EDL is back with a vengeance! They say so themselves in track 4 'Embers.' CD #4 for the band represents a return to the days of The American Standard with hard hitting heavy guitars and full on hip-hop style vocals. Ted Cookerly's vocals are very MC styled this time, very little harsh screaming like in the old days but then again the singing style they used on Moment of Clarity is pretty well gone too. Not completely but it's not the center of the songs anymore.
This music is harsh, not pop-influenced, radio-friendly stuff like Pax217 or Pillar this is the underground rapcore we know and love, very much coming back to heaviness sounding more like Rage Against the Machine.
13 tracks on this disc with over 42 minutes of music every song is very distinct and original. This album does not get boring from start to finish. If the music isn't enough to get you excited just check out their lyrics. No typical Christian clichés here, but song after song of living for God. The song 'Embers' is simply incredible. The end is an encouragement to be a flame and 'never settle for embers' as the band boldly claim they 'won't let it ignite and not fan the flames.' This is music for the Christian kids to live by...live it every day. No that's not me being cheesy, several times on this album the band uses their name and the meaning to encourage the listener. There's humor presented here, the song 'Rock *N Roll Machine' makes me laugh no doubt, and I really enjoy the song 'A minute of Your Time' mainly because I know exactly what it's like. You'll just have to hear these songs to see what I mean.
From the first time I heard this CD to the moment it's spinning in my headphones right now, I've been totally impressed with EDL. This is what can happen when a band perseveres beyond the member changes and the 2nd or 3rd album...they become good. Trouble is in the Christian market too many times bands give up members split to start new bands and they all start over. Thankfully EDL managed to give us album #4 and it's definitely their best effort to date.
9/10
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #90Reviewed by Melba JacksonDemonic, demonic, demonic! When the Good Lord said "not to speak evil of what is good," He made an exception for old ladies like me. EDL simply must be demonic. How else could a scary band like this come along at a time when this so-called "hard music" is peaking in popularity and bring a message of hope and love? There has got to be a devilish plot behind this band. I mean, I read (and believe)…Similar sounding releases
2002PillarFireproof
2001Like DavidIt Started With Twelve
2001East WestThe Light in Guinevere's Garden
1999GrypIndecision
1998KornFollow the Leader
2001Space in Your FaceThe True Essence Of Life
