A lot has happened to the Portland, Oregon-based Christian rock band Kutless in the last two years since the release of their third studio album Hearts Of The Innocent. Founding guitarist Ryan Shrout left the group to spend more time caring for his infant daughter who had been diagnosed with a serious disease. The band's guitar technician Nick DePartee steps in to fill his shoes during live shows and eventually becomes a full-time member. Frontman Jon Micah Sumrall suffers some near career-ending injuries. All of this and more has contributed to a Kutless that sounds vastly different from what most of us have become accustomed to.So how exactly does this "new" Kutless sound? In a word: amazing.Certainly, you can tell that at the core this is still the same Kutless we know and love. However, this is far and away their most experimental and mature album released to date. The integration of new guitarist DePartee into the fold has brought a decidedly different sound to the band's music. I hate to describe it as "arena rock" because that almost always implies the 80's hair metal cheese factor, but it's easy to see what the band had in mind when writing these songs: to simply rock each and every arena they perform them in. The album kicks off with "The Feeling," a short but tasty track that is more or less a call to arms for Kutless fans to come together and rock out for Christ. This track was available for free download from the band's website for a while, and it sounds like nothing they've ever done before. The instrumental piece "Sleeping City" follows, and although it too is rather short it is also beautiful and somewhat haunting at the same time. It blends into the album's title track, and like "The Feeling" this is one of the most rocking tracks the band has ever written. "The Disease and The Cure" is my second favorite on the album; it has an almost punk sound to it and the chorus will get stuck in your head after just one listen. Jon Micah also sings beautifully in the song's bridge. "Complete" comes next and although I don't think it was the greatest choice for a first single because it really doesn't represent the album as a whole, it's still a great song about how we truly are not whole without the love of Jesus in our lives. "The Rescue" is probably my least favorite song on the album, but that's only because Jon Micah's vocals sound a little too strained in the chorus for my liking. The rest of the track is amazing, especially the screaming and breakdown near the end. (Not to mention the very subtle synth hook that you have to listen closely for to hear.)"Promise You" is one of the band's most lyrically poignant songs ever written. It has to do with a victim of domestic abuse and how crying out to the Lord has helped to empower this person to escape their tormentor, and even though "forgiveness can't take scars away" they "forgive them anyway." Very moving song and if you don't agree you must not have a pulse. "Guiding Me Home" comes next. Some I know have said that it sounds a bit too much like the title track from Sea of Faces, and I can see where they are coming from to a certain extent but it's still a beautiful ballad that manages to stand on its own. We will never deserve all of the grace and love that God has shown us, but He does so anyways. "Overcoming Me" is another hard-rocking track in the vein of "The Feeling" only better and slightly longer. The way Jon shouts "I'm standing in the pouring rain..." in the chorus sends chills up my spine. "I Do Not Belong" is, hands down, my favorite song on the album. Everything about it is perfect musically and lyrically. Our time on Earth is only temporary, and this song reinforces that message. "Loud" is more or less an abridged version of "Shut Me Out" from the HOTI album; the two songs are very similar from lyrical standpoint but this one is considerably shorter. "Dying To Become" is probably the most experimental track on the record. The piano that opens the song and each verse is awe-inspiring, and Jeff Gilbert's drumming is incredibly precise. Another reviewer here compared this song to the Guns 'N' Roses hit "November Rain," and I can definitely see the comparison musically. There's also a tasty guitar solo a little more than halfway through. The album closes with "You," a song that features some of the best vocal work from Jon Micah ever. This is certainly not one of those overly vague "God or my girlfriend" type of songs. Here, you can tell that Jon is singing about the Lord. With this album, Kutless have proven that they really are a force to be reckoned with in the Christian rock scene. Personally, I believe they established that status four years ago with the Sea of Faces record, but this release definitely cements it. As I said before, you can tell this is a Kutless record at the core, but it's also a much better, slightly grown up Kutless record. And that certainly is a good thing.This album hands down is the worst album Kutless has ever put out, period. I mean I can see that they were going for a 'new sound' aka selling out, but by doing so, they dissapointed true kutless fans....this album sucks, don't get it.I really enjoyed listening to this album. Two songs that really stuck out for me was "Complete" and "The Feeling" they are prob. my favorite songs on the new album. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the cd as a whole. If you've liked Kutless from the very beginning, then you need to buy this. My mind is blown... Kutless has transcended their previous "really good hard rock" and gone somewhere into the far reaches of excellent new wave metal with a penchant for emotional interludes and superb guitar work. The lyrics are worshipful and honest as always, but the sound is a TOTALLY revamped craft. If you have always loved Kutless, but leaned towards the modern sounds of "Skillet" "Red" and "Thousand Foot Krutch" than you will have finally found a Kutless album that is bringing you what you always wanted.Praise God for Good Musicians!I've been a fan of Kutless since the beginning and with news of a new album coming from them always gets me filled with anticipation and joy. They are the best and this album shows why. It has a little bit of everything for everybody. Soft and slow, hard and fast! Listening to any Kutless cd really gets you in tune with God, especially when you're having days where you're feeling out of step with Him.I can't think of one track on this cd that I don't like and the major majority of them are an absolute pleasure to listen to over and over. Great guitar play, Jon Micah's awesome vocals, very spiritual lyrics that have a lesson to teach us all, beautiful orchestral work laced behind some of the tracks. There is much passion in this cd! Do yourself a favor and pick up this cd, it will fill your heart with love and joy. If you're new to Kutless get all 4 of their main releases(they have 4 regular studio albums including this one and a praise and worship album, Strong Tower). You need to experience all of these albums to really get a feel for how great Kutless's song lyrics are and the wonderful message of God they are spreading across the world.Some of my favorite songs on this album are the title track, To Know That You're Alive, as well as, You, Complete, Guiding Me Home, and I Do Not Belong. You will feel like you belong after you listen to this amazing cd. I think Kutless is the best band anywhere, whether it be in the world secular or Christian music. Please give this one a try, it is fabulous! God bless all!
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