Hey guys, there’s been a few new albums and other notable news that’s dropped lately, so I thought I’d just share a few with a couple thoughts, and maybe introduce a few new bands to you that you haven’t had the chance to check out yet as well. Sorry if there’s 1 or 2 that were recently posted, just take them twice as serious.
1. We’ve got the new/renewed album, “Nevertake” by Anberlin. This album is a recreation of Never Take Friendship Personal, only this time with Matty Mullins on the mic. Solid release with a few variations here and there that will be noted by longtime fans of the band. Matty was a solid choice to step into the role after Stephen chose to step down and fans of the band have responded pretty well to it. What do you think?
2. If you’ve yet to hear ChangeTheWxrld, you’re gonna love this one. Today ChangeTheWxrld released their second album, “ephemera & eternity”. If you’re unfamiliar with this band, think the more ambient side of Deftones, just with Christian lyrics. One of my favorite finds in the past year or two, his music is amazing.
3. The Worship ministry, Jesus Culture released their newest offering, “Worthy of Hallelujah” today. Haven’t given this one a listen yet, but I’m eager to do so. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed their previous albums, especially the songs we’ve used in service to honor God.
4. Convictions dropped a deluxe edition of their most recent release, “Fear of God”. The ministers of metalcore tacked on 2 new tracks to an already impressive release and the results speak for themselves. If you’ve not given a listen yet, get to it!
5. “Silver Glass Stare”, the follow-up to Plead the Widow’s Cause debut album, “Pain Split” released a couple weeks back and it is an album I just keep coming back to. The hardcore/post-hardcore release is woven with lyrics that are full of faith and unapologetically so. Quite possibly my favorite release this year.
6. And I Dreamt Of You is a band you may not have heard of before now. Expect that to change. The Christcore/metalcore act based out of Orlando, FL (yes, right by the Mouse) just dropped 3 songs on a release titled “Lethargy Promo”. I’m heavily reminded of the very early Underoath and TDWP years with this one. If these 3 tracks are any indication of what the future holds for these guys, we’re going to be hearing their name quite a bit.
7. OK, so this one may be a double of a post made earlier this week, but this gives you half the excuse for missing out on the deluxe edition of “Closure” by Then It Ends. The metalcore band dropped Closure back in December of last year, but then added on 3 unreleased tracks on the deluxe for good measure. Don’t miss this release, which includes guest appearances by Nick Detty of Wolves At The Gate, Michael Felker of Convictions, and Ashley Corinne.
8. I try my best not to post about singles, even if im not always successful. But Blindside is one in a very, very small number of bands that are an exception. Blindside retains a strong, loyal audience despite being nearly non-existent from the scene since around 2011 or so. “Dead Weight” marks the band’s first new music since the single “Grave Digger” dropped back in 2019, hence the excitement seen when the band announced it earlier in the week. The track stays absolutely true to the style many have come to love about the band and is a real treat to get to hear. I for one, would be thrilled if I were to hear more was on the way. One can hope!
9. Confessions Of A Traitor released a new single this past week as well, only accompanied by news of a new album set to drop on May 16th (pre-orders up now!). “Still Haunted” picks up right where much of “Punishing Myself Before God Does” left off with punishing riffs and gut wrenching screams, but maybe slightly more melodic. The track also boasts guest spots by members of Holyname and Heal the Hurt.