Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Music Review


Relent, Heavy
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Relent
Heavy



Genre(s): Rock / Nu-metal
Album length: 10 tracks; 36 minutes, 31 seconds
Street Date: October 1, 2021


READER RATING:   


It isn't everyday that you see a fresh nu-metal band in the Christian industry, but Relent has been bringing the heat since their debut in 2019, titled Heart Attack. After signing to Rockfest Records in 2020, they re-released the album, and then set their sights on 2021. The group is now here with their sophomore record, Heavy, which certainly lives up to its name - from both a musical and lyrical standpoint.

Right off the bat, "Think You Got It" tackles the subject of hypocrisy in the church, speaking to leaders who manipulate and use churchgoers for their own gain. "LOW" focuses on the tough reality surrounding self-harm and suicide, as lead singer Miggy Sanchez sings, "I wanna believe, but I have this disease inside / It brings me to my knees / It doesn't show / But I wanted you to know / Sometimes I feel low." One of the project's strongest tracks is found in "Last Days," which sheds light on the seemingly neverending darkness facing the world today; "Falling further into darkness / Waking up the vacant souls / Now we're staring at the face of the last days."

The title track tells the gut-wrenching story of what it feels like to be trapped inside sex-trafficking, something Sanchez' own wife experienced; "Look what you did to my soul / Look at the size of the hole / Look at the purpose you played / In making me pray through the pain." As we head into the second half of the record, "Memories" is another hard-hitting number, one that is personal for the band, as they unexpectedly lost a close friend during the production of Heavy. However, despite all of the hardships covered on this album, Relent brings some positivity towards the end, as the victorious "Critical" and "Enemy" close it out with a bang.

Something to note is the band's use of language on occasion, similar to an artist like Andy Mineo. One "d*mn", and multiple usages of "hell/hella" (i.e. "Heavy" and "Snakes"), may detract from the listener's experience, depending on their view on the issue.

That being said, this release is incredibly solid from start to finish. While they draw comparisons to P.O.D., there is quite a bit of variety found throughout every song, and unexpected shades of hip-hop make appearances at times to shake things up. The musicianship is as tight as can be, and Sanchez does an excellent job of mixing up vocal techniques to fit each track just right. Heavy is a fantastic sophomore endeavor, and is definitely worth picking up for fans of the genre. There is no doubt about it: the road ahead for Relent is bright.

- Review date: 10/6/21, written by James Larsen of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Rockfest Records
. Album length: 10 tracks; 36 minutes, 31 seconds
. Street Date: October 1, 2021
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Think You Got It (3:36)
  2. Danger (3:48)
  3. LOW (3:54)
  4. Ghost (3:12)
  5. Last Days (3:28)
  6. Heavy (4:30)
  7. Snakes (3:21)
  8. Memories (3:48)
  9. Critical (3:19)
  10. Enemy (3:31)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Wednesday, July 16, 2025
SINGLES
1K Phew Yet - Single [Reach]

This Friday, July 18, 2025
ALBUMS
Justin Gambino Just Like Jesus - EP [Residence Music]
The Inspirations Up Above The World So High [Horizon]
Mary-Clair Enough [Vere]
MotionPlus Improper Decorum [SoulFeeder, Polished Arrow Music]
Planetshakers Weight of Heaven [Venture3Media]
The Rocky Valentines Music On The Shelf [Velvet Blue]
Emilie Weiss Come Through (Studio Session) - EP [BEC]

SINGLES
Chris Caro OTW - Single [Syntax]
Aaron Cole Mercy - Single [RCAI]
Melvin Crispell III Reason To Dance - Single [RCAI]
Crowder STILL (feat. Zach Williams) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ellie Holcomb Hope's Gonna Find You - Single [Capitol CMG]
Influence Music How You Do It - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Holy Ghost (ft. Lady Audri) - Single [Syntax]
Paul and Hannah McClure Holy Hands (Live) - Single [Bethel]
Lizzie Morgan Can't Help But Praise - Single [Provident]
Kevi Morse Honest Cvlture ft. STIXX aka Conejo) - Single [Syntax]
Shekts Nelson Your Love - Single [Churchboy]
Blessing Offor Crying Out Loud - Single [Capitol CMG]
Remedy Drive Brighter Than Apathy (Reimagined) - Single (independent)
Rhymes in Harmony Lift Your Name - Single [Syntax]
Speedy the Artist Reach For Elohim - Single [Syntax]
Thrive Worship The One Who Saves - Single [Integrity]
Zane Walls Think About Me - Single [DREAM]

This Sunday, July 20, 2025
VINYL
King's X Manic Moonlight Vinyl [Girder]

Next Wednesday, July 23, 2025
ALBUMS
Eric Roberson Beautifully All Over The Place (independent)

Next Friday, July 25, 2025
ALBUMS
Anchor & Braille New Mexico [Equal Vision]
Bride Scarecrow Messiah CD Re-Release [Girder]
Olivia Lane Songs About Jesus (Deluxe Edition) [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard TASHA [Motown Gospel]
Josh Wright LEAD (independent)

SINGLES
Gracie Binion Easy To Please - Single [BEC]
Andrew Gonoude Closer To You - Single (independent)
Kings Kaleidoscope + Kings Kaleidoscope Hymns Amazing Grace - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Life In Me - Single [BEC]
Hunter Plake Down to Earth - Single [BEC]
Xander Sallows infinite - Single [DREAM]
Joel Vaughn Feel It - Single [DREAM]
Zauntee Jesus Down In Florida - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Bride Scarecrow Messiah Vinyl [Girder]

DVD
Jordan Smith The People's Hymnal DVD [Gaither]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images