About JUDAH FIRST...
ON this CD: Band Members: James Aaron
- Vocals, Philip Meade - Guitar, Adam Jones - Bass, and Chris Rosenstone - Drums.
Because Adam Jones must take some time
off from playing in JUDAH FIRST, at this time, Keyth Harkleroad is playing bass for JUDAH FIRST full time. Adam Jones
needed to take some time off for college and studies. Keyth
is a native of Kingsport, TN and has performed in several great
bands over the years.
"Besides being a jaw dropping good
bass player, he has a wonderful heart and loves the Lord. Keyth
has told me several times that his favorite part of playing
with JUDAH FIRST is being around all the cool people we get
to meet."
James Aaron and Philip Meade both grew up in homes where their fathers were pastors, and
were involved at a young age in Christian ministry, inspired
by the examples of the adults in their formative years, being
prepared for their own Christian music ministry that the Lord
had planned for them.
Attending and actively participating
in church and worship has always been a part of their lives.
Their musical talents and goals have been encouraged and supported
by their families, church music, youth programs, and the
people in their church families as well. James Aaron had been
singing in church all his life. Philip Meade started playing
drums in high school and moved into playing guitar as he entered
college.
The idea of forming a band happened in
college where Philip Meade became friends with drummer Chris
Rosenstone.
Philip Meade and drummer Chris
Rosenstone were first drawn together by their love of the
same kind of music in college, which resulted in a forming of
their first band together. In 1996, Philip was listening to
a heavy metal band called Iron Maiden in his dorm room. All
of a sudden, there was a bang on the door and his suite mate,
Chris Rosenstone, yelled from the other room, "Hey man, is that
Iron Maiden? Cool!" The two began talking about music and realized
they had similar interests.
After starting a secular band called
"Sojourn," the group played together for a few years, but always
felt an important piece of the music was missing; "the
aspect of a ministry for Christ with our music."
So, after a few band member changes, James Aaron was brought on board in 2000 and JUDAH FIRST
was born, called into a Christian music ministry mainly focused
on the young music lovers of hard rock - heavy metal music.
The name of the group was inspired by Judges 20:18. The tribe
of Judah was to be the first to go into battle, obeying what
the Lord had said. So, JUDAH FIRST would be called into a music
ministry, to actively reach out to the young people.
"The center of our music revolves
around a message that young people need to hear, a real message
for real teens. Relationships are hard, betrayal is hard, and
it is easy to fall away from God."- Philip Meade
Besides being actively involved in this
Holy Spirit inspired, energy driven music ministry, all the
band members are busy in ministry in their home churches. "We
are all active in church, Philip Meade is a youth pastor
at a Baptist church and James Aaron is a worship leader
at a church in East TN. We are fortunate to have a church body
that supports the music and understands when we have to be away
for several weeks."
Others who greatly helped in the making
of this CD THE VISION ROAD...
Philip Mead comments,-"JUDAH FIRST
is incredibly fortunate to work side by side with Chris Grainger
and Russ Long. Their expertise in music is evident in the finished
product of THE VISION ROAD.
Chris Grainger - Wore a producer
hat on this CD, guiding the band through the recording process
from the beginning to the end. Speaking about his own band,
Schfvilkus, who never does anything mainstream, Chris explains,
"We're about fire and spontaneity." Besides being a producer,
Chris, who is also a song writer and a talented guitarist, contributed
musically to the CD, giving the listener an example of this
"fire and spontaneity" in the song, BREAK UP.
Philip Meade comments, "Chris added
some interesting chord progressions during the turnaround part
between the verses. Chris is well known for his creative guitar
licks and sounds in his eclectic band, Schfvilkus, which landed
a contract with TParas Records last year."
Russ Long --an established, well-known Engineer/ Producer, who in 1993,
started working with producer Steve Taylor whose credits include
Sixpence None the Richer. Long toured with Taylor and his band
Chagall Guevera. Long and Taylor opened a recording studio together
called The White House where they helped put together / produce
CDs for some talented Christian artists.
---Philip Meade relates, "Chris
was also able to bring us together with Russ Long, a name that
is well known among Nashville producers and engineers. He has
worked with such artists as Rich Mullins, Sixpence None the
Richer, Carolyn Arends, One, and Relient K."
