Filled with equal parts melody and hardcore drive, Pain Split is an album that is easy to listen to, but it still packs a punch that won't soon be forgotten.
Honest Faith: “Pain Split” by Plead the Widow’s Cause
Author: Zachary Van Dyke
I have developed a love and appreciation for music since I first heard Audio Adrenaline's "Some Kind of Zombie". As a teen, I felt myself increasingly drawn into the lyrics of music as a tool to search for God, and it is through this continued exploration of lyrics that I put together a core belief: that where words fail, music speaks. In tune with that, I believe that God will be found wherever he is looked for - including music that comes from beliefs that differ from my own.
I currently hold a Bachelor's of Science in Religion: Christian Ministries from Liberty University. In pursuit of this degree, I discovered a love for writing that I have put to use in my explaining what certain albums mean to me. This has translated to a passion to discern God in the lyrics of music and explaining those discoveries to other people. This has mostly been done on my own, but I am incredibly excited and honored to partner with Rock On Purpose to share in our mutual love of music.
In Memoriam: “Eulogies” by Wolves at the Gate
ulogies is a beautiful record from a band that fully knows what they are doing— and is really good at doing it.
Staying Alive: “#choosetolive” by Amongst Wolves
Manchester, UK-based alt-rockers, Amongst Wolves recently released their full-length album #choosetolive. The project is an eclectic journey through the world of mental health, addressed from a Christian perspective.
The Influence of God: “Slow Medicine” by Laura McElroy
Laura McElroy has put together an excellent narrative-album that explores life in all it offers: the good, bad, and indifferent. There's a sense of tranquility that can be felt while listening, almost as if it is providing rest for the listener.
Light in the Dark: “Heavy” by Relent
Heavy is an album that you can lean on, rock with, relate to, and emote through.
Who Sustains You? “Eternity” by Whom I Serve
Whom I Serve's Eternity is a hard-hitting album that pulls no punches about the band's faith
Burn It All Down: “The Fire Itself” by Phinehas
The Fire Itself is such pure metalcore, done so breathtakingly immaculately... the guitars are as intricate as Phinehas has ever written, and the breakdowns (and there are plenty) are some of their most complex.
Back Like They Never Left: “The Letter Black” by The Letter Black
This self-titled album is proof that this band knows what it is doing— even when they're trying new things, they do it with control and consistency.
Habits That Harm: “I Breathe You In” by Drive Thru Society
It has been three years since rockers Drive Thru Society have graced the airwaves with new tunes, but they haven't missed a step. If anything, they've raised the bar for themselves with their latest single "I Breathe You In."
Machine Gun Rhythms: “In the Night” by Phinehas
Mainstay metal band Phinehas has announced a new album (their first since 2017): The Fire Itself is due August 27. With that announcement, they've released the hard-hitting single "In the Night."
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