Rough Edge: Disciple CD Reviews

DISCIPLE

"Attack" (+180 Records; 2014)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Disciple are Christian rock and they've been around a long time. This is their tenth disc and for some reason I'm just now getting a review out (sorry about that guys!). Disciple are straight forward with their lyrics. They don't sugarcoat their faith. They inspire, they move and you'll be pumping your fist to their brand of rock. I've always liked my Christian music with a harder edge and Disciple will scratch that itch without leaving a sore. The melodies are catchy and the guitar has quite the sting. There are driving rhythms and quick burst solos. The drums pound out a stomping sound.

What's cool about this album is that they used Kickstarter to get it made which seems to be the way a lot of bands are going since the music 'industry' has changed so much in the past couple of years. They don't disappoint their fans who contributed. There are plenty of rockers on "Attack" and what might be called a 'ballad' on a secular rock album is generally called an inspirational track on a Christian album. Disciple has a couple of those tracks on this disc to show that they can still connect honestly with their faith despite their talent to floor it for twelve songs.

Disciple: Kevin Young - vocals; Andrew Stanton - lead guitar; Josiah Prince - guitar; Jason Wilkes - bass; Joey West - drums.

For more information about the band - https://www.facebook.com/disciplerocks.

"Southern Hospitality" (INO/Columbia; 2008)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Disciple is Christian metal. They've got nine albums to their name and they can rock. They usually have a radio friendly song or two on each disc and "Whatever Reason" along with "Right There" are their contributions on "Southern Hospitality."

When these boys from Tennessee get down they can produce some nasty riffs accompanied by squealing guitar solos. They have a slow approach to some songs while sometimes letting it build and other times just coming in feet first so you get kicked in the head. The lyrics are not depressing but they do deal with issues that a lot of people face so they aren't just a feel good band.

The guitar is very versatile and a different style can be heard on a few songs. "Phoenix Rising" has some Eddie Van Halen-sounding guitar on the bridge per the ripping sound and "Liar" sounds like Pantera. Five singles were released from this disc and chances are you heard a snippet of one during a commercial for a pay-per-view. They've got an infectious sound and they know how to rock when the groove is right.

For more information, check out http://disciplerocks.com or http://www.myspace.com/disciplerocks.

"Scars Remain" (SRE; 2006)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Knoxville, TN Christian metal act Disciple's latest 11-track offering supplies a smorgasbord of the last ten years of commercial metal's finest moments on "Scars Remain."

Tracks like "Dive" sound as if they came fresh off the Warped Tour side stage, while the harmonious chorus of "Regime Change" demonstrates the act's familiarity with bands like Soil and Drowning Pool. The title track suggests this quartet has had its fair exposure to bands like Atreyu and Demon Hunter. There's even a nod to genre bending, as "Game On" disappointingly resurrects Limp Bizkit-esque posturing for an anthem that sounds like a WWE theme (which was in fact the theme of a WWE PPV), and "After the World" questionably displays the band's sensitive side with that big ballad rock radio salivates over.

While offering more variety than your average metal unit, Disciple's metal by numbers design and their placating to the commercial side of the fence leaves room for a few fist-pumping anthems with a somewhat stale aftertaste.

For more information, check out www.disciplerocks.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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