Tracy Silverman, - is a special
guest violin player, who is known for his many classical CDs
on Windham Hill, playing music of such composers as Johann Sebastian
Bach, Richard Wagner, Fryderyk Chopin, George Gershwin, Sergey
Rachmaninov, Claude Debussy, Erik Satie, Patrick O'Hearn, Chris
Lee, Tim Ellis, and Irish Traditional, among many others. ON
VISION ROAD, Tracy Silverman adds his creative, highly skilled
performances on a 6 string electric violin on several of the
songs on the CD, adding a unique creative zing and color to
these songs, showcasing his talent in very different ways. Listen
for his unique contributions on the songs FALLING FARTHER, JUDAS
GRAVE, BREAK UP, and NIGHTMARES.
THE VISION ROAD CD - Music of JUDAH FIRST......"The
objective of their musical compositions was to bring some sense
back to the chaotic world of heavy Christian Music with its
no-nonsense riff oriented approach and understandable vocal
style."
Heavy Metal - Hard Rock bands typically
are made up of various electrical guitars and an inevitable
strong to over powering presence of drums, relying heavily on
the expressive musical and vocal skills of the band members;
all which must propel with vigor the hard rock qualities and
strong emotions of their compositions.
This CD, THE VISION ROAD is an example
of heavy metal Christian music created on a much higher level,
than some music that is on the market today. Instead of heavy
metal musical mush, which all sounds the same, with deeply emotional
vocals which for the most part, can't be understood, the songs
on this CD are creatively put together, offering a great listening
experience which excels in both the very balanced and interesting
musical composition and clear vocals of this emotionally expressive,
sometimes explosive genre.
These songs on this interesting, spiritually
stimulating CD, THE VISION ROAD are presented to the listener
with a stimulating vigor through JUDAH FIRST's musical talent
and dedication to the Lord, punctuated by their total performance
of showmanship in the recording studio, and well known by the
young people who attend their tour concerts.
It is abundantly clear that JUDAH FIRST
know their way around their instruments extremely well in the
heavy metal genre and can sing clearly solo and in harmony,
in various styles on key, no matter what vocal style or volume
or tone being used. These talents result in fully expressing
the lyrical message and the spirit of their musical compositions,
effectively brings all elements of their music roaringly to
life.
Themes of the songs explore everyday
human problems that not only deal with trials / struggles of
the young but also challenge adults as well. Struggles in human
relationships, disappointments of the secular culture, human
weakness, temptations, and struggles in our walk with the Lord,
etc. Themes are tied into the blessing of belonging to Jesus
Christ, an unending source of love, compassion, support, direction,
and what it means to become a new creature in Him, when we accept
him as our Lord and Savior.
While Philip Meade is the song writer
for JUDAH FIRST, the songs are arranged together as a group.
Philip writes all songs on a guitar, and usually has a chorus
in mind as the building block for the song. The tune is then
brought to the band and we arrange the song together. That is
a very important process, and the band as a whole adds to the
overall arrangement of the songs.
Their music really shines above the pack
because of a combination of creative dynamic compositions, strong
lyrical song content, brought to life by their dynamic, expressive
vocals which grip the soul and stimulate spiritual growth, and
their unique expression of heavy metal, hard rock music. The
use of dynamics in both the compositions and the vocals, which
are emotional and expressive where appropriate for each song,
are quite effective as well.
The talents of their vocalist, James
Aaron, and backup vocals, are impressive. They can use their
voices in styles that range from chillingly creepy (THE BATTLE
WON - describing darkness musically), mournful, emotionally
expressive; solemn to full-blown, heavy metal style, positive
and joyous, with terrific vocal diction and without being out
of key once! The tone of their voices also have a nice range
from dissonant to melodious, which works well with the spirit
of the message and musical composition of the songs.
Philip Mead comments: "The vocals
were a very important part of The Vision Road, we wanted to
incorporate an aggressive yet still understandable vocal style
with our music. For example: James Aaron pulls off a wonderful
performance in The Battle Won."
All is brought together for maximum effect
because of their own electrifying style of hard rock, heavy
metal musical compositions, which are full of driving rhythms
presented in a balanced partnership between the drums and guitars,
plaintive melodies and counter-melodies, some fantastic electrical
guitar work, played with great skill and precision, clear and
distinct enough to also support the lead vocals - a stunning
combination that fully supports the lyrical Christian massages
in each song.
