The Violet Burning - The Story of Our Lives review

For those who are unfamiliar with The Violet Burning, Michael Pritzl has described their musical style as a blend of U2, the Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd. This unusual blend of influences has given The Violet Burning a unique musical style.

Michael Pritzl, head man for The Violet Burning, has always been known as a prolific songwriter. Pritzl has led The Violet Burning since 1989. During the past 20 plus years, the band hasn't strayed from it's indie rock roots, primarily being an independent band. Now comes the Violet Burning's ultimate endeavour, seven years in development, 34 songs on three discs, 2 hours 20 minutes long and an 80 page booklet. This is the stage Pritzl has set for The Violet Burning's latest release, The Story of Our Lives.

I know that concept albums often fail to achieve their original intent, but not in the case of The Violet Burning. The Story of Our Lives is brilliantly conceived, written and performed. This is undoubtedly the greatest work ever produced by this critically acclaimed band.

Due to the breadth of material on this album, I will only give an overview of each disc and some of the songs. Pick up this album to make your own track by track assessment.

This musical experience begins with disc 1, TH3 FANTA5T1C MACH1N3. The songs give lyrical discussion to the battle between God and an Orwellian 1984ish world (the MACH1N3) for the soul of an individual. The character is trapped in this world and decides, in the course of the songs, that his only means of escape is death.

Outstanding disc one songs:

• "Br0ther, Part 1". Pritzl's vocals override a mechanical, Big Brother voice. The song lyrics make a comparison of the machine to the music industry.
• "TH3 FANTA5T1C MACH1N3": sounds like it was plucked from and old Beatles album. 
• "Leaving (But, I Don't Wanna Leave You)": a mournful song of longing.

I'm leaving
But I don't wanna leave you
You move me
Though, I don't wanna be moved
You love me
When I don't wanna be loved
I'm leaving
But, I don't wanna leave you
No, I don't wanna
Leave you
No, I don't wanna
Leave you  

The melancholy final song of disc one, "Leaving (But, I Don't Wanna Leave You)", is left behind. Black As Death, disc two, opens with a dramatic musical shift, and a noticable Black Sabbath influence on "My Name is Night". Many heavier songs are found on disc two, but also some acoustic tracks. As the disc name would suggest, disc two has a dark feel. The album character, after choosing death, explores the potential consequences of his decision.

Outstanding disc two songs:

• "My Name Is Night"
• "Rock Is Dead"
• "Where Do We Belong": the album character reveals his searching as he asks God:

I followed you with my light on
I followed you into the sun
I followed you and believed it
I know you are the one
Though you know I lost everything
And I can't find my way
I'll follow you with my light on
I'll follow you until I'm done
Where do we belong?
Where do we belong?  

The final disc brings the summation of this musical trilogy. Liebe über Alles, the title of disc three, translates as "all about love". God's love prevails. The album's character, though he had chosen death, lives, and finds peace as he is reunited with God's Spirit.

Outstanding disc three songs:

• "Mon Désir"
• "Arc"
• "I Caught Fire"
• The worshipful, final track, "Made for You"

Every corner of my heart
This was made for you
Every corner of my soul
This was made by you
Lord of every song
I've been touched by you
Like the stars and
The sea in the moonlight
We were made by you
For you
Lord of all light
I was made for you
Lord of all creation
I was made for you
For you 

The Story of Our Lives is a profound musical journey. This album will have be to be considered as one of the greatest albums of 2011, if not the past decade. Check it out at:

The Violet Burning website

downhere - On the Altar of Love - review

I first became aware of (and a fan of) downhere with their single "A Better Way" from the Wide-Eyed And Mystified CD back in 2006. I was captivated by both the depth of the lyrical talent and the incredible vocal talents, provided by Marc Martel and Jason Germain. Martel gives downhere clean rock vocals while playing off Germain's vaulting falsetto. The band is rounded out by Glenn Lavender on bass and Jeremy Thiessen (no relation to Matt Thiessen of Relient K) on drums.

downhere is set to release their seventh release, On The Altar of Love, August 23rd. This alternative/rock/pop Canadian band was formed at Briercrest Bible College in 2001. That same year the band released their first CD, the self-titled downhere, after signing to Word Records. downhere has garnered a profusion of awards for the music industry. Nineteen Covenant awards, three Juno awards and one Dove award attest to the talent downhere offers. Stylistically similar to MercyMe and Casting Crowns, downhere surpasses their contemporaries on the crowded airwaves.

