New Horizons

New Horizons finds lead singer Lacey Sturm wrapping up her tenure with Flyleaf on a note of salvation and transcendence.  The news of her departure adds a bittersweet pang to these tracks, by turns ferociously aggressive and hauntingly melodic in feel. Sturm shows off all sides of her formidable vocal prowess, roaring at the center of a seething metal maelstrom on “Green Heart” and holding forth with angelic sweetness amidst the chiming chords of “Saving Grace.” Tunes like the luminous ballad “Cage on the Ground” and the volcanic rocker “Fire Fire” both hint at her decision to leave the band and grapple with larger issues of Christian faith. The redemptive power of God remains a constant in these songs, expressed with life-and-death urgency in the title track and with heartbreaking tenderness in “Broken Wings.” Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann prove themselves an exceptional guitar team, whether they are unleashing whipsaw riffage on “Call You Out” or riding the dynamic curves of “Stand.” New Horizons lets Sturm and her band mates say their farewells with a blaze of Spirit-filled glory.