JUDAH FIRST's mission statements are
propelled mightily through the listening experience, as this
CD offers songs which feature interesting compositions uniquely
for the most part written in various minor keys, sometimes segueing
into a major key when expressing the hope and love we have in
our Lord Jesus Christ. The electrical guitars play a vital role
in supporting the driving rhythm of the drums, providing thundering,
driving 8th, 16th, and 32nd note rhythms, sometimes in syncopation,
all flawlessly played together as a single unit, spiced with
great dynamics, which showcases their musical abilities to the
listener and this reviewer. While providing the rhythms, the
electrical guitars also offer interesting counter-melodies,
great guitar rifts, and some chordal work
which all support the main melody, vocals, and spirit of
each song.
JUDAH FIRST's special guest, Tracy Silverman,
added spice and dimension to their compositions by performing
a 6 string electric violin in the bridge of FALLING FARTHER
and doubled his part to generate the soulful "sliding" sound
which fascinated this reviewer and will grip the listener as
well.. Tracy can also be heard on the songs JUDAS GRAVE, BREAK
UP, and NIGHTMARES showcasing a side of his playing not often
expressed in this fashion in the Classical music genre.
As you can tell, this reviewer was blown
away by her listening experience, in evaluating the songs on
this fine CD. One can tell by listening to their songs that
these young men are totally on fire for the Lord, and have played
a lot of great hard rock / heavy metal Christian music together,
because their musical sound and songs have a professional feel
to them, which is the result of hard work, practice, lots of
creative talent, focus, and most importantly, the empowerment
by the Holy Spirit and a dependence on the Lord for inspiration
which has all come together, jelling them as a musical group,
producing a very promising collection of songs that will draw
the listener in and inspire.
Highly recommended for not only those
who enjoy hard rock - heavy metal, but also those looking for
music with an edge to it while retaining high musical quality
and a heartfelt, positive, stirring message of hope, encouragement,
and the faithful love we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ, encouraging
the listener to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ,
depending on Him to guide us down our personal Vision Road.
CD Dedication: "May Our music challenge
you to have a genuine relationship with God. It is to Him we
give the glory." - PM
Stay Strong in God's Will - Jer. 29:11,
Matt.11:29 - Adam Jones
Songs on THE VISION ROAD CD
* * * + Title Song: THE VISION ROAD -
(Words and Music by Philip Meade and James Aaron) - Written
in a minor key.
A strong favorite of this reviewer. Song
starts with a strong counter melody carried by a staccato rhythmic
8th notes played precisely by electric guitars, supported by
drums,which support the main melody and lyrics sung by James
Aaron. Between verses and during chorus, drums come in strongly,
with guitars support melody with runs of quarter - eighth notes.
Composition builds in intensity and emotion, all which supports
the message of the song. A nice variation of guitar work throughout
makes the song interesting to listen to, as do all the songs
on this CD. Guitars and drums combine nicely in each section
of the song, bringing forth the effect aimed at in the song.
Song talks about stepping out in faith
with the Lord's support, keeping our eyes on the Lord, as he
leads us down the road he has planned for us.
Philip Mead comments, "I wanted
the title track of the record to be a theme that every person
could understand and relate to. We all have different roads
to travel, and sometimes they can be scary. However, keeping
our eyes on Christ and having a vision for our future is something
we all must do. James Aaron came up with the line 'take my hand
as I go, down my vision road' and I thought it was a perfect
picture of jumping headfirst into the calling God has in store
for us."
Related Scriptural References: (1 Col.
1:9-13, Phil:3: 13-14, John 8:12)
Lyrical Samples:
1) If we would open our eyes, maybe we
would see the fallacy of fallen dreams. If we would open our
eyes, maybe we would see the purpose of our suffering. Of our
suffering.
2) If we would open our minds, maybe we
would find the vision road is one less traveled. If we would
open our hearts maybe we would feel the victory in the final
hour. Final hour.
Chorus: Take my hand as I go, down my
vision road. Do you see what I know, down your vision road.
Bridge: Vision, I was blind but now I
see. Vision, although the darkness follows me. Vision, breaking
chains, and running free. Vision, now I See...