Social commentary and faith issues take precedence on On The Altar of Love. The album takes the listener back to the basics of their faith and leaves you reconsidering what the priorities are in your faith.

Overall this pop-friendly album gives a fairly singular feel with little variation in tempo or tone, the only exception being the rock driven "Seek". Even though this album hasn't provided any particularly exceptional tracks, such as hit songs "My Last Amen", "Surrender" or "A Better Way", it does have a number of solid tracks.

"Rest" could easily be sung each Sunday morning at church. "Come to me, all you who weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28) are quoted directly in the anthem song. Lyrically simple, the song speaks to all believers.

A melodically beautiful piano into leads us into "Let Me Rediscover You", the superior track on the new album. The lyricist laments his weaknesses and his yearning to be bonded to God in a profound way.

Your spirit hovers over my waters
Your love burns longer than the sun
The skies of thunder echo you wonder
Your praises can't be over - sung

The whole Universe is witness
To only a part of what you've done
So let me rediscover you
And breathe in me your life anew
Tell me of the God I never knew
Oh, let me rediscover you

You see my weakness, my pride, my blindness
You wield your power through them all
Of all the mysteries, still, the greatest to me
Is that you're faithful when I fall

How can I say I know you
When what I know is still so small?
Let me rediscover you and breathe in me your life anew
Tell me of the God I never knew
Oh, let me rediscover you

Musically, the '70's return as downhere delivers the ultra-pop song, "Living The Dream". I'm sorry, but I can't get past the poppy, bouncy, music to appreciate the lyrics.

"Seek" is the only rock based song found on On The Altar of Love. It describes how God seeks us “like a kid with a crush” to unite with Him.

The title track carries a county music base. It tells us to lay down ourselves including our possessions and obsessions at the altar of love. "Love will ask of you more than treasure/When you’re willing to trust/Blessing far outweighs the loss/When you lay it all at the altar of love".

A good album? Yes, however my expectations have been placed at a high level after the previous, superior, albums. Should it be added to your collection? Absolutely.

1. "Only The Beginning"
2. "Rest"
3. "Let Me Rediscover You"
4. "For Life"
5. "Living The Dream"
6. "Seek"
7. "Glory By The Way Of Shame"
8. "Holy"
9. "For The Heartbreak"
10. "Turn This Around"
11. "The Altar Of Love"
12. "Reveal The Kingdom"

Discover downhere music

A departure from modern worship

Worship music is defined in Wikipedia as "worship music involves singing, whether by the whole congregation (assembly) or a specialised subgroup—such as a duet, trio, quartet, madrigal, choir, or worship band. It is frequently accompanied by instruments—such as an organ, piano, guitar, or other solo instrument, and occasionally by a band or orchestra—but some denominations or congregations still prefer unaccompanied or a cappella singing".

What artists do you think of when you hear the words "Modern Worship"?  Chris Tomlin, Robin Mark, Darlene Zschech, Matt Redman, or Brian Doerksen?  "Worship Wars" have somtimes resulted with churches who have included contemporary worship songs in lieu of traditional hymns. Think of the mayhem that would result if your church provided music by metal, punk or heavy rock bands. It could take "Worship Wars" to a nuclear level.

All genres of music can take us to a level of intimate worship with God.  The heart of the listener, their preference of musical styles, cultural and church backgound.  What follows is a selection of music that you probably wouldn't find in your neighbourhood church, however lyrically they could bring you to the heart of worship.


