| 2016 was an undeniably monumental year for rock enthusiasts. After several years where the heavy music release schedule seemed perpetually dwindling as more and more voices proclaimed that rock is dead, this year has seen one of the strongest showings in the past decade for guitar-centric releases. Many bands that had been seemingly dormant came back to life. A few major all-rock tours held their own alongside their mixed genre counterparts. Some musicians who had strayed towards more pop-oriented soundscapes found their way back to the raw guitar tones that dominated their roots. And the result of all of this has been some incredibly good new music. |
As someone who has been tuned in to the Christian rock airwaves for over ten years now, one of the things I find most noteworthy about the resurgence of rock and roll in 2016 is that it hasn't been limited to one subgenre. In years past, post-hardcore has proved surprisingly enduring, even when its cousin heavy music genres suffered. This year however, the rock releases bridged the full spectrum, touching on everything from light indie rock to hardcore to power metal. I've rounded up twelve of the most notable albums from across that full range (with a few honorable mentions at the end).
1. Unleashed by Skillet
Over three years since the release of their last album Rise, Skillet came back this year in a big way with Unleashed. Moving away from the symphonic rock elements that have characterized their music ever since 2006's Comatose, for Unleashed Skillet traded the strings for electronic programming. The result is a blistering fusion of synth and guitar, a blend that has propelled "Feel Invincible" to the top of the mainstream rock charts. Unleashedis not without its softer moments though; songs like "Stars" and "Lions" firmly place this album as one of Skillet's most clearly faith-centric, even worshipful, outings in recent years.
(Vote for Unleashed in the We Love Christian Music Awards here.)
2. Long Live the Rebels by Disciple
Two years since establishing their new lineup with Attack, Disciple kept the momentum going with Long Live the Rebels--an album that saw this veteran rock act venturing into uncharted territory. With songs ranging from the poignant and accessible "Erase" to the blistering title track, Long Live the Rebels displays a dynamic diversity that could mark it as their strongest album yet. As always, every song is marked by a gospel-focused heart that ties even the thematically darker tracks firmly to redemption.
(Vote for Long Live the Rebels in the We Love Christian Music Awards here.)
3. Life Screams by Lacey Sturm
When Lacey Sturm stepped down from Flyleaf three years ago, it was not immediately clear if we would be hearing from founding frontwoman Lacey Sturm again. Fortunately she had more to say, and the result was her solo debut album Life Screams. Musically, this project picks up seamlessly where New Horizons left off, featuring grungy guitars and raw vocals instantly reminiscent of the best of Flyleaf's history. Here Lacey's powerful personal story and message of life and healing are more laser-focused than ever, resulting in gritty, urgent tracks like "Impossible" and "Rot."
(Vote for Life Screams in the We Love Christian Music Awards here.)
4. Where The Light Shines Through by Switchfoot
Switchfoot's last release, Fading West, might have had fans thinking they were traveling far from their 90s punk rock roots to take on the pop market. This year's Where The Light Shines Through countered that possibility with some of the most rich, textured guitar tones of any album this year. In addition to Drew Shirley's masterful guitar playing, Jon Foreman's lyrical grasp of the dance of faith and doubt continue to play out through frank, compelling songs like "Live It Well" and "Float." Where The Light Shines Through clinches Switchfoot's place as a prophetic voice of our time, breathing hope into a nation that in 2016 has often been characterized by division and chaos.
(Vote for Where the Light Shines Through in the We Love Christian Music Awards here.)
5. Zoetic by The Rocket Summer
One man band Bryce Avary holed up alone for months on end to create Zoetic, an album he viewed as more of a creative labor than any other album in The Rocket Summer's discography. The result is a project that leans decidedly towards the rock end of his pop rock resume, each track fleshed out with refreshingly punk guitar tones while Bryce's voice digs deep into more grit than we've ever heard from him before. As the title (a term meaning "of or relating to life") would imply, Zoetic feels energetic and alive, and it lands The Rocket Summer in a new playing field.
(Vote for Zoetic in the We Love Christian Music Awards here.)
