Artist Info:Discography Album length: 10 tracks: 39 minutes, 38 seconds Street Date: July 17, 2007
Jonah33's third album, The Heart of War, is their first release since parting
ways with Ardent records and being signed to Ares Records, an independent label. The album has a very aggressive
tone and war-like theme which represents the spiritual war in which we are constantly living in.
The first three songs off of the album, "Bullets," "Fire At Will," and "Scream," are very rock-driven,
aggressive songs that are evident of the war theme that permeates the album. "Scream," the first single off of the
album, is more of an anthem for a Christian crowd demanding them to "scream at the top your lungs if you're ready
to die tonight, to die tonight, for what you believe." While it might be good for a concert scene, it is
difficult to listen to with its extremely harsh vocals that drown out the music. More memorable songs include
"Brand New Way To Live" and "Dying To Live" which are the softer songs on the album, and even though that isn't
the band's proclaimed style, it works better than their edgier stuff. "Dying To Live" is actually the closer to
the album, and includes a surprising, yet enjoyable piano solo that really adds a lot of quality to the song and
a nice finishing touch.
The Heart of War's lyrics are pretty straightforward and simple, speaking of love, bravery, and
standing up for one's beliefs. The messages are very positive and hopeful, which is good to see aimed at a
young audience.
The overall sound of the album isn't very strong, in my opinion. The music is very edgy and Vince Lichlyter's vocals are
clearly not the strongpoint of this band. It seems Lichlyter is trying too hard to sound harsh and,
I'm going to say it, hardcore. However, the only person who can pull off a quality, raspy singing voice is the
front man of the band's former label mate Skillet- John Cooper. It seems more of the focus is on the vocals
rather than the actual music, almost sounding like a demo recording, not a studio produced album. If the vocals
weren't so overpowering, maybe the music could have saved the album. However, even the music seems unstable at
times without a distinct flow, which can be annoying to listen to because the song seems to go in every possible
direction. It is most definitely not predictable. Some songs seem repetitive of one another, as well.
Even though I did not enjoy the unstable music and overpowering vocals, loyal Jonah33 fans might still have a field day
with this aggressive-rock album.
- Review date: 7/13/07, written by Lindsay Wiseman
Record Label: Ares Records
Album length: 10 tracks: 39 minutes, 38 seconds
Street Date: July 17, 2007
Buy It:JfH Music Store
Record Label: Ares Records
