I’ve kept up with Pillar's music, and they’ve gone through changes. They’ve still got the heavy pounding music like they had in “Fireproof,” but as evidenced in their latest effort, “The Reckoning,” they seem to have dropped the rap.
I want to call Pillar “heavy metal” but they’re not by any means ‘80s rockers. One could call them “Emo” but the consistent heaviness of the instrumentals don’t really allow that. “Screamo” could work, but the vocals are too melodic for that label. Pillar is a blend of contemporary extremes, but with just enough classic rock influence to even keep an old rocker like me interested in them.
The first few bars of the first track grabbed my attention with classic plodding heaviness and crunching guitars like old Black Sabbath, Metallica, or, well, Pillar’s “Fireproof”. Its theme is that “Everything” has a price. Are you willing to pay it? The theme of the second track, “Awake”, escapes me. Even with the lyrics, which are printed in a rather hard-to-read font, it leaves me with questions. Loneliness, backsliding, chasing the lies of worldliness all enter the message. Several songs on this album leave me with questions. “Thinking songs” could be a good label for them. “When Tomorrow Comes” today will be yesterday. The theme is that time is precious. Don’t waste it. The musical intensity is also a bit toned down from the first two tracks. Track four touches on a popular theme of responsibility. Quit trying to place blame and run from accountability, because “The Reckoning” will come.
“Tragedy” opens with more scream/growled vocals, which tones down by the end of the song. It’s a message of trying to save one’s self. It won’t work. “Last Goodbye” touches on wasting time. You never know when your last goodbye might be, so make the most of your time now. More along the lines of a ballad, the vocals are almost ethereal. “Angel in Disguise” has a good classic heavy flavor to it. Themes of abuse, forgiveness and comfort enter into this “thinking song.” Track eight is an instrumental with touches of soft classic metal.
“Crossfire” is another thinker about confused loyalties. Musically intense, and quite interesting, it’s another favorite of mine. Song ten reminds us that foolishness, lies and fears are enemies. Make a “Resolution” not to befriend them and let them hold you down. Track eleven throws some punk flavor into the musical blend. “Sometimes” life can be confusing, and we shouldn’t hesitate to ask God’s help in trying to make sense of it. “Wherever the Wind Blows” is another thinker that hits on apathy. If we don’t seek God’s guidance, we’ll end up being taken whichever way the wind blows. Track thirteen could be a relational song, or one on returning to worldly lifestyles. I keep picturing 2 Peter 2:22 with this one.
The younger listeners will love “The Reckoning,” and the classic heaviness also has an appeal for older listeners. Pillar is a good choice to get young and old rockers together.
Click here to read Suite's recent interview with Pillar bassist Kalel. For more of Paul Landkamer's work, visit his Myspace.
