Review Summary: This album probably won't invoke anyone to start a revolution, but that's not what Pillar is after right now; no, all they want for now is Resolution and sometimes that's alright.
2 of 2 thought this review was well writtenI was going through some reviews of albums similar to Pillar in preparation for this one, and noticed a general consensus for these kind of bands. (Hard hitting christian rockers who like to praise why they're happy, along with some spritzes of anger.) For the most part, people are able to tolerate a band no matter their beliefs nor how the profess it to the world. Then again there are others who will not listen to a single song by a religious band either due to ignorance or my theory. Most people who aren't familiar with religion in any sense, just can't comprehend why a band must be so joyful all the time, and feel the need to (it seems)
always talk about their particular God. If you happen to fall into this category, this review and album is for you.
If you've been following (which I hope you all have), Pillar have gone through quite the change. Starting out as a decent rock band, they shifted to an exploding sound of excitement with the Rap/Rock era. They then switched gears again, hardening their sound with the Nu-Metal edge, and now finally Pillar have settled into a nice groove, with probably their most experimental, and most solid release to date,
The Reckoning.
Where Do We Go From Here featured almost no variety and depth, leaving the listener suffering for more, from a band that wasn't quite that evolved yet. Sure they had the hooks, and the confidence, but they always seemed to be missing that one thing that would catapult them into instant crossover appeal. This time around, Pillar get all the swings right, though more mainstream, this doesn't detract from the listen in any way, in fact it heightens it as the band sounds more comfortable than ever. Musically, the album as a whole has a very humbling and mature sound,
Angel In Disguise is a prime example of the band realizing the need to allow each instrument to breathe throughout each track, this gives a much tighter listen, than previous efforts where everything came together to make loud noise. Rob is also portrayed at his best in the vocal department , as we finally get some
soulful singing, giving all new depth to the band.
Fortunately it doesn't stop there, other tracks like
Sometimes and
Resolution offer up some great new sides to the band finding their sweet spot, FINALLY, between their usual desire to hammer out a tired riff blended with mediocre aggressiveness, and overly cliche ballads that tread borderline boredom. Rhythm, basically a new element for the guys, and they show they know how to use it. There's great bass grooves, snappy guitar riffs, and solid drumming, something I never thought the band could offer.
But what about my Nu-Metal!? What about my screaming!? Is there still any heaviness left!? Though none of these constitute a song or album being heavy, Pillar still recognize the need to please and provide plenty of head banging anthems. True standout, and also album opener,
Everything, gets the loud/soft dynamic, the band had missed on their previous effort, right for a change. And from the get go I'm happy to announce that they actually remembered to plug in the bass this time around. Things get a little testy, with an almost Post-Hardcore debut, with
Tragedy as the band powers its way through a 3 minute thrill ride. Dare I say also, Pillar may have learned to construct a song that doesn't stick to the conventional V/C/V/C/B/C format.
Lyrically, well, honestly Pillar have never been able to hold me with their words, but they step their game up a margin or two here. Things become more relevant for the listener, and it's no longer why
you should believe but rather why
I believe. "Make tonight my reality, So tomorrow I remember everything, Why do I feel like staying awake, When I fall asleep", these are challenges that everyone can be affected by, and Pillar make this an accessible understanding for everyone. You're not going to walk away feeling like you've just sat through a 60 minute sermon, but more like a revival.
Last Word: Unfortunately, the ideas are only new to Pillar, kudos to them treading new waters again, with a release that doesn't just waft in the water, but tries to makes some splashes. This album probably won't invoke anyone to start a revolution, but that's not what Pillar is after right now; no, all they want for now is Resolution, and sometimes that's alright.
Recommended tracks include:
Resolution,
Angel In Disguise,
Everything.
