Author: Rob J

A while ago, I remember hearing a small snippet of a track from a band I would later find out was Amongst the Giants; just a few seconds in length really, but based solely on that, I already had high expectations of what was to come and was eager to hear more. Then, in April, that “more” came in the form of the bands first single, “Lost In Translation” and my expectations rose even higher. So, when the time came, and it was announced that the debut album, “Obscene” would have a November 16th release date, it really felt far away.… Continued →

Before I came to a place of faith in my life, I was really, REALLY into Marilyn Manson. Odd way to start this review? Maybe, but stick with me. When I finally did come to faith in Christ, I guess I really had little idea of the concept of Christian music and what it could sound like. Imagine my surprise then, to find a band like Skillet, who, at the time, bore a striking resemblance to Manson. Don’t believe me? Check out the album “Alien Youth”, especially the track “Rippin Me Off”.… Continued →

Back in May, I was able to catch Memphis May Fire on a show they added to an off night on their tour with Sevendust. I was fortunate enough to have secured a VIP for that show, part of which included a pizza party and getting to listen to the new album well before it was even announced, much less released. While the pizza was good, the listening party aspect was pretty rough; not so much because the album wasn’t any good, but hearing it was a bit of a challenge with everyone hanging out and talking and everything else going on.… Continued →

P.O.D. has long been a favorite of mine, and likely the first Christian band I ever listened to. Their successes have made them a staple among hard rock fans in both Christian and secular markets, and despite a less popular album here or there, or even less interest in the hard rock genre in general, the band’s fanbase have continued to remain loyal to the band, a fact easily evidenced by the band’s live shows and the online response to all the latest news, especially where new music is concerned.… Continued →

If you haven’t heard Gold, Frankincense, & Myrrh yet, you’re late to the party. GFM is a band of sisters from Jacksonville who’ve really made a nice mark on the Christian hard rock scene which the “Death of Giants” ep and “Identity Crisis” full length are clear cut evidence of. I’ve personally been pretty eager for some new material from the band, and yesterday I got my wish, as did all other GFM fans out there. Check out the new GFM track, “On the Inside” below and get yourself the single here.… Continued →

For those who’ve been eagerly awaiting more from John Cooper’s (Skillet fame) new band, Fight the Fury, wait no more! Today the band has released it’s debut track, “My Demons” which can be heard below. Coinciding with the release of the track, the band has also announced the first album release will drop pretty quick; you only have to wait til October 24th to get your ears on the debut, titled “Still Breathing”. Pre-orders are available now at the band’s website. Check out the new song below and leave your thoughts in the comments!… Continued →

P.O.D. is dropping a new album November 16, titled “Circles”. So far they’ve released “Rockin’ With the Best”, which was met with mixed reviews and just today they’ve dropped the title track to the album, “Circles”. It’s an interesting track that’s a fair variation from the sound we’ve come to know them for in times past, but we wanna know what YOU think. Hit the video below to check it out and then leave some comments with your thoughts.… Continued →

You wake up in the morning and take care of your usual business. After you’ve gotten yourself going, you take  your phone out and check your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or whichever and start scrolling. A minute or two later, you come across the news you’ve been eagerly waiting to hear, but doubted you ever would. A reunion tour featuring 2-4 bands you had hoped to see reunite, but never thought it would actually happen. So…who are they?… Continued →

Fit For A King has released a music video for the track “Oblivion” off their newest offering, “Dark Skies”. Steeped in an emotionally gripping story, this video will certainly grab and keep your attention. Check it out below and be sure to read our review of the new album here.… Continued →

Big news from the Skillet camp today, as John Cooper announced his new band, Fight the Fury. John has said that this is the answer that fans who’ve been asking for harder and heavier music from the band and we may get a taste of it a little later on today. The band has also announced plans to play some dates in Russia later this year. Stay tuned at the bands Facebook page (see the link in the first sentence) and sign up for their email list to stay up to date on everything they’ve got going on.… Continued →

Relentless Flood released a new album at the end of April, titled “Escape the Fall”. If you’re looking for some new hard rock to check out along the lines of Decyfer Down, As We Ascend, and such, make sure you check out the lyric video below for “Away From Me” and leave your thoughts!… Continued →

Like your music heavy? Like, really heavy? Something new to check out? Give a listen to Dreaded Dale in the lyric video below for the song “Voices”. What do you think?… Continued →

The guys in pop-punk band, I Am Spartacus, are back with a great new track and video, “Nobody Wants To Be A Hipster” (I mean, they don’t do they? Really?) Check out the video below and leave a comment or three!… Continued →

Convictions is back with their much anticipated follow-up to 2016’s “I Will Become”. Out June 1st on InVogue Records, the band’s upcoming release, “Hope For The Broken”, features the song “Voices” as heard in the video below. If this song is any indication, this is going to be one amazing album. Drop YOUR thoughts below!… Continued →

