News

June 10, 2021

HolyName Could Be The Biggest and Most Important Music Act of Our Time

What seemingly began as a solo project of sorts for Tommy Green of Sleeping Giant, HolyName is likely to become one of our music scene’s most important and dare I say, “influential”, acts in a long time. The music hits you in all the right spots, digging deep into the most hardened of hearts. The emotions swelling up between heavy, chugging guitars, thundering drum beats, and soft, soothing vocals building into this sort of adrenaline fueled, aggressive, and violent (sounding) worship music that you’ll never hear at a Church on Sunday morning.… Continued →

June 9, 2021

Song of the Day: Undercover - World Come Crashing Down

Undercover went through a ton of style changes during their extensive tenure as a band. Labeled as new wave, punk, rock & even gothic, the band had its humble beginnings as a 2nd generation Jesus music band (which I briefly mentioned in another SOTD review) associated with Calvary Chapel in the early 80s. Bandmates included a wide variety of musicians including Ojo Taylor, Ric Alba, Chuck Cummings whom all 3 would go on to other projects. I remember picking up the gothic tinged Balance Of Power at my local library back in the day & was amazed at what I heard.… Continued →

June 7, 2021

Song of the Day: Crashdog - Bloody Lane

So I saw a video recently on an Christian punk rawk Facebook group of Crashdog on Jerry Springer where they sang their The Pursuit Of Happiness song & vocalist Spike Nard had to defend it to some church looking guy whom was talking smack about Spike being a Christian & playing that genre of music. This totally made me want to do a SOTD on them so check it out sometime as is great if you can find it. Gotta love the bagpipes in this song which is why I specifically chose this one.… Continued →

June 6, 2021

New Music: June 4, 2021

Rock & Metal
Pop & CCM
Electronic & EDM Folk & Singer/Songwriter
Hip Hop & R&B Continued →

June 5, 2021

Song of the Day: Doomsday Hymn - Mene Tequel Ufarsim

Brazilian Doomsday Hymn remind me of Sepultara or Soulfly for some reason with their 2015 Rottweiler Records release. This post is in anticipation of an upcoming possible new release as they teased 3 newer songs back in 2018/2019 respectively. Today’s SOTD & album name is a play on MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN from the book Of Daniel when the handwriting on the wall doomed Belshazzar’s kingdom that was about to be conquered by the Medes & Persians which also eludes to the band’s name.
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June 4, 2021

REVIEW : Rob Ray - Yours is the Night

Rob Ray’s latest EP follows in the path of his latest release, Yours is the Day. And while the two EPs were written concurrently, much in the manner of say Thrice’s Alchemy Index, there’s certainly enough distinction between the two. Much like its predecessor, there are strong spiritual truths and three singles preceded release of the full EP. But Yours is the Night feels more quieted and barren. It’s not necessarily deeper or more solemn than its counterpart, but the stripped-back, acoustic-driven nature results in a mood akin to laying awake at night, restless ruminations coursing through your mind.… Continued →

Song of the Day: Bloodshed - Martha

The amazing thing about “Martha” from Bloodshed’s 1995 self-titled EP isn’t just how complex it is. Yes, it hits that sweet spot, distinctive of top-notch emo-core where the perfect balance of harsh and soft, noisy and melodic come together. It’s also not how mature the lyrics are. They’re inspired by a poem written by a young girl (the song’s namesake) during World War 2. It’s also not how proficient on the instruments the members were. The track features complex, angular riffing that wasn’t all that common in mid-90s hardcore, a mixture of clean singing and hardcore screaming.… Continued →

