If you haven't heard yet Tim Lambesis, lead singer of Christian metal band As I Lay Dying, was arrested in a murder for higher plot. Apparently, he tried to hire somebody to kill his soon to be ex wife. This is an awful, terrible thing. If it is found that this is true, then Tim sinned, and did something terrible. I'm very, very thankful that God was watching out for everybody involved and that nobody was killed. Yes, put it all together: Christian artist tried to have his wife killed. That's hard to swallow. I hate to write it and I nearly cried when I read it. First off, I'm sad that somebody could lose sight so much that they felt like they had to kill some one else, and I'm equally as distraught at how I think the Christian community will handle it. As Christians we have a tendency to leave people like Tim out to dry. They sinned horribly and we don't want to look bad or be mocked so we speak out against them. I for one, will not do it. I am committing to pray for Tim Lambesis and his family. Why? Because it's exactly what Jesus did. Look at John 8:1-11. Jesus didn't say that the woman's sin was okay, she didn't say it wasn't a big deal, but He didn't join the crowd and condemn her. He had the opportunity to impress some important people but instead He honored God and helped the hurting woman. “But if we don't take a stand against him we will be mocked, and God will look bad!”Guess what folks. People are already mocking us and we already look bad. I for one would rather look bad for doing what Jesus would do then for acting like the World. This is the family of God. We support even when somebody makes a mistake. Well, at least we should. If for a moment we think we deserve God's love and grace more just because we've never done this shame on us. Do we even Bible? I am just blessed that God has taken a sinner like me and forgiven me. He did the same for you and for Tim. So as for me. I will commit to pray for Tim and his family. He needs to repent (if he hasn't yet), and I know that since he's still alive God isn't through with him yet. All I can pray is that Tim seeks God in this and follows Jesus. Posted by Danny Exyle From: http://sinnerscircle.blogspot.com/
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On The Attack Records announces its official relaunch, featuring new bands LIV., Refuge, and All The Departed. Founded in the Bronx, New York in 2003, On The Attack Records has to relocated to Santa Cruz, California. New bands. New intensity. Same positive energy. Youth Crew, Straight Edge, and Hardcore Only. You can download a free 6 song sampler at: http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2013/05/29/ivm-presents-on-the-attack-records/ New bands are: LIV. – Coming from Los Angeles, California, LIV. features Matthew Salamante (vocals), Jason Diaz (bass), Ace Esguerra (guitar), and Tony Esquivel (drums). Download a free copy of their 3 song demo from their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/LIV/447382655323982?fref=ts). Watch their music video for “Roots” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0iIvUExvwo Refuge – Coming from Jacksonville, Florida, Refuge features Pepi Rodriguez (Vocals), Josh Delacruz (Drums), Chris Delacruz (Guitar), Michael Massey (Guitar), and Parker Williams (Bass). Download a free copy of their 5 song ep “No Wolf Shall Pass” from their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/refugeFL?fref=ts). All The Departed – Coming from Fort Wayne, Indiana, All The Departed features Jason LeCount (vocals), shawn Browning (Guitar), Christopher Likes (Bass), and Dave Oliver (Drums). For more information, check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AllTheDeparted?fref=ts). Anticipate a split CD with another well-known hardcore band later this year. All bands will be recording soon for releases later this year. Join the Crew or become Chum. www.ontheattackrecords.com False Idle - Threat
Last year Thumper punk Records had string of releases that showed that the Christian punk rock scene was able to stand shoulder to shoulder with their secular counterparts in producing some solid and relevent punk rock. Are they about to repeat it again this year? One of this years up and coming releases, and a highly anticipated release, is from the band False Idle. Those of you whom do not know who they are, Sef Idle and Tyler Lewis use to be part of the punk band called Unisef, They are out of Boise, Idaho, USA. and the band comprises the collective talents of Sef Idle on vocals and guitar, Tyler Lewis on guitar and vocals, Seth Warren on bass and vocals, and Philip Harris on drums. False Idle has already have two EP’s under their belt, namely"Hymns of punk rock praise” and “I refuse”, so when there was news about a new album coming out, I was pretty excited. Both previous releases were awesome so you can bet your bottom dollar I was over the moon when they released that they would put out another album. So this is something I have been waiting for some time now. “Threat" is an extension of the last 2 releases and shows a grown maturity, both in production of the album and the skill set of the band itself . Not that "Threat" is a far cry different from their last exploits, but I think a lot of time was spent honing it to the best possible outcome within their abilities and means. On this release they favor the melodic punk root whilst incorporated within that, they include some hardcore overtones. This is positive punk rock served with social and political awareness tackling topical issues concerning America and life in general. Its a call to arms, a get off your butt and do something punk album. Challenging the Status quo of the world we live in. On that note there is a song for everyone on this album and each who enjoys this release will undoubtedly have their favorite. This is one of those situations that you find when the overall package is that good. The album starts with what comes across as a siren echoing the call to battle, its a ballistic attack of racing guitars, and high energy drumming that ends with these words, a challenge of sorts, “Its time to fight for what we believe!”