DIRE, a metal band from Quitam, GA, released an EP titled “Depths” this past November. “Depths” is the band’s first offering since being signed to Sancrosanct Records earlier that year and is an impressive label debut. “Depths”, however, is preceded by a full length the band released in 2016, titled, “Volume 1” and an earlier, self-titled ep in 2013. Both of these releases were a bit heavier than “Depths”, but to me, it reveals a refining of the bands sound, and in a very positive way.… Continued →

Hey, who could use a little more ska in their life??? We all could! So, check this out, Croatian ska band, October Light, released a new audio track called “No Good” of a new album they’re in the process of recording. Check it out below and drop a comment!  … Continued →

Earlier today the announcement from Chris Furr was made on Decyfer Down’s Facebook page that he would be stepping down from the band. See the announcement below: … Continued →

Amongst the Giants is a relatively newer band signed to Rockfest Records. The lineup includes Seventh Day Slumber drummer, Blaise Rojas, Brian Boyd, and Marco Pera. The three-piece has a really great, monstrous sound that walks the line of hard rock and metal. You can catch them on the Summer Rockfest tour this Summer with the likes of Seventh Day Slumber, Spoken, Random Hero, Zahna, and Gold, Frankincense, and Myrhh. Check out their lyric video for the song “Lost In Translation” and find them on social media to stay up to date on what these guys are up to.… Continued →

When it was announced that Jen Ledger would be releasing her debut solo ep, it filled many with a sense of excitement, rivaled only by an insatiable curiosity as to what we could expect from it. Would it be hard rock, similar in nature to her band Skillet? Pop? Electronic? Rock? The answer is yes…yes, it is. The Ledger EP, which drops this Friday, is a fairly diverse offering that has a little something for everyone. A common thread throughout the EP, is a distorted synth type sound, though there’s keys and drums that compliment it in all the right places.… Continued →

This Friday, April 13th, 2018, horror-punk band Grave Robber returns with their first album in 7 years, titled “Escaping the Grave”. How fitting is it for these guys to re-emerge after seven years of silence on a Friday the 13th? This release is an album that has been long awaited and anticipated by many, myself included. Over the past 7 years, the band has undergone a number of changes, such as band member changes as well as a number of challenges in various areas of their personal lives.… Continued →

In a really cryptic Facebook post, the word, “Reunion?” was posted on Inhale Exhale’s Facebook page. So…they puzzle us, we puzzle you. Obviously, only so much can be gleaned from one simple word, but nonetheless, it’s a fairly exciting thought, whether it be for a night, for a tour, or anywhere in between; at least to me. What would you guys think?… Continued →

K I D S (fka Kids in the Way) have released a new music video for the song “Electric Truth” on their Facebook page earlier tonight. Great song, great video! Check it out and leave your thoughts below!… Continued →

Sometimes it’s crazy to me to see how old some albums are, and this is definitely one of those instances. Hardly feels like it’s been 15 years, maybe because I still have this one in my listening repertoire on a semi-regular basis. So, after 15 years, how does this album hold up for you? Do you have any favorite tracks or memories from it? Here’s my favorite.… Continued →

The band Relent has released a music video for their song “Rise”. Who else is eager to hear more from these guys??… Continued →

T-Bone has released a new album “Broken English”, and if it’s up to par with this track, it’s gotta be amazing. Check out the video below for “Ain’t Ashamed” and drop your thoughts below.… Continued →

Once in a while, I’ll come across a band that slipped beneath my radar and wonder why I hadn’t heard of them sooner, wishing that I had. In the Verse is a perfect example of that. Hailing from WI, the 5-piece band brings a lot to the table for avid hard rock fans. The band is uncompromising in their message and is determined “to bring the message of Christ back into the lime-light with uncompromising, deep lyrical content while maintaining a rich musical experience.” And they certainly do.… Continued →

While I know we don’t cover a lot of what are referred to as “CCM” artists, I’ve never really considered Third Day such. They’ve always just been rock to me and were one of the bands I really got into in Christian music. I still love those guys, especially their albums up until around “Come Together” and maybe an album or two after. So, it’s with a heavy heart, I post about the band packing it in. Farewell guys and thanks for the great music over the years.… Continued →

Seventh Day Slumber has dropped a new lyric video for the track “Into the Fire”. The song is featured on the band’s 2017 album, “Found” and is about how God helps overcome depression. Great song, great message. Check it out and drop your thoughts below!… Continued →

Today marks 15 years since the release of Mae’s debut album, “Destination: Beautiful”. I personally didn’t find out about these guys until a little after “The Everglow” came out, but after I checked out “Destination: Beautiful” I couldn’t figure out which album I liked more; probably still don’t know, to be honest. What are some of your favorite tracks and memories from this album? 15 years…man, time really flies.… Continued →

We Were Once, from Fayetteville, NC have dropped a new single called “Phoenix”. If you’re a fan of Flyleaf, Fireflight, maybe with a dash of Paramore, don’t miss this. Drop your thoughts below!… Continued →