Are you searching for a unique Christian rock band? Well, I've got great news for you – look no further than Sent By Ravens! This five piece hardcore rock group formed in Hartsville, South Carolina where they recorded a few independent EPs. After being discovered by renowned label, Tooth & Nail Records, the band released their debut album Our Graceful Words in 2010. This effort reached #35 on the Billboard® Heatseekers chart, as the band became instantly admired for their soaring guitar melodies, aggressive vocals, and powerful lyrics. Now they return with their highly anticipated sophomore album, Mean What You Say, released on February 28th. Exploring the weight in the words we say, the band takes their driving modern rock sound to a whole new level, as they deliver a release that is far more polished than their debut.
Sent By Ravens' uplifting lyrics and grunge rock are clear-cut in the brief opening track "Prudence", while the slightly slower "Listen" encourages us to be lead by our actions rather than words. The infectious chorus is packed with passion, as Zach Riner belts out: "The whole world's talking to you, but you're lost / When will you listen? / Love is waiting for you, patiently, when you start to listen." The groundbreaking lyrics are very enjoyable, as they speak about the spiritual crisis our world is facing.
"Rebuild, Release" is a solid hardcore track from beginning to end. Through passionate lyrics, it speaks of seeking restoration, reminding the listener that God can give us the strength to overcome adversity and rebuild our lives. Zach Riner's vocals are at their best, as he screams during the bridge. The first single from Mean What You Say is "Learn From The Night", a song that takes a darker twist as it encourages us to learn from our mistakes, carefully examine our hearts, and move forward. The chorus is simply incredible, making it a fantastic track!
The title cut follows, drawing from the message of the album, as it talks about the weight and importance in the words we say. The message hits home effectively, backed up nicely by pounding drums and an epic guitar solo. "However Long It Takes" leans on the slower side of things, again showcasing Zach's vocal talent, as it talks about a yearning to feel God's love again. The strong guitars and booming drums accompany the emotional lyrics, which speak of mending a broken relationship.
"Need It Today" seems to have a metal influence (being very fast paced), but also contains breathtaking piano fill-ins, coming as a desperate cry for God's love. The piano driven "Never Be Enough" is the slow, emotional ballad from the album. Let's face it, every hard rock record has one! This song has a captivating message, one which is amplified in the chorus: "Every wall we build inside, will never be high enough, to keep the water from our eyes / All the good you see in me, will never be good enough / It doesn't have to be good enough." What an incredible message! We can never earn God's love, and we'll never be "good" enough to receive His love. Yet He loves us anyway!
The fist pumping "We're All Liars" is the best Christian rock song I've heard this year, and the perfect introduction to anyone who's never heard Sent By Ravens' music. Melding soaring guitars, screaming, and crashing drums, it encourages the listener not to be a hypocrite and really mean what we say; "Somebody is a liar / You shouldn't play with fire, you may get burned / You know, you know I put my trust in this / But I know, I know I've been misplacing it." You're sure to be singing along to this very aggressive hook in no time! "Best In Me", which originally appeared on the Effects of Fashion and Prayer EP, closes the album in sublime fashion. This is sure to become one of SBR's best loved songs, and in my opinion the perfect closer to any album!
After listening to Mean What You Say, I can proudly say that Sent By Ravens are my new favourite Christian rock band! They offer a refreshing blend of hardcore rock, powerful vocals, and mind-blowing vocals that make them stand out as one of the best groups in their genre! There is no doubt that SBR's fan base will grow thanks to this release! If there were a little more than ten tracks, this album would get close to a perfect score! Good on 'ya Sent By Ravens for another fantastic album!
Rating:
Genre: Rock
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Top 3 Songs:
1. Rebuild, Release
2. We're All Liars
3. Learn From The Night
Track Listing:
1. Prudence
2. Listen
3. Rebuild, Release
4. Learn From The Night
5. Mean What You Say
6. However Long It Takes
7. Need It Today
8. Never Be Enough
9. We're All Liars
10. Best In Me
"Rebuild, Release" is a solid hardcore track from beginning to end. Through passionate lyrics, it speaks of seeking restoration, reminding the listener that God can give us the strength to overcome adversity and rebuild our lives. Zach Riner's vocals are at their best, as he screams during the bridge. The first single from Mean What You Say is "Learn From The Night", a song that takes a darker twist as it encourages us to learn from our mistakes, carefully examine our hearts, and move forward. The chorus is simply incredible, making it a fantastic track!
The title cut follows, drawing from the message of the album, as it talks about the weight and importance in the words we say. The message hits home effectively, backed up nicely by pounding drums and an epic guitar solo. "However Long It Takes" leans on the slower side of things, again showcasing Zach's vocal talent, as it talks about a yearning to feel God's love again. The strong guitars and booming drums accompany the emotional lyrics, which speak of mending a broken relationship."Need It Today" seems to have a metal influence (being very fast paced), but also contains breathtaking piano fill-ins, coming as a desperate cry for God's love. The piano driven "Never Be Enough" is the slow, emotional ballad from the album. Let's face it, every hard rock record has one! This song has a captivating message, one which is amplified in the chorus: "Every wall we build inside, will never be high enough, to keep the water from our eyes / All the good you see in me, will never be good enough / It doesn't have to be good enough." What an incredible message! We can never earn God's love, and we'll never be "good" enough to receive His love. Yet He loves us anyway!
The fist pumping "We're All Liars" is the best Christian rock song I've heard this year, and the perfect introduction to anyone who's never heard Sent By Ravens' music. Melding soaring guitars, screaming, and crashing drums, it encourages the listener not to be a hypocrite and really mean what we say; "Somebody is a liar / You shouldn't play with fire, you may get burned / You know, you know I put my trust in this / But I know, I know I've been misplacing it." You're sure to be singing along to this very aggressive hook in no time! "Best In Me", which originally appeared on the Effects of Fashion and Prayer EP, closes the album in sublime fashion. This is sure to become one of SBR's best loved songs, and in my opinion the perfect closer to any album!
After listening to Mean What You Say, I can proudly say that Sent By Ravens are my new favourite Christian rock band! They offer a refreshing blend of hardcore rock, powerful vocals, and mind-blowing vocals that make them stand out as one of the best groups in their genre! There is no doubt that SBR's fan base will grow thanks to this release! If there were a little more than ten tracks, this album would get close to a perfect score! Good on 'ya Sent By Ravens for another fantastic album!
Rating:
Genre: Rock
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Top 3 Songs:
1. Rebuild, Release
2. We're All Liars
3. Learn From The Night
Track Listing:
1. Prudence
2. Listen
3. Rebuild, Release
4. Learn From The Night
5. Mean What You Say
6. However Long It Takes
7. Need It Today
8. Never Be Enough
9. We're All Liars
10. Best In Me
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