I am a fan of record labels. So with that being said I feel that Facedown Records ended 2013 on a very high note with the release of two great albums by two awesome bands, My Epic and Everything In Slow Motion. So it’s no surprise that Facedown Records would start 2014 with a powerful release. The new release by Saving Grace is bound to be one of the best hardcore releases of the year.

The Urgency starts off all guns a blazing. And right away you know you are in for a treat. The first track “+0” sets the tone for what is an album full of heavy riffs, breakdowns and double bass.  In this first track you instantly get a taste of who influenced this 5 piece Christian Hardcore band from New Zealand. “+0” could be a homage to Slayer, Pantera and most bands from that era.  One thing that I enjoy about bands in this genre is their openness about their faith. This track is no different. The line “If this is your way then Christ shall profit you nothing. If this is your way then walk it alone.” Is one that stands out to me. I enjoy lines/verses that are straight to the point and that line is just that.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx_mwjwX5t8&h=297&w=450]

The next song is called” Like A Train Wreck”. This is one of the songs that has a Pantera influence.  This is one of my favorite songs on the album. The subject matter is one that is close to home. It is about having a close friend that is struggling with drugs and you reaching out to them but it falls on deaf ears. The drums on this track are probably at their best on this track. It’s one of those songs that you catch yourself air drumming to. The double bass that is used is some of the best I have heard in a while.

Another song that stands out is “Descent.” I think the first thing that caught my ear about this track was the Hatebreed feel. After that it was the breakdown at the 1:50 mark. Breakdowns can make or break a song. In this case it made it. After hearing that breakdown I listened to the song 4 times in a row just to hear the breakdown.  While listening to the song all those times I started to pick up on the lyrics:  “I could never imagine; I could never perceive how this ending would come. Always figured that someone, always figured that something would tell me I’m done, but the fighting has killed me, and the fire within me has stifled and died.”  Again, a subject matter close to home. We all have those moments when we just want to walk away from things that we love.  But in the end something inside tells us that it isn’t time yet. This song is about just that.

I talk often about the hardcore scene and the bands within it. I even have said that the scene is getting a little watered down. Well I know this is just one release but right now 2014 could be the year that the hardcore scene is revived and it starts with this album.  Everything from the guitar playing to the lyrics are on point. These are lyrics of hope. And right now that’s what the world needs.

Score: 4.7/5

Be sure to check them out on tour this spring with War of Ages. March 15^th in Cincinnati at Club 86. This show is being put on by IATU friend D.E. Live. The band can be found on Facebook and iTunes.