It's a common misconception that there's a fine line between worship music and hardcore music. But one exception to that stereotype is five guys collectively known as I Am Alpha and Omega. They hail from Flemington, New Jersey, and have a short EP available through Come&Live! entitled The War I Wage. It's not entirely worship, but they still bring a great message with their songs.

The title track is first, which slowly moves into the song with some weird sounds at first. You hear Donny Hardy's faint screaming, then it's joined by the guitars and drums. There's definitely a lot of Underoath influence, but it doesn't sound like a carbon copy, as the vocals are definitely different and they use more double bass. I'm not too sure what experiences the band is singing about at first, but near the end of the song they call out to God for rescue. The song ends and "And The Demons Will Sleep" starts right up with a quick little drum fill. It's pretty heavy at times, but becomes more melodic as the song progresses. The lyrics change too, as the first part is somewhat of a spiritual battle anthem, and later in the song it's of a more worshipful nature. One of the last verses says "Oh to feel the earth shake is to feel Him call my name" and the last verse, using clean vocals, says "Oh God, Your love, Your passion for me, it's something I can't ever be worthy, I feel You near, I feel You near me, and I feel You near, it's all I'll ever need." The worship continues on into "The Stars Will Bleed Your Name." It's upbeat, and the guitars go from straight-forward punk-style riffs to melodic, indie-style. Josh Kellam from Life In Your Way makes an appearance as well, singing "We are the chosen ones." Hardy quotes Matthew 6:26, saying "Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them, are you not worth more than they?" and the song fades out with gang vocals repeating "Are you worth, worth more than they?" to take the EP out on a great note.

With I Am Alpha and Omega in the studio working on a full length record, they've given us a good taste of what's to come. The War I Wage EP is a great appetizer, with three solid hardcore songs that would fit well in the music collection of the average hardcore fan. You can hit up Come&Live!'s website or iTunes and buy the EP for cheap, or download it as a free gift from Come&Live! and the band. It's worth paying for, but go pick it up regardless and enjoy a nice little tidbit as we all wait for their full-length.

- Review date: 3/17/10, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com