I was listening to this Unashamed song the other day through one of those Daily Mix Spotify Playlists that they so graciously create for me each day and I was brought back to a different time in my youth. So much anger, rage, and hope all in one song. It’s amazing to think that an artist can channel such aggression while at the same time harnessing a profound sense of love and hope derived from a Faith in God that is bigger than oneself. “Everlasting Father” appeared on the band’s 2nd full length release, “Reflection”, released in 1996 on Tooth & Nail Records. It had that chug chug heaviness and worship-centered core that resonated with not only myself but the crowds at large. I’m sure you’ve heard it all from friends and relatives or even friends that just don’t get it about “why does this band need to scream about Jesus?”, “That’s not music, it looks he is trying to swallow a microphone in a fit of rage….”. That kind of naysayer attitude is what derailed some of these bands and their careers as musicians. It was like a lack of confidence in their abilities to truly convey an emotion, a spiritual point of view and lifestyle that so many didn’t understand or took for granted. Unashamed were one of the few Hardcore bands from that time period who understood the meaning of worship at high volume and full intensity. Seeing this band perform on several occasions and in different venues while exploding in intensity no matter the crowd, was nothing short of extraordinary. Jeff (Jacquay) could really captivate a crowd and invite everyone to be a part of this hardcore worship experience. I watched the band close out most shows with “Awesome God”, a full pile-on hardcore worship experience, piercing the ear drums and heart at the same time. Who can do all this and still put a smile on one’s face? God is with us, God Is With Us, GOD IS WITH US!!!!!! Song can be found below. Oh and this is one of the best pictures a non-photographer like myself ever took back in 1996 at I believe was the Focused farewell show.
[Picture taken by Brandon Jones/1996]
I appreciate the look back at music through both your recollection and your photo! It would have been interesting to be at those shows and watching the music scenes take shape and transform and shift. But I was two in ’96, so I didn’t go to that many hardcore shows
I just realized that there’s an interview with Brandon on the Unashamed bandcamp page! Lol!
Yes!! I didnt know dat they used yur pic 4 da album cova, at 17, dats rad. Lets pray 4 a comebak!!
Sorry hope I didn’t confuse anyone. The pic I posted here is my own and was not used for any album cover. I just dug up an old photo I took years ago.
OK, gocha.
Unashamed were one of the first Christian Hardcore bands I got into along with Zao and Strongarm. They were such a great band! For those looking for their albums, they have been made available as free downloads at their bandcamp page: https://unashamedhc.bandcamp.com/