. “On Tomorrow” their first single off the album, is a solid anthemic punk song, with some great gang vocals, but might have been more at home on a Unisef release. Its also not the best song on here, but I think from a introductory perspective its not a bad song to garner attention with. Its like going to the supermarket and tasting a sample and going, “mmm, this is not bad, let me try another one”, and hopefully that would sell you on buying the whole box. “Facade" has some solid drumming, and great sing-a-along parts and is well composed, and they shift between the various time changes effortlessly, but the song sounds familiar for me, can’t place it though, and this is the danger with having so many bands out there, that you bound to have songs that come across similar or familiar sounding, but nevertheless a good song. This is where the album starts coming in on its own, from “One Cause One Fight", this is an energy fueled punk anthem, and is filled with blue collar punk sentiments. Again Sef goes for the juggler calling for unity, boldness and courage, to stand against the darkness and fight as one, too not give in and push threw to the final blow “Through thick and thin we’ll fight, we’ll win, one cause one war that's all we’ve got and side by side we’ll win the fight, we’re one, were strong brothers, in arms one cause one war that all we know and we will battle to the final blow". “Among the Dead” comes in with an amazing intro, again anthem infused punk rock tunes is what False Idle do best and seem to feel most comfortable with. This is not your normal run of the mill punk song and actually shows off their skill set as each member works together, and each chord and beat move together, never seeming out of place from each other. It has a very commercial and a big arena feel to it. In managing to keep the rawness of what most punks enjoy, they have still managed to extend themselves to bring in some clean production qualities that gives them that radio friendly commercial appeal. They have a message here that needs to be heard by a broader spectrum of individuals, and them tapping into the commercial side of punk works well for them, and will in my books enhance the reach of their music to the guy on the street. The stand out quality of “Land of Me” are the lyrics, which is poignant and relevant,”You know its all about me, in this land of the free...... and reveals a culture where selfishness has interpreted freedom as a right to take, take, take without the care of consequence, “...avoiding all my obligations, you say you’ll get anything you want, and you’ll do what it takes to get there”. It ends what seems to be a sincere cry of repentance, “Take the focus off of me, and help my eyes to see, how my life can truly make a difference, I want to feel it in my soul, I want love to take control, please take away this empty selfish heart, take away this selfish heart.” “Threat” starts with a campfire intro before heading into a Street Dog type anthem blue collar street punk jaunt. The upbeat folky influence is a good compliment once again for the well written lyrics. Its fitting for the lyrical content. The song is also uncomplicated, easy on the ear and rather than the music driving the lyrics, here again I find the lyrical charge heading up the assault. In short, basically an affirmation that they gonna fight for what is right, and stand by their conviction of what is right no matter what, and that can be seen as a threat to society as a whole. “ A Tension” is one of my favorite tracks on this album, its a full on stampede of punk rock assault, it oozes buckets of spikey hair, studded jacket, doc martin wearing punk rock. “New brand of Revolution “, is for myself my favorite track, its a great song, even though its probably the most radio friendly song on here. Its has a little pop punk appeal mixed in to it, and can stand proud next to bands like Anti-Flag. If there is any song that could be heard regularly played on the airways off this album, I am certain it would be this one!. “Retaliate” is another song that for me brings to light the Unisef days, its fast, relentless, and comes out hell bent in snapping your neck in the process with its driving drum beat, and thunderous guitar sound. “Where Do We Go” is a great melodic punk song with radio friendly appeal. Its a fun and uplifting song. Almost can hum to it. My dad always said a great song is one you can hum too...haha. The album finishes of with the melodic street punk anthem, a song that encourages, and sets the ending with a positive message, “ ...You’re not alone, adversaries and foes, they’ll come, they’ll go, so don’t loose hope, my heart won’t fear, though war is near, In Christ alone I abide, your scared, no light, your strong, so fight, your not alone”. Great words to end was is a fantastic album overall. In conclusion, this is punk rock gold, The songs are well composed and executed, and the momentum keeps rolling from start to finish without any real noticeable bump in the road. I do think though that the first two songs, though good do not bring merit to what lies beyond. I’d rather in my own opinion see “New brand of Revolution”, as a single, as it has wider audience appeal. Overall the songs work well together, the guitar playing is really good throughout, the drumming is solid. I'll tell you this, song order can break or make an album, and False Idle managed to get that right, and one gets the sense they put a lot of thought into the song order as it works pretty well in keeping the momentum of the album pushing forward. I think more than the music, the lyrics play a major role in the end result strength of this album. What