Tag christian hardcore

No Treaty – Sound the Trumpet

No Treaty – Sound the Trumpet

(Resuscitation Records • Deluxe 12” EP • 45 RPM)

I first saw No Treaty live with Meadows, Cleansing of the Temple, and Confessions of a Traitor. I had never heard of them before that night and was blown away. Their energy was powerful, and their sincerity was even stronger. After the show, I saw the vocalist praying with an elderly couple at the merch table. That moment said everything. I bought the CD but wished for a vinyl copy. The first pressing sold out quickly, so when Resuscitation Records announced a second pressing, I ordered it right away.

This deluxe 12-inch release plays at 45 RPM and sounds full and dynamic. The packaging shows care and purpose, including a four-page lyric booklet that feels like part of the message. The cover reads “Come, Lord Jesus, come,” leaving no doubt about who this band represents.

“Trumpet” opens the EP with the shouted call to “sound the trumpet,” and it feels like a live anthem. The mix of clean and harsh vocals hits perfectly. “Monolith” begins with a guttural “Let Your fire fall down” and delivers one of the strongest lines on the album: “I’m determined to preach nothing more than Jesus Christ crucified.” “Pages” reflects on questioning Scripture and faith in a healthy way, showing the vocalist’s range between intensity and melody. “Forget” centers on forgiveness, anchored by the lyric “You don’t treat me according to my iniquities,” and features some of the best breakdowns on the record. “Deep” closes the EP with strong harmonies and skilled guitar work, building from “set me free” to the cry “Holy Spirit, fill me with peace.”

The EP carries the spirit of early Facedown Records but brings their own fresh twist. Mastering by Ryan Leitru (For Today) gives it a clean yet punchy finish. The band thanks Trevor Tyson, who has made a good name for himself in this scene, and that connection feels fitting.

Sound the Trumpet is straight-up hardcore that blends passion, purpose, and faith with skill. Every part of this release shows thought and care. No Treaty is not just making noise; they are making a stand. I can’t wait for the full album.

Band Links:
https://notreatytcc.bandcamp.com/album/sound-the-trumpet
https://www.facebook.com/notreatyband/
https://open.spotify.com/album/6ILEzhJuHfMgVkLZzvsafA

Plead the Widow’s Cause (Silver Glass Stare) Review

From the heart of South Jersey’s hardcore scene, Plead the Widow’s Cause delivers Silver Glass Stare, an album that feels both raw and refined. Their debut Pain Split introduced a sound rooted in conviction and emotion, but this new record pushes further with greater focus and weight. Recorded at Nada Recording Studio with producer John Naclerio, the production brings clarity to the chaos, making every scream and strike of the drum kit feel intentional.

The deluxe vinyl edition from Resuscitation Records is a collector’s dream. Pressed on emerald green 180-gram wax and limited to 250 copies, it holds the kind of care and purpose that defines this band. The color choice feels symbolic, reflecting the heart behind the track “Emerald Eyes.” The artwork is simple and meaningful. The back of the lyric booklet shows the band sitting on sand dunes beside a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien that reads, “The journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.” It is a statement that frames the record perfectly, offering hope beyond the storm.

“Marah” opens with purpose. Ian’s shifts in vocal tone keep the intensity alive, setting the tone for everything that follows. “Jet Black Heart” mixes clean vocals with raw grit. The harmony and gang vocals on “I’m so overwhelmed” are chilling, creating one of the most memorable moments on the record. “Grey” carries a strong punk energy that moves the record forward with pace and attitude. “Clip the Wings” features solid chugging guitars and a personal cry of release with the line “I will forgive you.” The emotion feels authentic, like it came from deep within. “Emerald Eyes” captures loss and grief with sincerity, reflecting on the pain of someone gone too soon. The balance of melody and heaviness gives it emotional weight.

“Sunset” flows with ease and rhythm, ending with a slowdown that makes for a perfect transition when flipping the record. “Life Moves in a Circle” brings some of the album’s best breakdowns. The repeated line “I feel sick. I feel sick. Look at my heart” lands hard, and the guest vocals from G of Unwithered add extra grit. Ian’s voice climbs higher near the end and fits perfectly. “Burn Bright, Burn Out” delivers straightforward hardcore energy and ends with a powerful call to action: “Wake up, it’s not too late.” “Paper Cranes” is a personal favorite. The lyrics tell a vivid story of a man suffering radiation poisoning from corporate negligence, describing “a plague that’s gripping the skin,” “skin is falling off,” and “organs are failing from damage sustained.” It is raw and visual, showing the band’s ability to paint pictures through heavy music. “Trapped Within” grabs attention immediately with its opening scream. The layering of clean and harsh vocals is done masterfully. The lyrics strike straight to the heart: “Let your flesh be crushed to dust. You cannot save yourself… watch sin dissolve in blood.” “Spitting Venom” ends the record with speed and conviction. The line “Don’t you remember who He died for, the sick” captures the mission of the band in one breath. The slower ending allows the message to sink in: “Blood covered dirty works, yet there is fire on your tongue. No compassion for the lost. Forgetting where He saved you from.”

