Although I am a huge fan of many top-runner Christian rock bands such as Switchfoot, Skillet, and Red, I occasionally find myself skeptical when exploring new Christian rock bands out of fear that they may not live up to the hype of other rock genres. Luckily, with the case of the up-and-coming five-piece band Nine Lashes, I found myself astounded by what I’ve heard and pleased with the views that they present and the sound that they’ve weaved. The band’s core message centers around their faith, as evidenced by their name; “Nine Lashes” being a tribute to the wounds that Christ took before his sacrifice. However, the band’s central creeds presented in their music are also ones of inspiration and hope that fans of all types and backgrounds can rally behind.
World We View, the debut album for this Birmingham, Alabama quintet, opens up with the song “Anthem Of The Lonely.” The track, also the band’s first single, is aptly the most powerful song on the album in my opinion, and is the song that will likely be Nine Lashes’ trump card as they launch themselves to new heights with the release of World We View. This song is an ample reflection of what raw power the band brings through its pulsing, elemental guitar riffs, emotional and motivating lyrics, and an overall sound that gives me newfound respect for Christian rock bands and the intensity that they can bring to their music as Nine Lashes does.
The song’s title was spot on for the lyrical message of not only the song, but the whole album. This message being that one must take a stand for what they believe in, even if doing so makes you a loner. Throughout the debut track, I found myself enjoying multiple sounds all at once; the adrenaline-pumping riffs throughout, vocalist Jeremy Dunn’s smooth yet pronouncing vocals, and the overall instrumental sound that is uplifting and inspirational while possessing enough raw energy to send you into a frenzy. “Anthem Of The Lonely” may well become my personal anthem as I explore this album (and the band’s future music) further.
