I’ve always found Christian music to be a rather unusual genre, not because of any personal contempt towards religion but rather due to the extreme importance that it places on lyrical content. As a listener, I tend to put a band’s musical output at a higher priority than their lyrical content and often get annoyed with groups that put more effort into their message than their delivery.
Cue the entrance of Outer Sanctum, a Christian hard rock band based in the Indianapolis area that appears to aim for some secular accessibility. This release is the group’s debut album and shows that the band has a lot of variety going for it in terms of both music and lyrics.
To The King of Eternity
Lyrical themes aside, one thing you can say about this album is that it’s pretty damn diverse for having such a short running time. While it does operate under a general hard rock umbrella, there is a pretty good mix of old school and modern tinges on here. The heaviness is most apparent on songs like “Darkness” and “I Am Pain,” the former of which is features a very Maiden-ish riff as well as a ripping solo that never fails to reminds me of Megadeth’s earliest days.
The band’s modern side also manages to be pretty interesting. “Lonely” is probably the most noteworthy track on here and seems to play out like a more accessible version of the style pioneered by Tool with its atmospheric bass touches and somber feel. In addition, “Don’t Deserve” works pretty well as a contemporary ballad and has a nicely uplifting chorus.
As expected with an album that shows off a lot of diversity, there are a few moments that don’t work as well as some others. “Hands Up” is a track that stands out in this regard; while it has a fairly enjoyable hook and probably makes for a good live staple, the slightly awkward verses and nu metal feel makes it sound overwhelmingly dated.
For what it’s worth, the band members show a lot of potential. Despite the choppy tone brought on by the production, the guitars work well together and the rhythm section is pretty solid. The vocals are also interesting in that they seem to fit well with just about every style that’s presented on here without really changing their tone.
I Need More Than Your Words
Since Christian bands do make their lyrical themes an important aspect of their sound and image, it is only inevitable for me to give my two cents on the ones here. As previously noted, I’m not one to get that obsessive over words these days but the lyrics on here are pretty decent. They have a strong positive vibe that seems to exert a genuine encouragement and admiration rather than serving as a petty attempt at preaching or evangelism.
In addition, there is a subtler theme of struggling with one’s faith and purpose in life, a theme that isn’t touched on as much as it could be in the genre and arguably unites all faiths. “Lonely” and “Don’t Deserve” stand out in this regard as the former laments a severed connection with the divine while the latter expresses gratitude in a very bittersweet, “why me” fashion.
But with that said, there is one track where the lyrics can rub one the wrong way. While the closing “Under God” is a decent song musically, its “Christian Nation” theme along with the mix of politics and religion can make it rather grating. For the record, Deists founded the United States and the “under God” line wasn’t added onto the Pledge of Allegiance until 1954 during the height of the Red Scare…
It is pretty safe to say that this release’s biggest flaw is its short length. While there are nine songs in total on here, the 33 minute running time makes it feel more like a crowded EP than an actual full-length album. I think a few songs like the opening “Hold On” probably could’ve been extended by a minute or two though some argue that it is better to be too short than too long.
Cause You’re Worth So Much More
Despite the short length and a few rough patches, this release is pretty decent overall. Some will inevitably be put off by the lyrical content, but that isn’t exactly something to be unexpected and the more atypical themes do make for an intriguing examination.
The musical dexterity also makes it a good recommendation and gives the band a lot of room to work with, but there is obviously some more work that needs to be fleshed out before the band’s sound is fully developed. Hopefully they will keep growing and give us an even better release in the near future.
Current Highlights:
- “Lonely”
- “Darkness”
- "Undead"
- “Don’t Deserve”
- “I Am Pain”
Christopher Latta - I am the lead singer/bassist of Psychic Faith and the writer of many hard rock and heavy metal reviews
