Cross Covenant is an Indie band from Hemingway, SC where they formed back in 2009 with the goal of creating Hard Rock and Worship that glorifies Christ. Cross Covenant has two full-length releases to their credit with 2011 - 'I Will Not Drown' & 2013 - 'Learning To Fight'.
Concerning the origins of the band's name, Cross Covenant had the following to say: "Our band name came from the idea that the cross represents God's covenant agreement with us that he will be faithful to keep."
Concerning the origins of the band's name, Cross Covenant had the following to say: "Our band name came from the idea that the cross represents God's covenant agreement with us that he will be faithful to keep."
In 2013, Cross Covenant released their followup sophomore album titled 'Learning To Fight'. Cross Covenant is a six piece band with Frontman-Josh Adams also on Guitars, Ashley Adams-Vocals, Casey Davis-Guitars, Keyboards, & Vocals, Tyler Perry-Guitars, Cortney Howell-Bass, and Brody Pope behind the kit. On this sophomore release, the band comes out swinging and deliver an upercut to the unsuspecting listener. The band's overall sound, production, heaviness, and song arrangements have all greatly improved between their debut and their sophomore effort.
For those who enjoy a little diversity within an album, 'Learning To Fight' steps up to the ring and can fill that need. With track-1 "Lambs and Wolves" the band starts things off with some Piano and then launches into some straight forward Rock n' Roll. The lyrics here challenges us to go out and fight for the Lord among wolves in order to win souls for the kingdom of God. Track-2 "Chaos Theory" takes on a heavy Epic Symphonic approach complete with operatic like backing Vocals from Ashley Adams. I must say that Ashley's Vocal delivery on this tune works much better with the band's overall music style and suits her better than when she delivers in her normal Vocal delivery. On this track, Drummer Brody Pope drops the hammer with an over-the-top epic skin pounding technique that quickly catches ones attention. Track-3 "Where The Angels Cry" is a well done Progressive tune that starts out soft and works its way up to a heavier sound. Track-4 "Devil In A Bottle" is one of the heaviest tracks on the album. On this track, the lyrics talk about how alcohol can destroy lives and ultimately land you in Hell but there is one who can set you free namely Jesus. Track-5 "Rat Race" features Ashley Adams on lead Vocals. This tune sounds like an early 80's adult contemporary song and doesn't fit with the rest of the tracks on this album. For me "Rat Race" is a skipper however, don't let this track keep you from purchasing the album because the album boasts 13 tracks in total. Track-6 "Learning To Fight" is another Rocker that features the piano. Some of the best Rock bands like Journey with Keyboardist Jonathan Cain, have made use of the piano which can add to the mix a sense of anticipation and excitement for what's to come. I believe that keyboardist Casey Davis has captured some of that magic with his timely touches not only on "Learning To Fight" but also on other tracks throughout this disc.
Track-7 "Through Your Eyes" kicks things up a notch with its Symphonic touches and heavy guitar riffs coupled with some gritty Vocal work by frontman-Josh Adams. This track reminds us, as christians, that we are considered a master piece in the eyes of God. Track-8 "Last Son" is another Rock tune that speaks about missionaries as being heroes that fight for the Lord to win others to God's kingdom. Track-9 "2 Fisted Gospel" might just be the heaviest track on this 2013 release. This tune delivers up some heavy guitar play along with Metalesque Vocals from Josh Adams more in the veins of Vocalist from the 80's era. Track-10 "The Otherside" opens with some sweet Piano play from Casey which continues throughout the tune. When it comes to the chorus, there's a smooth groovy sound reminiscent of what 80's era bands like 'The Eagles' have captured. Track-11 "Last Shot" Cranks things back up with some heavier guitar play all the while capturing that Hair Metal sound in the Vocals that was so prevalent back in the 1980's. Track-12 "All Things" with its vocals and music style, once again, draws comparison to bands like 'The Eagles'. Track-13 "Secret Song" opens with some soft acoustic guitar play reminiscent of the guitar work found in tracks like "Hotel California" by The Eagles. This track is meant to be fun and is similar to what we have seen with Adam Sandler's humorous songs.