6. Air for Free by Relient K
Relient K's last few releases have felt at times experimental, marked by a musical identity that hasn't felt entirely confident. With Air For Free they found their footing firmly in a style that is a blend of their punk rock roots and the indie rock vibe they've taken on in their maturity. Matt Thiessen and Matt Hoopes craft songs that strike a delicate balance between soul-searching and whimsy, bringing everything fans have loved about Relient K over the years back to the table. Songs like the frankly titled "God" and "Prodigal" also instantly mark this as one of Relient K's most spiritually rich release, with even the seemingly lighthearted "Bummin'" holding an introspective edge. However, cuts like "Mrs. Hippopotamus" prove that this is still the same band who once took us all to the Sadie Hawkins Dance.
7. Exhale by Thousand Foot Krutch
Thousand Foot Krutch's status as an independent band has allowed them to take creative risks barred from most bands, one of those risks being releasing a dual album with 2014'sOxygen: Inhale and this year's Exhale. Exhale is the heavier counterpart to the band's last album, bringing aggressive rock riffs to the fore alongside vocals from Trevor McNevan that transition effortlessly between rapcore and soaring melodies. The past twenty years have marked TFK as a band with a full-throttle live show, and Exhale is packed with songs best heard in that setting, created to be complemented by headbanging and fist-pumping.
8. This Light I Hold by Memphis May Fire
Although not directed entirely at the Christian market, any year end rock list would be incomplete without the inclusion of the latest from hardcore giants Memphis May Fire. The songs found on This Light I Hold place frontman Matty Mullins' devout faith at the lyrical helm, with "Carry On" and "Unashamed" serving as anthems of dedication to the message of hope found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Positioned with influence in the mainstream heavy music field, Memphis May Fire is serving as a vital voice of hope, and they are creating some of the most addictive, blistering hardcore songs on the market in the process.
9. Types & Shadows by Wolves at the Gate
Wolves at the Gate is one of the primary torchbearers in the trend of theologically rich hardcore. Complex doctrinal themes, usually in the Reformed theological tradition, have marked every one of their releases in the past, but never more so than on Types & Shadows.From songs like "Hindsight," written from the perspective of the Apostle Peter, to their reverent handling of a classic hymn on "Fountain," Wolves at the Gate consistently engages themes of faith with a rare and refreshing depth. Those lyrics are married to vocals that range from piercing to ferocious and driving guitars that create explosive hardcore chemistry.
10. The Other Side of Darkness by Decyfer Down
Decyfer Down is another band on the list of 2016 comeback stories. In 2015, the group got back on the road after a three year hiatus, and in 2016 they released their successfully fan-funded album The Other Side of Darkness. "Nothing More" and "Anchor Me" display a band completely owning their identity, drawing on the unrestrained intensity that made 2009's Crash a breakout success. Full-bodied riffs and vocals with just the right amount of rasp made this return a welcome one.
11. Ghost Ship by Theocracy
Power metal is undeniably not everybody's cup of tea, but even if it's not a genre you have enjoyed personally, chances are high that it has influenced the rock music you do love.Theocracy's Ghost Ship pairs the sonically complex genre with equally theologically intricate lyrics, bringing a musical tradition more widely known in Europe to the American contemporary Christian rock scene. Theocracy's technical mastery and the sheer uniqueness of their sound in today's rock climate has developed a devoted underground fanbase, andGhost Ship is worth noting as proof that power metal and the prog rock tradition still have a place.
Thrice was a trendsetter in the mid-2000s movement of emo-influenced, socially conscious rock and roll. In 2011 they stepped away from that legacy for a time, with lead singer Dustin Kensrue pursuing solo ventures that included a few worship releases. Half a decade later they're back with To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere, an album that is both brooding and fierce. The spirituality of Thrice has always been veiled and questioning, and "Black Honey" shows this album following that tradition. A profound interest in the human condition makesTo Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere a challenging, potent listen.
(Vote for Thrice in the We Love Christian Music Awards here.)
0 comments:
Post a Comment