Telos

After releasing a pair of independent albums, Forevermore take a confident leap into the Christian metal major leagues with Telos. There’s a definite prog-rock strain in Forevermore’s music, heard in the stylistic juxtapositions of guitarists Jared Storm and Alex Smith as well as the deft rhythmic shifts of bassist Michael Taylor and drummer Sammy Vaughn. Bringing unity to these tracks are the formidable vocals of Kramer Lowe, who manages to inject considerable humanity into his monster-sized growls and bellows. Forevermore’s sense of nuance doesn’t prevent them from displaying real metal muscle, as evidenced by relentless tunes like “The Great Divide,” “Lackluster,” and “Paper World.” “State of Gold” is a particular standout with its boogie-tinged guitar work and escalating dynamics. The album’s lyrics contrast the lies and snares of a fallen world with God’s overarching majesty and redemptive power. Clean vocals emerge from the violently churning surface of “Harbor Lights” to deliver a message of salvation, closing Telos on a hopeful note.