Track-7 "Through Your Eyes" kicks things up a notch with its Symphonic touches and heavy guitar riffs coupled with some gritty Vocal work by frontman-Josh Adams. This track reminds us, as christians, that we are considered a master piece in the eyes of God. Track-8 "Last Son" is another Rock tune that speaks about missionaries as being heroes that fight for the Lord to win others to God's kingdom. Track-9 "2 Fisted Gospel" might just be the heaviest track on this 2013 release. This tune delivers up some heavy guitar play along with Metalesque Vocals from Josh Adams more in the veins of Vocalist from the 80's era. Track-10 "The Otherside" opens with some sweet Piano play from Casey which continues throughout the tune. When it comes to the chorus, there's a smooth groovy sound reminiscent of what 80's era bands like 'The Eagles' have captured. Track-11 "Last Shot" Cranks things back up with some heavier guitar play all the while capturing that Hair Metal sound in the Vocals that was so prevalent back in the 1980's. Track-12 "All Things" with its vocals and music style, once again, draws comparison to bands like 'The Eagles'. Track-13 "Secret Song" opens with some soft acoustic guitar play reminiscent of the guitar work found in tracks like "Hotel California" by The Eagles. This track is meant to be fun and is similar to what we have seen with Adam Sandler's humorous songs.
Concerning their lyrical direction the band states:
"Our songs are bold and Christ-centered and we hope the lyrics challenge and encourage others to follow God."
"Our songs are bold and Christ-centered and we hope the lyrics challenge and encourage others to follow God."
This isn't just a casual statement as you can see in the following lyrics the band's commitment to bring the Truth to their listeners.
"Tear The Temple Down"
Nothing but white-washed tombs just rotting inside
The time is coming soon there will be nowhere to hide
The old ways are dead this is a coming tide
The firstborn of the dead will open up their eyes
I'll tear the temple down
rebuild it in three days
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
The trumpet call will sound and all the nations praise
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
The church is more than walls and laws that man has made
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
I'll tear the temple down rebuild it in three days
Ill tear the temple down
Tear down these stained-glass walls that hide you from my call
The den of vipers that hiss and think they know it all
Don't they know that pride cometh before a fall
The son of man has come he will reveal it all
I'll tear the temple down, rebuild it in three days
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
The trumpet call will sound and all the nations praise
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
The church is more than walls and laws that man has made
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
I'll tear the temple down rebuild it in three days. Ill tear the temple down
Nothing but white-washed tombs just rotting inside
The time is coming soon there will be nowhere to hide
The old ways are dead this is a coming tide
The firstborn of the dead will open up their eyes
I'll tear the temple down
rebuild it in three days
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
The trumpet call will sound and all the nations praise
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
The church is more than walls and laws that man has made
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
I'll tear the temple down rebuild it in three days
Ill tear the temple down
Tear down these stained-glass walls that hide you from my call
The den of vipers that hiss and think they know it all
Don't they know that pride cometh before a fall
The son of man has come he will reveal it all
I'll tear the temple down, rebuild it in three days
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
The trumpet call will sound and all the nations praise
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
The church is more than walls and laws that man has made
(tear the temple down, tear the temple down)
I'll tear the temple down rebuild it in three days. Ill tear the temple down
If you are looking for some new Hard Rock in the veins of bands like Bone Prophet, Old Man Shattered, From This Fire, Written In Red, of even Veritas Infinita then don't hesitate to pick up a copy of Cross Covenant's 2013 release 'Learning To Fight'.
Musicians:
Josh Adams - lead Vocals & Guitars
Ashley Adams - Vocals
Casey Davis - Guitars, Keyboards, & Vocals
Tyler Perry - Guitars
Cortney Howell - Bass
Brody Pope - Drums
Josh Adams - lead Vocals & Guitars
Ashley Adams - Vocals
Casey Davis - Guitars, Keyboards, & Vocals
Tyler Perry - Guitars
Cortney Howell - Bass
Brody Pope - Drums