Christian rock legends Disciple are back with their latest studio album, Love Letter Kill Shot. Disciple is my second favorite band of all time for many reasons, and they've been putting out consistently good albums for many years now. Love Letter Kill Shot is a very different album than anything Disciple has done before with a lot of experimentation and amazing musicianship showcased by the entire band. I'll admit I wasn't sure what to expect going into the record because the band had released 4 very different singles leading up to the album dropdate and it was interesting to see how things ended up to say the least.
The opening track and lead single for the album "Cuff the Criminal" is easily the worst song off the album and really feels off for the band. The song has a very weird structure with a repetitive chorus and forced electronics and lead vocals from the backup singer on most of the track. It's a unique and strange song for sure but ends up sounding like a softer version of the band Nothing More, and thankfully is not representative of the rest of the album. The album then goes into "Reanimate", a heavy song with a groovy riff and great breakdown. The song contains some stellar vocals and brutally honest lyrics delivered by Kevin Young. The song is very aggressive and is one of my favorite songs off the record.
"Wake Up" is a fast paced metal track that sounds like it was straight out of the band's 2006 record Scars Remain. The song has very aggressive vocals and killer guitar work with the riffs and the solo and a catchy, but lighter chorus to match. It's a good song that continues a fast pacing on the album that won't be stopped till Track 6. "Panic Room" is one of my favorite songs off the album that really shows off the bands creativity. The song is about anxiety and panic attacks, with matching chaotic instrumentals for a really cool atmosphere. The band gets help from Andrew Schwab of Project 86 on vocals in the chorus who adds a neat dynamic. The song contains many shifts in sound and genres to get the urgent and chaotic sound, with an amazing guitar solo which features influences from Slash and Synyster Gates. It's a great song that I highly recommend checking out.
"Play to Win" is a weaker track off the album with a basic structure and cliche fight anthem lyrics. The song does have a fun riff and doesn't take itself seriously which I do like. Just compared to the rest of the album it doesnt hold up as well. The first ballad track comes with "Fire Away" which breaks the fast pace with a sound harkening back to 2000s ccm rock ballads and is easily one of the band's best worship songs in their lengthy career. Though simple, it's a good song and one I have come back to several times.
The album picks right back up with "Misery", a harder track with very honest lyrics attacking those who talk about mental health for the trendiness and rather than actually trying to make a difference. It has some engaging tempo changes and a very catchy hook that gets stuck in your head for days, one of my favorite tracks off the album. "Chemical Wisdom" is the most unique song Disciple has ever done featuring many tempo changes and goes from clean guitars and singing to heavy riffs and screams in an instant throughout the song. Its a darker song lyrically but musically its really interesting and there are so many riffs in it its insane. The song calms down before going into a breakdown and the song is really good and just really cool from a musician's standpoint. Kevin Young's vocals really shine here and it's quickly become one of my favorite tracks off the album.
"Never Too Late" is a fast paced rocker with aggressive verses and a djenty riff before going into a softer chorus which fits the overall message that it isn't too late to turn your life around from whatever bad thing you did. The verses contain almost scream-rapped vocals which surprisingly works really well. The song has ripping guitar solo which really showcases Andrew Stanton's guitar skill. The album then starts to slow down with "Touch of Pain" which is by far the slowest track. Though musically both the guitars and drums are subdued in a typical ccm ballad fashion, they serve their purpose in bringing the lyrics to the front. The song features an emphasis on the lyrics and vocals, telling the story of a person who almost commited suicide before finding God and having a better life. The song is strong lyrically and while it is simple musically it works and it isn't a bad song, but it is weaker compared to the other songs. It is worth mentioning though, that Kevin Young's vocals sound amazing on the track.
"Walk With Me" is an inspirational track with the guitars coming back in for some solid riffs and half time retro feel solo. The lyrics are a little cliche but they aren't cringy by any means. The album closes with "Best Thing Ever", which is a good closer to the album despite it not working as well on it's own. The song features a slower, repetitive chorus with an electronic lead line. Lyrically it's a worship song and you can really hear the passion in Kevin's vocals on this song. It contains a very strong build throughout the song before unleashing into big ending with an inspirational feel. While it's a weaker track on the album the passion is there and that's what makes it still a decent song.
Overall Love Letter Kill Shot is a very solid album and one I have found myself coming back to several times. It's one of my favorite rock albums of the year with amazing guitar solos and solid drum work as well as very passionate vocals from both Kevin Young and Josiah Prince. Lyrically it's the darkest album Disciple has ever made with many of the songs dealing with depression and mental health, which makes sense with drummer Joey West's openness about his anxiety and depression. Sonically it matches with a heavier sound with low tuned guitars which provide a fast paced and urgent atmosphere through many of the tracks. For me it's a 4.5/5 after 10 listens.
Favorite tracks: Reanimate, Panic Room, Chemical Wisdom, Misery
Least favorites: Cuff the Criminal, Best Thing Ever, Touch of Pain