June 2, 2021

Song of the Day: Lightworker - Cholera

So this post marks my 100th for the site! Today’s SOTD features the newer band Lightworker from California & is great metalcore ballad that falls in the lines of TDWP: Louder Than Thunder, Underoath: Too Bright To See Too Loud to Hear & Fit For A king Skin & Bones. The song features the regular vocalist & also Laura McElroy who also sings for Comrades (a band that I’ve seen live). What if I faded away with no trace left behind? You’d only hear fading words to let you know I’m fine There’s no expectations, I’ll let go It’s all said and done with nothing left to show There’s nothing left to show Now this is all I have to give of myself With my hopes wearing thin Now this is all I have left in pieces But just enough to begin again Here I find myself retracing the steps of what could have been And I find myself reflecting on the moments I failed in I’m only unwanted, disconnected, bruised and jaded I’m only spare parts but this heart will revive and beat again Now that you’ve faded away there’s no trace left behind What’s left of these memories are frozen still in time
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June 1, 2021

Stairwell (CA) Are Back and With a Brand New Song

Stairwell the famous band from Southern California known for two hit albums (plus earlier work with Neil Samoy) nearly 2 decades ago and featured former Bloodshed singer – Jonathan Caro, is back in action. The new version features Jonathan Caro and Zack of Stairwell plus Jeff Jacquay of Unashamed and Rainy Days finishing out the new band. They have dropped their brand new song on Bandcamp here. More to come in the months ahead including concert dates so stay tuned. Anyone else as excited about this project than me?… Continued →

Too Bad Eugene to Release "Non Grata" This Friday

Too Bad Eugene are officially back. After successfully funding their new album campaign they’ve already finished their first new single and music since 2002. The track is titled “Non Grata” and it’s an upbeat, total raging, melodic punk rock powerhouse of a song much like their past material on “At Any Rate” and “Moonlighting” but kicked up a notch and with incredible sound production. This is the best you’ve heard from them yet and a proper reintroduction into today’s modern punk scene. I love everything about it from the strong, commanding vocals of Adam Nigh, the heavy bass work and out front drumming, to melodic guitar work.… Continued →

May 31, 2021

Song of the Day: Hoi Polloi - Come To Me

Today’s SOTD was one of my top 10 songs of all time growing up. I have this song hundreds of times & it has never gotten old. The lyrics deal with YHWH being there for us & is patiently waiting for us to come to HIM or return home. Hailing from New Zealand, the band dabbled in roots, funk & modern rock, but Jenny Gullen’s voice set the band apart from any other. I remember actually playing this song in a setlist I was djing in Columbia, SC at an outdoor festival.  … Continued →

May 30, 2021

New Music: May 28, 2021

Rock & Metal
Pop & CCM
  Folk & Singer/Songwriter
Hip Hop & R&B Continued →

May 29, 2021

Song of the Day: Hokus Pick - I.B.I.J.I.T.O.F.W.

Another quirky 90s alternative rock fun band, Hokus Pick (Maneuver) hailed from Canada. The band focused on writing sarcastic silly lyrics that portrayed a deeper message of Christian truths such as revealed in this SOTD – that  Jesus will hold true to His promise that He will return. Now that is an optimistic feeling. I chose this SOTD for a few reasons, with one being to make my son laugh. Listen to the guy yell at the beginning lol!  Also included a live show from them.… Continued →

May 28, 2021

Epic Squad 5-0 Interview

A two part interview series featuring Jeff and John Fortson of Squad 5-0 fame has just been posted. It’s very in depth and features some fun behind the scenes knowledge. There is also mention of the band’s new EP on the way. Both parts listed below. Follow this account too for news on the upcoming releases. Oh and for added bonus, it looks as though Ronnie Martin of Joy Electric and Brothers Martin fame has laid down some moog on some of these EP songs!… Continued →

Song of the Day: Cannon Heath Down - Bone (of Contention)

It’s amazing how one can listen to music for years, decades even, and still find an obscure gem from days gone past that was missed out. Vancouver’s Cannon Heath Down only released one album: 1987’s Heart-Throb Companion (and a cassette demo 2 years later). The self-produced album was only released on LP, and its stellar take on indie pop will appeal to fans of The Ocean Blue, Morrissey, Game Theory, Riverside, The Mighty Lemon Drops, etc. The album fetches top dollar too, as I’ve seen copies listed at triple digits.… Continued →

