Just 18 months ago, Before Their Eyes delivered their self-titled debut release and delivered such a great album that the bar has been set very high for the much anticipated sophomore release. So, when I heard that The Dawn Of My Death was coming out, I couldn't wait to hear what the group from Ohio was going to do this time around. The only issue that I had with the first release from Before Their Eyes was the album's length, which barely hit the 30 minute mark. The band did not take the length much further with their latest release, but that is just about its only negative. Maybe I have been spoiled by rap albums that offer a wealth of tracks, but putting out ten tracks on an album (with one being an instrumental) just seems a little weak.

The Dawn Of My Death starts off with "Life Was All A Dream," a great song featuring exactly what I loved about the band's first release: smooth vocals mixed with a few hardcore screams laid perfectly over some seriously impressive drumming and guitar riffs. This is song of reconciliation with God and a great start to the record. "The Beast Within" has a more electronica feel, and "So In Love" gives listeners a very catchy chorus to sing along to. "The Way We Operate" speaks on taking life slowly and enjoying each step along the way and offers more of a punk feel. "New Kids In Town" is a more fun anthem-style track that seems to have been written to the concert followers of the band with lyrics like, "All the people in the back, gotta get up front, we're lighting up the stage, so get up, get up," showcased over a slightly southern rock sound.

"The Things We Stood Against" is a song displaying the band's talents perfectly as it encompasses a lot of different sounds with each instrument. Nick's vocals range all over the note chart and he puts out gut-wrenching screams as well. The guitars show off their smoothness and finger speed and the drumming moves at a similar pace. It's a wonderful song about pushing God out of your life for so long, and later coming to Him and needing him desperately. Another excellent listen is "The Me I Used To Be" which wonderfully depicts the story in Matthew 14 where Peter walks on water towards Jesus.

I love the typical Before Their Eyes sound, but the fact that they aren't afraid to take chances musically makes them more dynamic and proves that they're willing to grow. Because of that, this album is different than others in the hard rock genre and Before Their Eyes stands out to listeners. Nick and the boys also seem to have gained some depth in their writing. They give you some great tunes that can be played on the radio or in the mosh pit. This is a solid follow up for the still young band.

- Review date: 12/26/08, written by Kevin Hoskins of Jesusfreakhideout.com