From start to finish there is only one term to describe Atonement, Strongarm's debut LP...UNBELIEVABLE!!! From the cover art to the final track, Atonement is an intense journey into hardcore punk at its finest. Strongarm, Florida's premier Christian hardcore band, shines on all fronts.
The album kicks off with a tune called "Division," chronicling the persecution and condemnation facing Christians today. From the intro on, the listener is bombarded with the heaviest rhythm guitars this side of Megadeth. The vocals, handled by Jason Berggren, come off as raw and sincere. With an obvious likeness to the vocal styles of bands such as Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies, Berggren maintains the same ferocious enthusiasm from start to finish. With the incorporation of everything from deafening growls to spooky talk-overs, the songs are individually distinct and captivating. Instead of fading into the background, as in many thrash outfits, the drummer and bassist contribute as much as their bandmates to the distinct style and the lofty caliber of music that is synonymous with Strongarm.
As equally striking as the music itself is the artwork that blankets the album cover. The thought-provoking imagery parallels the lyrics. Songs such as "Count the Cost" and "Gates of Atonement" reveal the misery and destruction associated with pre-marital sex and abortion, respectively. Despite the profound content, the messages are delivered with aggression and energy worthy of the most meticulous hardcore punk fans. If you're into extremely heavy music delivered with 110% energy and heart-pounding intensity, Atonement is a must. To say that I was impressed is a gross understatement.