Scars Remain (Special Edition) (CD - 2006)

After a decade of self-produced indie efforts, Christian Metal quartet Disciple made their major-label debut in 2005. A year later, Kevin Young, Brad Noah, Joey Fife, and Tim Barrett returned with a heavier sound and more aggressive screamo-styled approach for the follow-up, SCARS REMAIN. As befitting a devout band, however, Disciple also shows a softer side on the acoustic ballads "No End At All" and "After the World."

Just enough melody to get on the radio, just enough muscle to get the moshpit lunkheads bopping. Yep, that's a pretty well-worn formula utilized circa the early 21st century, as evidenced by bands such as Disciple and their 2006 release, Scars Remain. But unlike the majority of wide-eyed chart-topping hopefuls, the Knoxville, TN, quartet have been around for quite some time -- their debut release hit the racks back in 1995. Despite their veteran tag, the music on Scars Remain doesn't sound much different than the multitude of other bands that hone in on the same style, sound, and approach. If mainstream rock is what you want, then you've come to the right place, as heard by the radio-ready rocker "Regime Change," the introspective melodic rocker "My Hell," the Linkin Park-esque "Game On," and the schmaltzy power ballad "After the World" (the latter of which would make Poison, Bon Jovi, and Mr. Big all green with envy). Quite professional, but not necessarily memorable. ~ Greg Prato minimize