Thousand Foot Krutch: "The End is Where We Begin"

In keeping with classic Thousand Foot Krutch style, their latest album “The End is Where We Begin” does not disappoint. I have loved them since I first heard them roughly seven years ago and they still amaze me with the way they continue producing great albums time after time. I also enjoy how much they have kept their tone and have not deviated too much from their initial material and distinctive sound.

The new album is chockfull of high-energy tracks, just as you would expect. Just as previous album tracks have been showcased on video games, such as EA Sports “NHL 2010” as well as televised productions, you can expect this album to be no different. Couple together a fantastic sound and intense adrenalin and TFK is what you get for the most part. The best way to describe this band, if you haven’t heard of them, is one of those bands you have on your iPod to get you pumped up to fight or run or whatever intense activity it is you’re participating in. However, they do have their softer side.

The song “So Far Gone” seemed to stick out to me the most. Despite the rest of the album being energetic, this simpler, more calming song really spoke to me individually. The chorus of the song states, “I want to be so far gone in you, so far nothing else will ever do…” If you imply that to a relationship with God as I did, then those lyrics make perfect sense. You should give the song a listen and let me know your opinion.

If you are looking for a high energy album and music to which you can work out to and will give you that extra adrenalin rush this album is definitely for you. (This also fits for the rest of TFK’s stuff, as well) Also, if you’re looking for a few mellower, acoustic-like songs that have some real meaning behind them, I urge you to check out the new upcoming album.

The End is Where We Begin releases April 17, 2012 so be looking for it and expect to hear some more great music from a great band.

Reviewed by Tyler Cummings

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Review: Travis Ryan's Fearless Debut

Travis Ryan’s debut album is an excellent combination of driving rock guitar riffs and a solid message that always manages to refocus our attention on Christ. Collaboration with Grammy award winning producers, OneRepublic’s Brent Kutzle, and songwriters Matt Redman, Jason Ingram, Brenton Brown and Dan Bailey resulted in an awesome album that captures and holds your attention from beginning to end. The quality of musicianship showcased throughout this project is more than enough to keep you interested in what’s going on behind the vocals while not distracting from the message contained in the lyrics.

This is due to Ryan’s approach. His tenure as worship leader for Saddleback Church has cultivated a true minister’s heart that results in a message the church needs to hear. Beginning with the title track, “Fearless,” Travis encourages the church to shake itself awake and drive out all fear by working to perfect the love of Christ in our lives. Another indication of the heart behind this project is the fact that he calls this album his “altar.” Married with two young sons, Travis says, “If I died, these are the songs I would want my children to point to and say: that was my dad; my dad believed that. This is an altar to God.” He’s done an excellent job.

While the message is strong and it’s clear the songs were clearly written with a deeper purpose, the musicianship did not suffer. The primary musical drive comes from the interplay between rock guitar riffs and the driving drums generously sprinkled throughout the album. While there are no screaming guitar solos to speak of, those who enjoy a good rock guitar riff will definitely enjoy the feel of these songs. However, if you prefer a softer, more mellow approach you’ll that as well. While there’s nothing groundbreaking about this album Ryan does an excellent job of balancing musically interesting, driving material with the lyrical aspect of songwriting. You’ll find worship songs, uplifting messages, and challenges for personal growth. A couple favorites are “Awaken Us” and “Devotion” each for different reasons. The primary focus on “Awaken Us” is the lyrical encouragement to lift our eyes to God and contains this prayer:

“This is my desire, come like a fire, awaken us, awaken us”

Devotion is more of a personal declaration that, “I’m gonna sing forever, sing forever, gonna find you...” It’s a focus on personal relationship and friendship and devotion to the one that walks on water and paid our ransom.

When you think about it, isn’t that what it’s all about? I don’t know about you but if you’re anything like me life is crazy, busy, and incredibly distracting, making it easy to lose perspective. That’s where albums like this come in. Every time it plays I’m immersed in a worship experience that drives my focus from the distractions of this crazy life to the joy, friendship, and grace I experience in the presence of the Lord. To me that’s exactly what it’s all about...           

Reviewed by Michael Henson.