you get here is like I said further up in the review for one of their songs, and it can be applied to the rest of the album also, “Threat" is a stampede of punk rock assault, that oozes buckets of spikey hair, studded jacket, doc martin wearing punk rock. It sets the bar very high, and certainly puts it as a strong contender for Christian punk album of the year. The album runs 12 songs in 30 minutes, in true punk rock tradition, and certainly that gears it for those with short attention spans like myself. Though this album is filled with Christian sentiments and convictions, I would say this album is not just for Christians and feeds to a broader spectrum of people. For me, its a relevant autopsy of the kind of world we live in, giving a brief examination of the battles we fighting, the war at hand, the struggle between darkness and light, and gives a positive call to arms, putting forth a challenge to all, to stand up and not to except the Status quo of this world. Certainly that status qou won’t change if we are all sitting sit on our back-sides. So is this album worth purchasing? Yes!!!! Its serves without dissapointment. For fans of Anti-flag, Swellers, Score 9/10 Reviewed by Donovan de Necker Songs: 1. Sideswipe (0:52) 2. On Tomorrow (2:18) 3. Facade (3:43) 4. One Cause One Fight (2:52) 5. Among the Dead (3:12) 6. Land of Me (2:40) 7. Threat (3:13) 8. A Tension (1:54) 9. New Brand of Revolution (3:29) 10. Retaliate (1:10) 11. Where Do We Go (2:29) 12. In the Dark (2:44) Discography: Hymns of punk rock praise (EP) I refuse (EP) Threat (2013) Label: (Thumper punk records) members: Sef Idle (vocals, guitar) Tyler Lewis (guitar, vocals) Seth Warren (bass, vocals) Philip Harris (drums) links: Website: http://www.falseidlepunk.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FalseIdle Twitter: https://twitter.com/FalseIdlePunk YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/FalseIdlePunk Pope Francis Smells Like Sheep (and so should we) I'm not a Catholic but I am developing a bit of a ministry crush on Pope Francis. Now, it's not my job to judge somebody's motivations, but I have to say I enjoy how he's acting less like a first year Pope and more like a first year priest. My punk rock side really enjoys how he's making both conservatives and liberals scratch their heads and agree. He rides the wonderfully tough line of being theologically conservative yet socially loving. Okay, see, I'm gushing now... During his Easter Mass, homily thing, Francis said that the priests and Catholics should be going out to find the lost sheep, and when they are done they better smell like those lost sheep. Now it doesn't take a PhD in literary analysis to know that he is using a metaphor here (if you've been inspired to quit your job, find stray sheep and smell like them I am sorry. Take a shower and come talk to me). What Francis is saying is that it's time to get out of our pews and into the world. That makes sense right, but why did he have to put in the “smell like sheep” thing? That sounds a bit extreme, right? What he's doing, and what is done a lot in scripture, is calling us out on being missional wimps. We love to do short term, low investment, low return missions extravaganzas. We love to pass out tracts, build orphanages, and post statuses about how awesome Jesus is. Most of that is just fine and dandy, but we are still the church, they are still the world, they smell like sin, and we smell like cheap coffee and stale donuts. Jesus rants on the goody goody religious types by saying, “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” -Matthew 11:19. For the purpose of today's rant look at the word “friend.” They weren't accusing Jesus of preaching to sinners. They weren't accusing Jesus of trying to convert prostitutes or even heal tax collectors. They were accusing Him of being friends with them. This was not an accidental word choice. If you're my friend you know my life. You know my wife. You know my kids. You know my dreams, goals, struggles, sins, aspirations. You know all this and you live life with me. Last night my family went out for ice cream and I saw somebody that I work with, and she gave me a half wave and didn't speak to me. NOT A FRIEND. The other day at work I had somebody go out of their way to seek me out to see how my life is going and if my family needed anything. FRIEND. This is smelling like a lost sheep. This is what Jesus did and what Francis is talking about. Growing up in Evan-jellyfish Churchianity (thanks Propaganda) most of the youth sermons I heard were about choosing the right friends so everybody would know I was a good Christian young man and that I wouldn't getting influenced by all the evil in the world. While there is truth here and having a good group of core fellow believers is essential to keep our faith sound and vibrant, it is also essential to have a solid group of non-believers that we are concerned about, caring about, and living and preaching the Gospel to. If your faith is turning stagnant, swampy, and the most inspiring thing you've seen in a while is The Bible on the History Channel or any movie with Kirk Cameron, get out of your pew and start stinking. They aren't coming to us, friends. Jesus said, “Go into all the world, and preach the good news...” -Mark 16:15a. This will hurt your reputation. People in the church will assume you've lost your marbles and your faith (look at any “Christian” band that's had success in the “secular” market place). Your Christian friends might not have you over for coffee any more. But who cares? The Bible doesn't say, “Build a huge building and attract people with your sexy programs, great tunes, and funny sermons.” It's go preach the Good News, live, love, invest, disciple, among those who hate God, but need Him. Go out. Get stinky. By Dan Binette visit his blog>>>_Sinners Circle |
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