In what could well be the understatement of the year, lead singer Derek Levendusky claims that the purpose of Remnant is to "preach the Gospel with music playing in the background." The magic of this group is that they have a clear and powerful message, which rides loftily along over incredibly arranged and manicured melodies.
Behold the Lamb displays a maturity in style for Remnant over their 1993 debut, The Call of the Gospel. Behold... is the first Remnant project in which all band members gave active input to all facets of production. The band has certainly found its niche.
As guitarist Glenn Kinder weaves a melodic crescendo on the opening track "God Is Good," you get the sensation you're on a rocket to heaven for a personal audience with God Himself. Levendusky pulls no punches, delivering lyrics like:
But there are some who doubt His heart There are some who've turned away But there is one who sent his son From heaven to the grave
Behold the Lamb focuses on unbelievers, in the hope that they will listen and find faith in God. The final song on the album, "The Sinner's Prayer," gives those who want to receive Christ an opportunity just by listening. The sleeve of the album even has a place to confess a decision for Christ, and contact info so the new Christian can let Remnant know.
My favorite cuts on this album include "God is Good," the fun and bluesy "Alive & Well," and the story-song, "I'm Ph.D. Jones." In the styles of Rich Mullins, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Carman, Remnant brings a wide variety of songs designed for many audiences. From the hard-rocking "Jaws," to the rap of "God Almighty," to the searing hymn-like ballad "Eternal Crown," this band has put together an exciting and provocative sophomore project, worth adding to any music collection.
Full of rich textures and catchy melodies, Behold's only drawback is that some of the arrangements are a bit long and could have been tightened up here and there. Regardless, the hour-long running time doesn't detract from the overall message: God is alive and well.