Hearing Silver Glass Stare on vinyl gives the record a new life. The 180-gram pressing adds warmth and depth, letting the guitars and vocals breathe. The emerald green wax looks beautiful under light and feels symbolic of renewal and hope. The 12-page lyric booklet is a standout. It includes color photos of the band performing and full lyrics that pull you into their world. Many modern records skip details like this, but this one gets it right. The quality of the layout and printing shows intention and respect for the listener. It makes you feel connected to the music and the people behind it. The mastering is well done, keeping the low-end punch strong while preserving the clarity of the highs. It’s a release made for those who love the ritual of dropping a needle and feeling each note through the speakers.

Silver Glass Stare captures the heart of spirit-filled hardcore. It is intense, heartfelt, and built on faith that does not waver. The themes of forgiveness, loss, redemption, and surrender all circle back to one truth: everything points to Jesus Christ. This is not a lukewarm record. It stands firm in truth and conviction, offering both strength and honesty. The vinyl edition brings the experience to life with thoughtful design and powerful sound. Limited to 250 copies, it is worth grabbing quickly before it disappears into collectors’ shelves. The journey this album takes you on is heavy yet hopeful, grounded in the message that through pain and chaos, there is still grace and light.

Official Links:
https://pleadthewidowscause.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/pleadthewidowscause
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3TeoEMz8LEzB5t0hUcZYm8

Clear Convictions – Endure (Remixed) Review

Clear Convictions – Endure (Remixed)

Clear Convictions has always represented more than just another name in Christian hardcore. Emerging from Puerto Rico in the early 2000s, the band fused spiritual grit with underground authenticity, earning their place beside acts like xDisciplex A.D. and Figure Four. Over the years, their albums A Past That Attempts to Define Me and The Mystery of Iniquity became benchmarks of unfiltered conviction. After reuniting with a renewed sense of purpose, the band released Endure in 2024 as an unsigned project that carried a message of perseverance and faith. Now, through Resuscitation Records, mixer Ryan Leitru has given the album new life, and Endure (Remixed) stands as both a refinement and a reaffirmation of everything Clear Convictions has always stood for.

The improvement in sound is immediate. Ryan put a lot of effort into this mix, and it shows. Guitars cut through with precision, the drums hit hard and tight, and the vocals carry more weight without losing their raw intensity. The mastering by Rob Colwell gives the entire project depth and cohesion, bringing a clarity that reveals details once buried. It is another example of his magic touch, enhancing what was already a strong record. The limited vinyl pressing looks stunning on clear wax. It plays at 45 RPM, which means recalibrating the setup, a small but noticeable step for listeners. Once spinning, the result is worth it. The artwork, showing a tattooed man holding a cross, is simple yet reflective, inviting thought before a single note is played. The lyric booklet is large, filled with photos, and though printed in black and white, it shows care and intention. At a time when many new releases skip these details, this edition reminds fans how much presentation still matters. Limited to only 250 copies, this one is worth finding before it disappears.

From the opening track “Rise Above,” the album’s purpose is clear. The call to rise becomes a statement of faith and resilience, setting the tone for what follows. “No Man Is a Lost Cause” hits hard with lyrics that deliver the Gospel message without compromise, reminding listeners that grace is available to anyone willing to receive it. “Hope” keeps the pace driving with straight-ahead hardcore energy, while “Moving On” pushes forgiveness to the forefront, encouraging release and spiritual growth. “I Am” stands out for its crisp guitar work, and “Breaking Curses” drives home one of the strongest lyrical declarations on the record: “my past sins are not allowed to interfere on me or my future generations.” It is a powerful moment that will move the crowd in any live setting. The title track, “Endure,” feels like the heartbeat of the record. The refrain “endure, get up and finish your race” perfectly captures the mindset the band has lived out for years. “Taking It to the Streets” closes the first half with a slower instrumental that acts as a thoughtful bridge rather than a cooldown.

The second side keeps the fire burning. “It’s Settled” uses layered background vocals to build atmosphere without losing intensity, while “Down in the Potter’s Shop” mixes cleaner vocals with heavy riffs, adding an emotional dimension that balances power with reflection. “Soy Libre,” sung in Spanish, proudly connects to the band’s Puerto Rican roots and delivers one of the most forceful performances on the album. “Welcome to the Last Days” blends slower chugging riffs with the band’s trademark urgency, while “The Great Divide” finishes strong, declaring “he’s gathering a remnant of unshakable integrity.” The lyric speaks to the album’s entire theme: endurance through faith, unity, and conviction.

Inside the record’s thank-you section, the band writes, “We would like to thank God for His great salvation, His infinite grace over us, and for blessing us with the gift of music, a beautiful way to express our constant desire to please Him.” That one statement, paired with the album’s lyrical content, leaves no question about where this band stands. Clear Convictions continue to hold firm to the truth that shaped them, showing no hint of compromise.

Endure (Remixed) is a hardcore album in every sense, straightforward and unrelenting, yet filled with purpose and hope. There are no new songs here, but the improved production and attention to detail make it a completely new experience. It is proof that conviction still matters, and Clear Convictions continues to live up to their name.

For more on the band:
https://resuscitation.store/pages/clear-convictions
https://clearconvictions.bigcartel.com/
https://www.instagram.com/clearconvictionshc/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/09ng8r10xRtQCgrmgf40np
https://www.facebook.com/ClearConvictionsBand/
https://x.com/CConvictionshcx