opposed to just screams, and gang vocals towards the end of the song, that proclaim the album's title, "These are my sins!"

    A bit of ambience is introduced to These Are My Sins, first on the intro of "Longevity," which is continued in a few other places on the album, one being the ending of "Conquer," laden with soothing piano, leading into the album's only instrumental, "Empathy," which serves as a break to the heaviness, before going right back into the territory on "Crown Me King."

    One of the most impressive things that I find about I, The Breather on These Are My Sins would be their no-holds-barred lyrics that are upfront about their faith. They are very encouraging to hear, and go perfectly with their in your face brand of metalcore.

    Rating: 8/10 An impressive debut album is what I, The Breather have brought to offer to the Christian metal scene with their new album, These Are My Sins. A heavy, in your face technical metalcore sound, driven by their strong, faith-based lyrics, is what I, The Breather are all about. Despite not changing it up much musically throughout the record, the album is not bad by any extent, and I am sure that these guys will be sure to turn quite a few heads.

    Tracklisting:
    1. Forgiven
    2. The Common Good
    3. Destroyer
    4. High Rise
    5. Longevity
    6. Doomsday
    7. Conquer
    8. Empathy
    9. Crown Me King
    10. Allspark
    11. Illuminate
    (Buy Here)

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    Today is the last day to help Come&Live! ambient hardcore band Holding Onto Hope fund their upcoming album. You can donate here. Please pray for the funding of the album, and consider supporting the band. You can also download their latest album, Of The Sea, for free on Come&Live!.
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    We are proud to announce the return of Overcome to the Facedown Family!  The partnership between Overcome and Facedown Records goes all the way back to the birth of the label in 1997, and now Overcome is back to release their new album on Facedown.  Release number 100 will be titled The Great Campaign of Sabotage and will be Facedown's first release of 2011.  The Phoenix hardcore legends lead by Jason Stinson have returned with new music and new members, but their message remains the same.  Says Stinson, "Be ready, a new flame is burning."

    Facedown founder, Jason Dunn had this to say about Overcome and the significance of their return album being Facedown #100: I first saw Overcome in 1994 when they only had a demo tape out.  Before I played drums for No Innocent Victim, I would travel with them and sell merch for them.  NIV went out to play a couple of shows in Arizona and Overcome was the band that was also on the show.  We instantly connected and have remained friends to this day.  I always say that I don’t think Facedown Records would be around today without Overcome.  They were the cornerstone of the label in its early years and teaming up with them instantly put our name out there for hardcore fans worldwide, both Christian and non.  It’s an honor to be able to still work alongside these guys and to be able to release the new album as Facedown #100.  I could not have dreamed of a more appropriate release for this landmark in the label's history.

    Overcome's The Great Campaign of Sabotage will be released on February 1, 2011.

    You can hear "Alone in a Crowd," a new song from the album, here: http://www.myspace.com/overcome 
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    SLEEPING GIANT FRONT MAN TOMMY GREEN ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF HIS FIRST BOOK RELIGIO-CIDE

    (December 1st, Murray, Utah) Tommy Green, best known as the passionate flailing preaching front man of Sleeping Giant, has announced that he has written a book that will be available just before Christmas. The book, entitled Religio-Cide  is for “anyone who wants to learn more about friendship with Jesus”, explains the new author. “Anyone who is a part of the bride who feels like their spirituality in Christ isn't connected somehow or is empty or is over playing Sunday school and has real problems especially those who feel like they don't know how to listen to the Holy Spirit in their prayer lives or the business of daily life. The people who know and the people who don't.”

    As a charismatic and contagious front man, Green has never shyed away from sharing his heart from the stage. His words touch many and his performance is the purest form of worship for any hardcore kid who has seen what the world has to offer and has chosen to go the other way.

    The book will be available December 6th through Green’s church website www.revolutionreality.orgas well as Amazon.com and Createspace.com


    “This book is not perfect; it is not all encompassing in its
    scope of the “Christian” life. It may not be accepted or
    acceptable by all of the people in it’s intended audience.
    It is not necessarily spelling out groundbreaking or new
    ideas about Jesus, and discipleship, and the author is not
    always consistent or disciplined. This short book is also
    not meant to criticize without solution or teach without
    experience. This is my honest dream of the beginning of
    discipleship life. This is my life and friendship with Jesus
    Christ, and whether you agree with what I have to say
    or not, this is part of what I believe God is doing in my
    Generation. He is so capable that he is using my glaring
    immaturity and imperfection to display the glory of His
    perfection in relationship. Please read with an open
    mind and practice what is written. It might not change
    your life in relationship with God or your relationship
    with yourself and the world around you. But it just
    might.

    Please understand…. I love my King and I am out to
    destroy any and every religious crutch that stands in the
    way of true friendship.”

    Tommy Green