Straight out of Alcoa, Tennessee comes the long awaited new and debut mainstream release from southern rock quartet Disciple. The band's previous efforts of This Might Sting a Little, By God, and Back Again gave a new spin on the Christian metal scene. While their new self-titled album has similar elements from Back Again, they have taken a more direct approach with a smoother, more melodic sound. Some fans of their heavier material might need a couple of listens to enjoy it, but it has plenty of staying power that should please Disciple fans both old and new. Having just seen them recently in concert for the first time ever, it gave me a chance to experience the true passion and raw intensity of a Disciple show.

Their self-titled project begins with the aptly titled "The Wait is Over," which is sort of a call-to-arms track with the chorus boasting, "We've been waiting so long, for this moment of all our lives, let it pour out." The melodies flow perfectly in many of the album's songs, such as "Stripped Away," "Go Ahead," and "Backstabber." The lyrical content is equally important as "Shinedown" has frontman Kevin Young singing, "Shine down on me if You're the One who loved me before." Not surprising is the fact that even the album's lighter moments are true and honest worship, especially the ballad "Beautiful." The biggest highlights on Disciple would have to be the songs "Rise Up" and "All We Have," which not only have thought-provoking messages, but also contain solid alterna-rock hooks that make it impossible not to give them additional listens just for the arrangements alone. There's no doubt that many emotions are poured out in several of the tracks with heart-felt screams and amazingly polished vocal talent.

One constant factor, as with any Disciple album, is that the band never fails to express their faith and dedication to God throughout a great majority of their songs. If you have yet to see them on the Rise Up Tour, you're missing out because Disciple packs a ton of energy into any concert they are a part of, regardless of how long or short a set they perform.

Disciple's self-titled effort is one of the most anticipated releases of the Summer and is a remarkable stepping stone in the continued maturity of a long-standing veteran hard rock band.

- Review date: 5/27/05, written by Paul Portell