Becoming the Archetype - Melodic Death Metal/Metalcore
"Self Existent"

Into the darkened tomb
I walked but only found it empty
My mind is tormented
My soul is shaken
As a flame is tormented by the wind and rain
As the earth is shaken by an earthquake
My heart has accepted
What my eyes could never have believed
I watched Him die
I watched Him die
In the silence death is defeated
In my spirit the battle rages on
And then I stepped into the light
I heard His voice, I saw His face
And then He stood there before me
A man buried but never dead
My heart has accepted
What my eyes could never have believed
I saw Him rise
I saw Him rise
HE IS ALIVE! and reigns forever
HE IS ALIVE! He'll reign forever

Five Iron Frenzy - Ska
"Every New Day"

Healing hands of God have mercy on our unclean souls once again.
Jesus Christ, light of the world burning bright within our hearts forever.
Freedom means love without condition,
without a beginning or an end.
Here's my heart, let it be forever Your's,
Only You can make every new day seem so new.

Family Force 5 - Crunk Rock
"Replace Me"

Desperation
Needing U
Every last breath
I scream for you
Shatter me into a million pieces...Make me new 

Crush me, tear me, break me, mold me
Make me what U want me to be
I am ur's for U to use
Oh, Take and Replace me with U

August Burns Red - Metalcore
"Redemption"

I trust in you for life to live, and air to breath.
Purity fills my lungs.
I no longer live in solitude.
No longer bound.
My heart beats with great devotion.
This is the start to a new beginning.
On my knees praying for mercy.
Hands raised high, humble and broken. Wanting your grace.
Wanting your security.
Memories of laying facedown, motionless, with such a hollow feeling inside.
Soon I would end this life I was living.
I am just a man with a heart and sinful hands.
I am a fallen victim.
Lord, show me the way. I ask of you Father, let my words be your words.
Let my thoughts be your thoughts.
To you, I give my praise.
Show me the way. Take me in your arms. Never let me go.
Lord, show me the way, as I give myself to you.
Never let me go.
Hold me with your everlasting love.
Be my strength. Be my voice. Be my glory. Set me free

Underoath - Alternative Hardcore
"Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape"

Oh sweet angel of mercy
With your grace like the morning
Wrap your loving arms around me
Oh sweet angel of mercy
With your grace like the morning
Wrap your loving arms around me 

Hey unfaithful I will teach you
To be stronger, to be stronger
Hey ungraceful I will teach you
To forgive one another 

Hey unfaithful I will teach you
To be stronger, to be stronger
Hey unloving
I will love you
I will love you
I will love you 

And Jesus I'm ready to come home
Jesus, I'm ready to come home(home)
home (home)
I'm ready to come (home)
Hey Unfaithful
Hey Ungraceful
Hey Unloving
I will love you
Hey Unloving (Hey Unloving)
I will love you

RED - Hard Rock
"Breathe Into Me"

And this is how it feels when I ignore the words you spoke to me
And this is where I lose myself when I keep running away from you
And this is who I am when, when I don't know myself anymore
And this is what I choose when it's all left up to me 

Breathe your life into me
I can feel you
I'm falling, falling faster
Breathe your life into me
I still need you
I'm falling, falling
Breathe into me
Breathe into me

Demon Hunter - Metalcore
"Lead Us Home"

Give myself to compromise
And let the hammer fall
From blackened eyes to broken ties
I’ve bled to know them all
Driven to the brink of death
I heed deceptions call
Through bitter tears, forgotten years
I’ve come to sever all 

Lead us home
Lead us home
Our tired hearts are failing now, from the inside out
Lead us home 

Blessed hands will tear me off
And break me at the wrist
Drag me back to solid ground
And slay the fate I kiss

Squad Five-O - Punk
"My God, My Life"

A million things in this man's world.
That his life can revolve around.
A million things that'll fill him up.
Only to throw him further down.
I've seen the ways of man.
His best laid plains often go astray.
Not knowing how much time is left until his final day.
I watch him wander around.
Searching for meaning where none can be found.
He wanted a purpose to life.
But on purpose refuses the life.
But I won't trade the truth for a lie.
Or live by a false set of rules.
I'll look to God for what is right.
And fight the ways of this world.
Cause when it all comes down to it.
I'll leave this world to the one who brought me into it.
What power in this world gives you hope in the days to come.
What strength can you derive when it's out of our control.
When the rivers all run dry and every path is a dead end road.
The truth of the matter comes to light.
The truth will shatter the mold

Ryan Clark - Demon Hunter

"As sounds go, I don't think music can be inherently evil. The content and lyrics and what you propose to do with them make music evil. Certain chords on a guitar and the way something sounds do not make it evil. All different styles of music can be worshipful and rooted in Christ, (just as any style can be twisted for evil)" - Christianity Today

These songs may be a radical departure from traditional worship music, but the lyrics impart the lyricists heart towards God.

