'Rapture' hails from San Francisco and was formed back in 2014 by vocalist-Richard Haro & guitarist-Garrett Gutierrez. 'Rapture' has been listed by many under the genre-Hardcore which, according to Wikipedia, is short for Hardcore Punk and has its roots going all the way back to the late 1970's. It's then and there when it took form and got its start in both San Francisco & Southern California. Hardcore is generally faster, harder, and more aggressive than other forms of Punk Rock. However, when I listen to the band's arrangements what I hear fits better under the genre placement of Crossover Thrash. Crossover Thrash (often abbreviated to Crossover) is a fusion genre of Thrash Metal and Hardcore Punk. 
       With that said, the reasoning behind why I believe the band to be Crossover is because we don't hear the harsh shouted out vocals normally associated with Hardcore. Also, the musical arrangements heavily move into Thrash territory all the while still holding onto some Punk identifications. To this listener, what 'Rapture' offers up sounds more like Crossover in the veins of California's finest - 'The Crucified'. 
       The idea behind the band's name comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17  "16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  17 Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord.  18 Therefore encourage one another with these words."
The phrase "caught up" is where certain christian groups get the word "rapture" which means to transport (a believer) from earth to heaven at the Second Coming of Christ. The Greek word for “caught up” is “harpazō” which means to seize, to carry off by force, or to snatch away.
       Rapture has 3 releases to their credit with their debut being released in 2015 which is a 6-track EP titled 'Trials'. In 2016 the band released their follow-up 6-track EP titled 'Persevere'. In 2018 Rapture released their third offering which is a 7-track EP titled 'Unburned'.
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2016
​       In 2016 'Rapture' released their follow-up sophomore 6-track EP simply titled 'Persevere'. The album's artwork is eye catching to say the least. It grabs your attention and makes you wander just what's inside. Persevere was released on 'The Attack Records' label and well produced with good sound quality. Vocalist-Richard Haro does a fine job representing the genre while the relentless guitar work of Garrett Gutierrez is noteworthy being heavy and driving yet centering around Thrash oriented riffs. Bassist-Isaac Guerrera keeps things heavy for the band with his terminator bass lines while Tony Rangel holds his own behind the kit doing a good job of mixing things up with his time changes and punishing drum lines.
I really like the strong position that the band has taken with their lyrics
​and the message of grace that permeates throughout their lyrics.
​ The following are some lyric excerpts from 'Persevere':
"Prevail"
These shadows around me, they follow closely with no end in sight 
His loving grace prevails, forgive my faults declare His glory 

Light the nightmares of my crowded mind 
Seek the truth at hand, God hear my cry 
Wash away the deceit of my enemy 
My Lord I'm Yours so give me thy strength 


"144"
Losing self control and peace of mind 
Falling behind, I'll take back my life 
God You promised Grace and You're holding true 
I've lost my way but I refuse to lose 

Faith 
Hope 
Strength 
Set Free 

Don't you fear the reaper 
Remain steadfast 
Resurrection 
Bring me, bring me back 


"Battleground"
The only thing in our vision is triumph 
We persevere through pain and trials 
The enemy always in my sight 
Underestimates my will to fight 

So break these walls down with our might 
Darkness trembles at the sight of light 
The war rages but the battle is won 
My God triumphs His will be done
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(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
       ​If you are looking for something a little different yet Thrash oriented then don't hesitate to pick up this 2016 release by 'Rapture'. If you are into Crossover bands like 'The Crucified' then you are going to love 'Rapture'. At the following link, the band has made 'Trials' & 'Persevere', along with a single release-"One To Die" - all FREE DOWNLOADS!  There are options to buy these albums if you would like to support the band. Also, the band's latest 2018 release can be purchased here as well:
Musicians:
Richard Haro - Vocals
Garrett Gutierrez - Guitars
Isaac Guerrera - Bass
​Tony Rangel - Drums