Coda and Chorus: If we would open our
hearts, surely we would feel the victory in the final hour.
In the final hour. Lead singer: Take my hand as I go, down my
vision road. Do you see what I know, down your vision road.
Backup vocals sing at same time- (Surely we would feel the
victory in the final hour).
(Music fades and only the vocals singing
these two phrases are heard).
* * * + THE BATTLE WON - Words and Music
by Philip Meade.
Another favorite of this reviewer. Again
pulse-raising 8th and 16th and 32nd note rhythms done in synchronization
with the drums starts the song, establishing the rhythms, spirit,
and melody. Offers strong counter melody in this precise coordinated
rhythms of electric guitars, synchronized with the drums, which
varies interestingly throughout the piece, nicely supporting
the strong, effective vocals. Composed in minor keys.
James Aaron provides the perfect chillingly
creepy vocals, which carry the main melody, for first verse,
which describes musically the scary ugliness of being in fear
and darkness and lost without a connection, forgetting or unwilling
to claim the victory we already have in the Lord. Second verse
is done in a similar style but with two vocals, with nice harmony
that compliments the feeling of the piece.
Comments from Philip: "I have a
piece of paper taped to my ceiling above my bed that says, 'Philip,
God is already there.' It reminds me that most things I will
encounter during that day I do not have to fret and worry about,
but I still find myself fighting unnecessary battles. This song
is about God already fighting battles for us, and our reluctance
to claim the victory."
Related Scriptural References: (John
8:12, Phil: 4-6,7, Matt. 6:31-34, 1 Peter 5:7, Hebrews 13:5-6,
1 Thess. 4:17)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Fear is bringing forth the darkness.
Pain is coursing through your veins. Take the chance you won't
be sorry, (you) hesitate another day.
Chorus: What can I do to make you understand?
No need to fight the battle won.
2) Claim your gift, release the sorrow.
Hear the nails drop to the ground. Melancholy guilty reason
(wasting) time kept the scars alive. Chorus
3) But don't ask Him to bleed for your
conscience pending (can't you read the writing on the wall)
Can't you read the writing on the wall. Raise the stakes, open
your passion. Breathe again and make your start. Hear the trumpet
sound its echo (flying) high to meet us in the sky. Chorus
Hook: But don't ask Him to bleed for
your conscience pending (can't you read the writing on the wall)
Can't you read the writing on the wall. The blood is pouring
from the Master. This selfish pride will kill us all.
* * * JUDAS GRAVE - Words and Music by
Philip Meade.
Song has this reviewer's favorite rhythmic
opening of all the CD's songs . Intro starts with 4 measures
of just half of the underlying 8th and 16th note rhythm (guitars
and drums)/ melody of the song, an intro to the introduction.
Segues into full rhythmic background and melody support of the
vocals. Nice change in Chorus. Melody and vocals are supported
by support chords of electric guitars. Spoken words supported
by a smooth broken chord background, which dynamically builds
nicely. Electric violin solo in interlude adds a wild zing which
perks up one's ears and adds flavor as well.
Comments from Philip: "Betrayal
is one of the most difficult things to face. Placing trust in
someone only to have that trust misused and tossed aside is
hard to come back from. But we must. The phrase, 'Judas Grave'
is symbolic of burying the past feelings of hurt and placing
trust in the one place it will never be misused. Therefore,
the line, 'my Judas Grave is almost here' is a positive line
of getting to a place where you let the past be the past."
Related Scriptural References: (Romans
5:1-5, 8:28, 8:31, & 8:38)
Lyrical Samples:
1) We live our dream, it's all your own.
I know it's a lie, but you make it so hard to let go. You gave
me love, but it doesn't show. My body is weak and you're casting
soft words of stone.
Chorus: Will you make your contribution?
Are you walking by my side? Do I feel the retribution, Of a
lover's love gone mild.
2) My Judas grave is almost here. The
road is long but I know I've shed your last tear. Chorus
Spoken (The road is long and the burden
heavy from the ocean's crashing wave, but I found I just go
back for more. And I can't understand the point of a pointless
life, but there I was. I just go back for more.} - Music Interlude:
Basic guitar rhythmic pattern - Chorus
Hook: I will make my contribution, Walking
closely by His side. Do I feel the piercing anguish Of a Savior's
sacrifice.