Blindside "With Shivering Hearts We Wait" review

It's been a long four year wait since Blindside last released an EP and 6 years since their last CD. Sweden's post-hardcore rockers have returned with yet another album that should be on your "must have" list.

The band has again teamed up with mega-producer Howard Benson. P.O.D., Flyleaf, Daughtry, Creed, Skillet, Relient K, are just a few Christian artists he has produced. Benson has given Blindside a polished, but almost over-produced sound. The rawness of the previous albums, especially compared to the band's self-tilted release, is noticeable. However, this could also be Blindside progressing as they slide into their 17th year together.

Album number six, With Shivering Hearts We Wait, presents some new facets to Blindside. Strings, electronics and a diverse range of genres influences provide diversification to the songs. Blindside have continued their progression from being a straight forward hardcore band, turning to a more mainstream sound. Vocalist Christian Lindskog takes the forefront of Blindside by delivering lyrics with his unique voice. Ranging from screams to soft vocals he adds a distinctive element to each song.

The new album may be a welcome change from the depressive lyrics found on the aptly titled The Great Depression. The lyrics on The Great Depression reflected Lindskog's experiences and emotions as he discovered the poverty and lack of hope citizens held during a relief mission to Africa. With Shivering Hearts We Wait has a much lighter sound than previous Blindside albums and offers a broad range of lyrical
topics. Cleaner vocals to screams and the occasional pop beat carry many of the songs.

Opening track, "There Must Be Something In The Water", sounds musically like something Skillet would perform. Perhaps it's the strings that Blindside and Skillet now both feature. Raw vocals carry the tune. While not a typical Blindside tune, it does reflect the band's musical and vocal talents.

"Monster On The Radio" could be describing the vagaries of the music industry or simply it's listeners. Do bands have to sell their souls to make it in the music industry? Surprisingly enough, this song is destined to be the album's stand out radio track.

I'll give everything I have and more
To the monster on the radio
A star shines brighter than before
When you're a monster on the radio
And I scream and I fight
and they chew and they spit me out
I'll give everything I have and more
To be a monster on the radio

An '80's style Petra-ish intro leads into "Our Love Saves Us". The song continues to feel as if it has dropped out of an '80's music vault.

"Bring Out Your Dead" has the traditional Blindside sound, reminiscent of their earlier albums. Lyrics describe the burdens we carry until they begin to smell like a corpse. Hence the songs title. It reminds the listener of the middle ages, plague years when town residents were called to carry out the deceased. They would then be buried in mass graves to prevent the further spread of disease.

"Cold" provides a topic that both Swedes and Canadians can well understand, but the lyrics are describing a failed relationship.

Your eyes starts running
but your face looks old
And it's just cold when it's not right
And it's a heartache
that you never could satisfy
It's just cold with frozen kisses and
a breath of ice
It's just cold when it's not right
Is this a goodbye?

God's love and strength shine through on the final track, "There Must Be Something In The Wind".

The sky is electric tonight
My savior from myself
is on the move
My long lost love
My redeemer
Come and remind me 

The curse is broken
Heavy burdens are lifted off
And my soul is light as a feather
in your storm 

Waves arrive like thunder
I'm not scared to end up under
Wash away my heartache that's
creeping in

Oddly, the diverse blend of lyrics and varied musical styles found on With Shivering Hearts We Wait provide congruency to the album. These veterans have provided another superior album to fans and newcomers alike. They should be applauded.

Blindside is:
Christian Lindskog - Vocals
Simon Grenehed - Guitar
Thomas Naslund - Bass
Marcus Dahlstrom- Drums

Click here to find Blindside