May 27, 2021

May 26, 2021

Song of the Day: Prepare The Way - You're Not Alone

Prepare The Way hails from Mississippi & appears to have sadly only released one EP. But, this title track is powerful. I guarantee all of us have felt the sting of failure & sin in our lives. To rely on Jesus to get us through turmoil & tragedy is a touch thing to do, but that is where His perfect peace can shine the brightest. Hope you like this SOTD as much as I have the past few years. suffocating ever waiting till the deed is done evil angels all against me so they say they’ve won all these chains around me can you push them to the ground every time I’ve tried every time they’ve pulled me down they’re pulling me down Is there anything left of me Can I find the strength to stand up to my feet Will I ever heal these chains of flesh are real And they’re holding me this burn of pain I feel You’re not Alone Every failure that I’m wishing would just go away All the lies you tell me shallow dreams that wish to stay All these chains are binding freedom fighting for a chance Angels carry me help me find my way to stand Will you help me stand Is there anything left of me Can I find the strength to stand up to my feet Will I ever heal these chains of flesh are real And they’re holding me this burn of pain I feel You’re not alone Now fly away lets fly away To find a life without this pain Just open your eyes and breathe within Let go of these chains don’t love them again
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May 25, 2021

May 24, 2021

Song of the Day: Petra - Mine Field

So I’m going a long ways back for this SOTD. But, the truth is that it brings still holds true today. Pulling from 3 different Bible verses, the lyrics deal with going through life while dealing with different choices that can take us down a dark path. The most relevant is 1 Peter 5:8  “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” I really do miss the days when my fave music was directly tied to the Bible & the lyrics sheet had the scripture reference.… Continued →

May 23, 2021

New Music: May 21, 2021

Rock & Metal
Pop & CCM
Electronic & Dance
Folk & Singer/Songwriter
Hip Hop & R&B
Worship & Gospel Continued →

Namesake (Arizona) Emerge From a Long Hiatus To Drop Songs on Digital Networks

A small, independent punk rock band from the late 90’s/early 00’s called “Namesake” that you may have blinked and missed, are back with a special “Demos & Legacy Recordings” release through digital networks. The release features their long lost music including that song “Michigan Avenue” that appeared on “I’m Your Biggest Fan Vol. 2” that I put together years ago for Tooth & Nail and lies dormant in the dusty bins of yesteryear. The band had a lot of passion and talent and could have been the next big thing but sadly ended much too soon.… Continued →

GFM (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh) - Where Were You (Official Music Video)

The ladies of GFM are back with a huge new song and incredibly well done music video to accompany the hard hitting, honest, and positive music. Check out the music video for their new song “Where Were You”, below and make sure to follow them here. This is the absolute, ultimate mental health awareness anthem and a song that hits close to home. Please watch and read the lyrics below.… Continued →

May 22, 2021

Song of the Day: A Hill To Die Upon - Adept In Divinity

Galesburg/Monmouth, Illinois is the first place you think of when you think of blackened melodic death metal, isn’t it. But, since 2004, AHTDU has been playing just that. I have seen the band numerous times & even been to a few shows with members of the band in the crowd or playing with other bands, like the southern rock The Comancheros. This is some true headbanging stuff so if you get a chance, check them out live. The band is also cool enough to post videos on YouTube of bass & guitar playthroughs if you’re interested like me.… Continued →

May 21, 2021

Song of the Day: No Laughing Matter - Bad Blood

Arizona’s No Laughing Matter were kind of a ‘love ’em or hate ’em’ kind of game. Dark and broody, they didn’t fit in with most CCM at the time. Heck, even the alternative stuff wasn’t quite this dark, for the most part. Scott Roman’s dramatic wail was an acquired taste. The guitars alternated between goth-rock and the occasional nod to funk (see “Helltown”). Of particular interest were the deep bass grooves. They were one of Christian music’s very few, true “post-punk” bands in the proper sense of the term.… Continued →