* * * + TERROR LIFE - Words
and Music by Philip Meade.
Another strong favorite of this reviewer.
Composed in a minor key, starts simply with a solemn, vocal
and broken chord acoustic guitar, with soft accent of electrical
guitar in the background. Lyrics describe a person in deep emotional
pain. Segues effortlessly into pounding (but nor overbearing)
beat of drums and electric guitar rhythms playing support chords
which also support the emerging melody, plus some more "interesting"
vocals. Vocals offer a variety of styles and intensity, which
are always refreshing, and express so well the emotion of the
lyrics. Song features a variety of interesting guitar work,
which play a nice range of rhythms, offer great melody support,
and of course the most enjoyable interludes of creative guitar
and violin riffs. Electric violin once again offers sparkle
and spice to the piece.
The demeanor of the song changes, as
the total package describes the effect of conforming to the
secular world's values and not being the light of Christ to
be seen by others. Our behavior
that is inspired by our personal weaknesses can hinder the faith
of people in our lives. A sobering thought indeed.
Song features a variety of interesting
guitar work, which play a nice range of rhythms, offer great
melody support, and of course the most enjoyable interludes
of creative guitar and violin riffs.
Comments from Philip: "This is the
song I get the most questions about. I guess it seems like a
negative song just listening to the words themselves, but when
you place them all together, 'Terror Life' is a song about being
careful of the example you set to others. 'Killing is my business
and I'm running out of clients' simply refers to the way we
kill the possibly of those close to us seeing Christ when we
live just like everyone else. The person in this song finally
realizes that there is more to God than singing hymns and wearing
your Sunday best."
Related Scriptural References: (1 John
2:15-17, Romans 12:1-2, 7:15-25, Ephesians 4:1-4,
Thess. 5:11)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Here I stand now on my own again.
Another day has come and gone. Here comes the pain, here comes
the tears, here comes another aching heart. My mind can't take
this anymore.
Changes venue here:
Running 'round in circles from the bottom
of my mind. Killing is my business and I'm running out of clients.
No more can you keep me in, my minds made up, my life is starting
here. My past is forcing me to fall. Me to fall.
Broken hearts and broken thoughts have
filled my empty tomb. The night is waiting anxiously to offer
up her doom. Death is getting close for me, the grave is near
I'm sweating now. I think there's more to life than I've seen.
Than I've seen. Terror Life.
Terror from my life and now I see the
evil of my ways. They open up the gates of Hell and welcome
me to play. Terror from my life and now I need to change my
evil ways. Enter in Jesus Christ you know it's not too late.
Too late.
* * * + BLOOD - Words and Music by Philip
Meade and James Aaron.
Another strong favorite of this reviewer;
something for everyone - a joyous, driven praise song, celebrating
what Jesus did for us on the cross and his resurrection. Parts
of the song, the lengthy intro, and the interludes between the
verses showcase skill, spirit, and great song writing and collaboration,
offering several different meter changes, melody/ counter melody
and rhythms which keep it all fresh and interesting. Slips easily
from a minor key to a major key in several places. Remind this
reviewer of a type of Irish, hard rock jig, interspersed between
vocals and rap and lots of great electric guitar work and inspiring
electrical guitar solos by Meade, and a variety of staccato
rhythms, with an infectious melody, and enthusiastic vocals.
Vocals once again dynamically express the emotions of the lyrics.
Features a rather wildly innovative
electric guitar solo played by Philip Meade,after second Rap
verse, including some great syncopation by all.
Nice harmony in vocals.
Philip comments: "Straight forward
song about the incredible way the blood of Jesus can change
the heart and give us the power to live victorious lives."
Related Scriptural References: (Ephesians
3:17-19, Romans 10: 8-9, 13, Col. 1:9-11)
Lyrical Samples:
In this blood of mine, if you want inside,
I've got the cure we all live for. In this blood of mine, if
you want inside. I've got the power that HE died for.
In this blood of mine, there is no disguise.
No more hiding behind lies.
(Rhythm & melody changes) Rap (with
a triumphant attitude) 1: No more lies, can I tell, see, can
I hear, Since my old blood has disappeared, Been replaced by
this new blood I can't explain. Everybody in the house seems
to know my name Cause of the blood.
