CDs (Rock)

12 Stones' third release, Anthem for the Underdog, finds the middling Louisiana-based quartet in good form. Although the record focuses too heavily on ballads and ballad-like pieces, the moments when the band steps out with thoroughly adequate rockers ("Anthem for the Underdog," "Adrenaline," "Games You Play") are … (More)

It's appropriate that this earnest, young quartet of rockers is signed to the label that squired Creed to multiplatinum superstardom. Like Creed, 12 Stones deliver accessible, middle-of-the-road, postgrunge rock throughout their formulaic debut. Having emerged from the small burg of Mandeville, Louisiana, they serve up songs that tap (albeit at … (More)

In the early 2000s, the proven success of Wind-Up Records acts (particularly Creed) positioned the label to develop a number of new artists, including the post-grunge band 12 Stones. The group's momentum was due in no small part to singer Paul ... Full DescriptionMcCoy's Grammy-winning guest vocal on "Bring Me to Life," the single that … (More)

From the fertile musical soil of Albany, Oregon comes the next major rock band to take the world by storm. A Dream Too Late. Intermission to the Moon perfectly blends melodic vocals with dynamic rock attitude and intricate programming on eleven songs, including "Trendsetter," "Do You Believe?," "Be Honest," and more.

On this debut album by his band the Almost, Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie steps out as a front man and songwriter, exploring the many facets of pop/punk. Clearly, Gillespie values melody and dynamics; the kaleidoscopic arrangements here ...    Full Descriptionmarry power shredding to subtle, shifting tunes, most notably on … (More)

Anberlin's style is defined by a pop/rock sound completed by Stephen's strong, emotional vocals (often compared to bands like Jimmy Eat World and Third Eye Blind). They've toured the nation independently several times throughout the last two years in an effort to take our music to as many people as possible

Anberlin's story began a decade ago in Winter Haven, Florida, when Stephen, Deon and Joey formed an early incarnation of the band out of sheer boredom. 'Polk County is easily the redneck capital of Florida,' Stephen explains. "There's literally nothing to do. And being so young, we couldn't just drive to Orlando or Tampa to hang out. So we … (More)

Issued the same year as Anberlin's well-received CITIES album, ...    Full Description2007's LOST SONGS collects many of the Florida-based alternative-rock act's finest rarities. In addition to lesser-known originals such as the bright, melodic "Uncanny," the compilation features a number of cover tunes, including a … (More)

Like many of its peers on Tooth & Nail Records, Anberlin comes from a Christian-rock angle, but that trait isn't worn on the band's collective sleeve. While images of saints and sinners abound, only two somber cries for divine help, "Paperthin Hymn" and "(The Symphony Of) Blase," have overt religious tones. Most of the … (More)

After some line-up changes, Florida's Anberlin returned in 2008 with NEW SURRENDER, their fourth and most confident release. The emo-tinged sincerity that characterized Anberlin's earlier releases is still in place, but the songwriting, which ...    Full Descriptionemphasizes melodic structure and durable hooks, shows a new … (More)

Lyrically, there is no doubt about where the band's inspiration and interests lie. In "Walk On Water," Mark Stuart sings, "If I keep my eyes on Jesus I can walk on water/If I keep my eyes on him I can walk on water just like Peter." This unwavering faith is continally reaffirmed in an appealingly unapologetic guitar-churning … (More)

Some Kind of Zombie continues Audio Adrenaline's hot streak, offering another set of super-charged, funk-punk with religious overtones. Unlike last time, the group's Christian beliefs are underneath the surface, but that's not necessarily a bad thing -- their beliefs are delivered forcefully through the heavy, muscular music. The group improves … (More)

Until My Heart Caves In turned out to be the final studio album by one of the longest-tenured contemporary Christian bands. Whether or not they knew the end was coming remains unclear, but a sense of finality, as well as the band's trademark resilience, could be interpreted in lyrics from "Clap Your Hands" and the title track. Indeed, … (More)

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The art direction of August Burns Red's third album strongly suggests a vintage early-'70s metal album by some little-remembered band -- probably British -- working in the Black Sabbath tradition. First track "The Truth of a Liar" opens with a vintage-metal scream and Tony Iommi-style riff, maintaining the connection to the past, but … (More)

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A Thought Crushed My Mind, Blindside's second album, builds on the promise of their debut, crafting a number of memorable hardcore/alt metal songs, while keeping all of their spiritual commitment and passion intact

The Hoobastanking of Swedish Christian hardcore heroes Blindside began in earnest on 2002's Silence. Aided by helming wiz Howard Benson, the quartet successfully remodeled itself, compressing its aggressive, at times bellicose vocals and blur of blistering guitars into still meaty, but safely melodic chunks of meaning. Benson returns for About a … (More)

The self-titled debut from Sweden's Blindside is largely in the vein of American rap-metal acts like Rage Against the Machine and 311, but the band has a melodic side too, and their Christian lyrics set them apart from the pack.

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Blindside earned itself a cult following in the hardcore scene with two highly acclaimed Solid State releases that showcased the band's vociferous honesty musically as well as lyrically. Touring the independent scene, these Swedish natives formed close bonds with then underground mainstay P.O.D., a friendship that culminated with Blindside … (More)

Tulsa, Oklahoma, quartet Capital Lights shed their previous identity as a screamo outfit (in the local band afterEIGHT) and began writing melodic alternative rock songs that draws from punk-pop and emo. The group's debut THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! ...    Full Descriptionoffers up full-frontal rockers ("Kick It Off"), … (More)

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Expectations ran sky-high for Casting Crowns' third studio album following a couple of years as Contemporary Christian Music's best-selling and most-played artist. The looming question wasn't whether lead singer and songwriter Mark Hall would drastically change his formula -- that was doubtful after the group's first two albums were certified … (More)

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In September 2003, pop/adult contemporary group Casting Crowns released their self-titled debut. After hearing one of their independent projects, Sawyer Brown's Mark Miller signed the band -- composed of members Mark Hall (lead vocals), Chris Huffman (bass), Melodee DeVevo (violin/vocals), Juan DeVevo (guitars/vocals), Andy Williams (drums), Megan … (More)

Christian rock music's detractors often cite the eternally sunny, feel-good "I'm okay, you're okay" attitude of many CCM albums as a quality antithetical to real rock & roll. While Casting Crowns certainly offer their fair share of optimistic praise, the group also takes a page from the original 1960's San Francisco Jesus Freak … (More)

CCM group Casting Crowns build on the powerful indie-rock sound of their first album with this 2005 follow-up. Like their self-titled debut, LIFESONG is full of declarations of Christian faith set to music that would sound right at home on MTV and mainstream rock radio. LIFESONG widens Casting Crowns' thematic palette, by mixing in attacks on … (More)

CCM group Casting Crowns had a major hit in August of 2005 with their second album, the complex and rocking LIFESONG. They went on to win a Grammy Award, and to embark on a gigantic U.S. tour that brought their music and ministry to almost a half million concert-goers. LIFESONG LIVE captures the band's show, which in its fiery intensity and … (More)