From the beginning, Seventh Day Slumber made it clear where their allegiances laid. Always willing to address the tough issues confronting their young audiences, the quartet (lead vocalist Joseph Rojas, guitarist Jeremy Holderfield, bassist Joshua Schwartz, and drummer Ray Fryoux) unapologetically offered the Solution that had worked so well for them: Christ. “Finally Awake” continues this straightforward theme, sheathed in an appealing array of high-energy, hooked-out heavy rockers. Containing more of their earlier grunge feel than “Picking Up the Pieces,” this third release for BEC Recordings exemplifies the strength they proclaim lyrically.
The title track opens things up with hard-hitting guitars and extracurricular whistles, coming on strong from the get-go, which I love. The lyrics are well-written, celebrating his deliverance from the self-loathing encouraged by the culture. The elation continues with the howling “Last Regret,” featuring Holderfield’s nimble guitar work. The first single follows, “Missing Pages,” and it’s a straight-up knockout. The mid-tempo track opens a bit lighter, both guitars and vocals glistening over descriptive lyrics that face addiction head-on, offering hope in Christ. Another encourager is “Always,” pointing directly to Christ’s strength.
There’s a nice diversity on “Finally Awake,” showcasing Slumber’s agility on hard-edged rockers (the thundering “My Only Hope” and fiercely orchestrated standout “Burning Bridges”) and slightly quieter worship tracks (the rich sonic touches of “Undone”). There’s passion to spare, from the openly adoring “On My Way Home,” to the gritty “Broken Buildings,” the Mac Powell-like vocals asking, “What do you see in me? Is there beauty in these broken buildings?”
“Finally Awake” closes on a poignant note, with the emotionally charged “Every Saturday,” a final strong declaration of faith. There is much to like on Seventh Day Slumber’s latest, for rockers and God-lovers alike.
