Slipknot cemented the state of Iowa on the extreme music map. You can’t think 311 without thinking Nebraska. Oklahoma’s Pillar have bigger designs: hauling the entire Midwest to national prominence on their backs, Atlas-style. In the circa 2003-04 dusk of the rap-rock movement, for such bands to remain contemporary they had to take the leap to melodic vocals. For some, this change still meant waning popularity; for others, it provided a new level of success. The Modern Christian Rock scene has seen its share of fine albums in the past year and continues to improve with its ever growing catalog of bands. Releasing their 5th studio album on February 26, 2008, Pillar comes back with For The Love Of The Game and continuing right where they left off on their Grammy-nominated album, The Reckoning. With their last album, the band received the nod in the category of Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album, at a press conference held at the Music Box in Hollywood. This new album has all the elements of Pillar rock and with the styles of an almost Linkin Park twist to it. More radio friendly hooks powered by the crushing riffs and fast paced power rock.
Throwdown starts the album and what better way then delivering solid riffs and a huge melodic chorus that will get your blood flowing and body moving. This song has all the uplifting elements the band has patented in the past years and shows a diverse growth with this record. Although the band is known for its hard rocking flavors the band really knows how to record a well placed rock ballad. On the bands 2004 album, Where Do We Go From Here the band struck with the slower track Rewind. In the vein of that song, I Fade Away and the ever melodic Smiling Down really display the vocal power and the prominent hooks, the band will score a hit with these songs if released as a singles. Runaway is the faster of the rock tunes and the most upbeat on the record. The drums stand out the most to me and display extra delight to the album and knocks the song up to a more modern sound with the fast paced riffs and style. The albums title track For the Love Of The Game is already tearing up the waves of the internet with over 132,000 plays. This track is the first single of the record and displays all the dynamic of this album in this single track. Just hearing this track you will get a taste of what the new record has to offer.
The vocals by front man Rob Beckley are a main reason the album is a stand out smash and will definitely be a score with many fans of the genre. The vocal abilities are really reflected in this record and show the mass urgency and realness to the songs.The musicianship on the record is ever growing even in this kind of nu-metal rock scene but these boys know what the fans want and how to deliver a rocking follow up album. While boasting irresistible riffing courtesy of guitarist Noah Henson, capturing the commonality of the human experience, a spiritual touchstone for a band that rests its foundation on meaningful, positive expression. Make sure you pick this album up if you are a fan of modern rock radio of Linkin Park, Daughtry, P.O.D. or Papa Roach. this album will be a delight to your CD collection and you will find yourself listening track after track and like myself using the repeat button after just the first track.
Comments
Melodic Net Comments
Kaj
Tom, this is a really strong album - it sounds so good when I crank it up.
But Reckless Youth sounds a bit too much like Skid Row´s Youth gone wild.
