This is, in my opinion, the FIRST true Christian hardcore album. Take it or leave it for that... it's a good metal album anyway. That's right... I'm standing here calling this hardcore gem metal... thrash actually. Why? Well, if you were around at the time of such pieces as Mortal Enemy, Vengeance Rising and Sacrament, you will notice distinct similarities to these thrash groups and hardcore music... at least, original hardcore music. This album is a thrash album with hardcore vocals... at least what was to be called hardcore vocals. Overcome has always held a different standard on hardcore than other groups... they've always seemed to approach as metal fans making some hardcore music... seeing as now they have created a death metal band, that's not a far cry from the truth. This album's music is some great thrash riffs and some heavy, heavy hardcore moments.
The lyrics don't shy away at all either. Approaching subjects from the need for salvation and the vast greatness of God to apathy, misunderstanding of biblical teachings, persecution and even consuming veganism (veganism as a belief and not Christ based vegans). These lyrics have, at times, helped me through some large number of situations... the title song and last song, Blessed are the Persecuted, gives hope to believers in times of pain, and in times of hurt... and gives strength with a uniting call, "you are our God, to you we lift our hands, persecuted for your word, never bow to any man, though evils lie before us, we maintain our stand, a lamp upon our feet, and a light unto our path."
As well, their long time redone and oldie gem, The Religion Lie, is found originated here... a great song with great lyrics that shed truth into the lights of those who would believe works to give salvation.
Overall, this is one of the best hardcore albums available... and one of the best that will ever be available. Thrash music, hardcore vocals... my only real complaint is a lack of length. This is the sound Overcome should have kept... but they did move to make some great music. If you can find it, buy this album. You will not regret it.
8/10
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2005Reviewed by Jason MoreheadYep, it's another one of those hardcore bands. For awhile there, that seemed to be all that Tooth & Nail was releasing, with stuff from Unashamed, Bloodshed, Everdown, and this band, Overcome. Now, if you've read my Strongarm review, you'll probably see that I know very little about hardcore music. It's a genre that I've only recently started listening to. So I can't really compare this stuff to…Similar sounding releases
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