Rap 2: I'm walking tall I've got my head
held high, I've discovered something new that I'll never die.
I can show myself to be who I am. Even if some people don't
understand. (Harmonious chorus) - This blood..... blood.....
blood... blood...... blood.
Rap 3 This blood it flows free. For all eternity. It runs all
across the land. Can't you see our time is at hand? No more
running now you cannot say. Soon it will be our sings) judgment
day.......day..........day (nice building harmony).
Ends with same Irish hard rock jig.
* * * FALLING FARTHER -Words and Music
by Philip Meade and James Aaron.
Starts off with an ominous beginning
melody in a dotted eighth rhythm, followed by 16th note run
/ broken chords on guitars. Another nice interlude begins the
song.
A hard rock composition with soft touches
of broken chords of electrical guitars are perfectly blended
for this prayer hymn of confession (heavy metal style) to the
Lord and to ask for help and strength.. Starts off with an ominous
interlude of beginning melody in a dotted eighth rhythm, followed
by 16th note run broken chords on guitars. Between verses, a
light sounding electric guitar places a mellow broken chord
solo with the rhythmic electric guitars. Guitars switch to chordal
support to vocals in Chorus. Strong vocals and a catchy melody
are a great medium to bring the message of the lyrics.
* * * + A really awesome soulful sliding
sound is created by the 6 string electric violin at the end
of the 2nd time through the chorus.
Philip's Comments: "All of us lead
very busy lives. We make hundreds of choices every day that
affect the way our future unfolds. In the midst of all the chaos
comes the danger of slowly slipping away from what is important.
This song is a cry to God to help a soul to stop following societies
rules and come back to Him.
Related Scriptural References: (Romans
12:2, Matt. 6:33, Ephesians 3:17-19, 1 John 2:15)
Lyrical Samples:
Sometimes I wonder what my life's for,
Have I chose a path I can't afford. Sometimes I play your evil
game. When I'm all alone I scream your name.
Sometimes I wonder if I can change. Turn
back the clock and be rearranged. Sometimes I wonder if I can
change. Turn back the clock and be rearranged. Sometimes I wonder
who I can trust. In my soul are pains from the wounds of lust.
Chorus: Falling Farther from the King.
Following society. Father help me, hands held high. Lift me,
save me with Your power. Power. Power.
Darkness so bright inside of me. Lighting
of all animosity. I turn my head to see my life. All I see are
dreams and days gone by. Chorus
* * * + BREAK UP - Words
and Music by Philip Meade.
Another strong favorite of this reviewer.
Song has a wonderful variety of changes in the composition,
making it a great listening experience, all which supports the
painful theme of a relationship breakup. Chorus has a nice melody,
calmer, heartfelt, as it is a prayer for help. Verses reflect
what is being said to the "significant other."
Driving 16th notes of electric guitars
and drums set the tempo and mood, and intro the melody. Strong,
bright, clear vocals as usual. Chorus guitars soften into broken
and solid chord support. Listen for some fine guitar work involving
interesting chord progressions during some of the interludes
and the Bridge, courtesy of Chris Grainger.
Melody and rhythm changes after 2nd chorus,
segues into a nice syncopated rhythmic melody played by electric
guitars, which support another freeform electric violin solo.
Nice chord changes between interludes, before violin riff.
Philip's Comments: " 'Break Up' is
the most personal song on the record for me. It really a small
clip from an experience that happened to me in a relationship.
Lots of words spoken, plenty of promises expressed, but ultimately
any relationship not fully grounded in God's love will miss
the most important blessings in life. In my example, I finally
had to come to grips with the fact that things were over, and
I was walking away from a relationship with the 'sin running
down my back,' meaning all those negative things from the
relationship were no longer part of my life."
Related Scriptural References: (Romans
11: 9-10, 1 CO. 13: 4-13, Galations 5:16, 22- 26, 2 CO. 6:14)
Lyrical Samples:
Ten times apart and back together. I
feel the sting of endless lies. Sit by the phone my head is
ringing. The silent room of compromise and lies.
Chorus: When I think of where I started
and what I might now be. Help me father time, to get past the
line.
Where are those words that you promised.
Where was our promise to the Son. Lost in the broken truths
of reason. We left behind the One who won the blood.
