Stricken
Stricken is a christian Groove-Thrash/ Metal band from Southern California with all members being veterans in the christian Metal scene. All band mates are former members of "Tower of Hundred","Fullife", and "Krush." (For a definition of Groove-Thrash see Genre Defs)
Being honest, It took me a while to be motivated enough to get a copy of Stricken's self-titled debut album because I couldn't get past the album artwork.
Being honest, It took me a while to be motivated enough to get a copy of Stricken's self-titled debut album because I couldn't get past the album artwork.
But, after listening to the album, I knew that this album was worth attaining a copy of as they are one of the best bands I've heard in a while. Having purchased the album and giving it a few spins, I placed the band under the genre Metal/Hard Rock. However, as I have continued to listen to this album, I had an unsettledness about their genre placement. This was partly due to the guitar work of Stricken, reminding me of the Thrash genius of "Grave Forsaken" and "Step Cousin" while the vocals remind me of lead Vocalist Joe Chambless who did vocal duties on "Eternal Decision's" first two albums. When these elements are combined with the vocal barks and overall style of the album you end up with what's called Thrash. However, Stricken incorporates the shredding style and sound of Groove-Thrash to appeal to a more modern day audience while still holding onto some elements of traditional Thrash.
After gaining a better understanding of the genre of this band, the album art work makes more sense and is now growing on me.
If there's any doubts about my genre placement of this band then one only has to listen to the opening track "Awakened" with its Thrash'n guitar work and its barked out backing vocals along with the vocal delivery style of Dave Meriwether. Also,"Final Day" is a Thrash tune that gives us some hammering drum work not unlike other thrash bands. The song "Gethsemene" is a no brainer with its cool traditional style thrash riffs that also happens to be one of my faves on the album. The Tune "Vicious Cycle" opens with a sick scream and is an obvious Thrash/Speed Metal song that can peel paint off walls. "Heavy Laden" is another track that is obvious thrash metal. Then there is the tune "Wait and See" with its fast Thrash'n riffs that really get the hair fly'n.
Some things that confuse are that the overall drum work isn't done in the traditional Thrash method of the hammer/pounding method, but if you listen to the Thrash band Grave Forsaken, you will find a similar drum style presented. Another thing is that the backing vocals aren't on every track barking out the truth and sometimes it sounds as if the lead vocalist is doing his own backing barked-out-vocals. The final thing that confuses is that the Thrash riffs are presented in a more Groovy manner without being as harsh as traditional Thrash riffs.
The lyrics are full on Christ centered as the band is unashamed of their faith in Jesus Christ. Here are a few lyrics from the song "Gethsemane:"
After gaining a better understanding of the genre of this band, the album art work makes more sense and is now growing on me.
If there's any doubts about my genre placement of this band then one only has to listen to the opening track "Awakened" with its Thrash'n guitar work and its barked out backing vocals along with the vocal delivery style of Dave Meriwether. Also,"Final Day" is a Thrash tune that gives us some hammering drum work not unlike other thrash bands. The song "Gethsemene" is a no brainer with its cool traditional style thrash riffs that also happens to be one of my faves on the album. The Tune "Vicious Cycle" opens with a sick scream and is an obvious Thrash/Speed Metal song that can peel paint off walls. "Heavy Laden" is another track that is obvious thrash metal. Then there is the tune "Wait and See" with its fast Thrash'n riffs that really get the hair fly'n.
Some things that confuse are that the overall drum work isn't done in the traditional Thrash method of the hammer/pounding method, but if you listen to the Thrash band Grave Forsaken, you will find a similar drum style presented. Another thing is that the backing vocals aren't on every track barking out the truth and sometimes it sounds as if the lead vocalist is doing his own backing barked-out-vocals. The final thing that confuses is that the Thrash riffs are presented in a more Groovy manner without being as harsh as traditional Thrash riffs.
The lyrics are full on Christ centered as the band is unashamed of their faith in Jesus Christ. Here are a few lyrics from the song "Gethsemane:"
"Gethsemane"
Jesus gave his life a sacrifice
He shed His blood He died for you and I
He gave His life for you want you give your life to Him
Jesus gave his life a sacrifice
He shed His blood He died for you and I
He gave His life for you want you give your life to Him
Stricken is one of those not so well known bands that have the ability of being a household name if they will stay with it and if fans will get behind them. This isn't one to let slip through the cracks so if you like Thrash Metal on the groovier side of things then pick up a copy of Stricken's debut release.
Musicians:
Dave Meriwether-Vocals
Corey Newton-Guitars
Matt kearny-Guitars
Dana Emery-Bass
Brian Scottini-Drums
Musicians:
Dave Meriwether-Vocals
Corey Newton-Guitars
Matt kearny-Guitars
Dana Emery-Bass
Brian Scottini-Drums
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