Comatose (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Brian Howes (vocals, guitar); Paul Buckmaster (strings).

Audio Mixers: Chris Lord-Alge; David Bottrill.

Recording information: Chicago Recording Company, Chicago, IL.

Photographer: Jeff Gros.

On their seventh full-length album, this Wisconsin-based quartet continues to pursue their heavy, hooky vision of what Christian music can be. Explosive drumming, molasses-thick guitar, and bewitching prog-metal melodies create a highly charged emotional atmosphere from which their lyrical meditations take flight. Even with a lyric sheet, it's hard to distinguish this from good old-fashioned devil's music, as the band probes topics like alienation, longing, and addiction without providing any pat sermons or answers. This is mature and heady stuff for a musical genre that is still finding its identity in the secular world.

This is a melodically stunning record in which instrumentation strikes the disc's first chord. "Rebirthing" is a grand opening statement. Guitarist Ben Kasica cooks a delectable platter of tasty lead fills that are accompanied by orchestral tones all over the disc. The same is true of the title track, "Comatose." Here the band uses a proven recipe -- staccato guitars, piano, and orchestration -- to bring the tune home. "The Last Night" feels like classic Skillet. The tune boasts a feel-good chorus that shouts "radio-friendly." The same can be said for "Yours to Hold," as John Cooper's familiar vocals and warm vibe emanate from the tune. The same sensation strikes the track "The Older I Get." Here, the tune is once again radio-ready with an infectious, singable chorus. Comatose is a record that sustains on many levels. Cooper is really on target. Quiet moments like "Say Goodbye" are effectively woven with heavier moments like "Those Nights." When guitar progressions meet piano nuances, special things happen with this band. ~ Steven Douglas Losey minimize