Chorus
Bridge: It's time we just break up. Your
sin is running down my back. Your sin, running down my back.
Two lives, torn apart by lust (inside of). Running down my
back. Your sin, running down my back. Repeat.
* * * ++ MISERY - Words and Music by
Philip Meade and A Martin.
Reviewer's Absolute Favorite:
A song that really cooks!!! After an interesting drum introduction,
song starts with another joyous heavy metal jig of praise expressed
so well through the driven 8th and 16th notes and balanced drums,
so cleanly played, catching the energy of the composition. Guitars
are allowed to be the stars. I would classify this as a song
perfect for an altar call. Strong vocals carry the melody and
enthusiasm and joy of the lyrics. Nice meter changes, and a
variety of rhythms.
Philip's Comments: "Many people
have told the band that the title of this song does not match
the message of the song, which is about God's grace, love and
never ending compassion. The last minute of the song turns from
a third person point of view describing God's wonderful qualities,
to a first person of view which is God Himself speaking. How
disappointing it must be to offer so many gifts to His children
everyday and still have them turn their back."
Related Scriptural References: (John
14:1, Matt. 7:7-8, Proverbs 8:17, Psalm 136, Romans 10: 8-9,
13, John 10:27-30 & John 6:39)
Lyrical Samples:
Let God into your life. He wants to hold
you tight. He forgives all your past. His love will always last.
No need to live in sin. Don't be afraid to let Him in. He gives
the gift of love. You don't need to know why.
Ask God into your heart. Your life He
will restart. Feel the love when He smiles. Don't walk alone
for miles. Do you think you've searched enough. Do you feel
life's getting tough. Reach out and ask Him in. He won't ask
why.
If you have faith, If you have trust,
If you love life, Ask for His love. God wants to hold your hand.
Spread His love across the land. His Son He died on the cross.
Do you want to know why?
Hook, I've always cared for you. Always
observing all the things you do. You turned your back on me.
Why must we put Him through this misery?
* * * NIGHTMARES - Words and Music by
Philip Meade and A. Martin.
Frenetic feeling of emotional distress
brought to life right away with fast moving eighth / 16th /
32nd notes and violin sets the tone for this composition. Vocals
express the deep distress, varying in intensity as they carry
the melody - guitars play chords in support during parts of
the song.
After first Chorus, tempo / meter / mood
of the song segues into something completely different. Broken
chords on an electric guitar, (acoustical style) and plaintive,
soft melody intro of electric violin. Supports solemn harmonic
vocals of third verse which segues into another joyous jig which
symbolizes the relief felt after turning to the Lord, remembering
that he belongs to Jesus, who "has brought me life. No
longer lost, I'm reaching out. Thank God who gave me life."
The lyrics vividly describe a person
overcome with the troubles of this world. Many people suffer
with nightmares caused by their emotional pain, anxiety from
stress, tension, negative emotions. The Answer to our emotional
storms that awash us during the night and plague us during the
day is a relationship with Jesus Christ, The Bread of Life,
the One who we can always depend on to be there with us through
our trials,sustaining us, who will always answer our prayers
and is capable of giving us a peace and joy beyond all understanding,
despite our outward circumstances.
Philip's Comments:"When the Light
shines, there is no more darkness, there are no more nightmares."
Related Scriptural References: (Romans
8:28, Phil. 4: 6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, John 8:12, John 6:35 &
2 CO. 4:8-10)
Lyrical Samples:
I lie awake, can't go to sleep. Can't
face my dreams, they are waiting there for me. Crying in the
dark, sweat pouring off of me. They say it's just a dream. Why
is my blood running free?
No where to run, no where to hide. What
do you do, when the terror is in your mind. I try to stay awake,
til morning comes. To face the day, with the rising sun.
Chorus: I can't remember who I am. My
madness holds me tight. My fears assault my dreaming mind. My
soul screaming from the fright.
Sleep reaches out to pull me down. My
dreams speak invitingly. I see through the lies. My nightmares
wait to trample me. I lie there sweating till the morning comes
The sunlight will rescue me. Only light can chase away my fears.
Only God can set me free. Chorus
Now I remember who I am. That Christ
has brought me life. No longer lost, I'm reaching out. Thank
God who gave me life.
