The Anthem of Angels

From the start, Seventh Day Slumber’s music has been informed by frontman Joseph Rojas’ personal redemption from self-destruction. The Anthem of Angels continues the Christian rock combo’s shift toward worship music; this time there's an emphasis on original material over cover songs. As on earlier albums, Rojas frames the contrasts between sin and salvation in stark, life-or-death language. On tracks like “Addicted to My Pain,” “Wasted Love," and “My Life,” he alludes to his rescue from addiction in visceral terms while praising God for His compassion. His lyrics' inherent drama is underscored by Jeremy Holderfield’s aggressive lead guitar work, combining metallic ferocity with an instinct for melodic hooks. Rojas remains a compelling vocalist, at times approaching Third Day’s Mac Powell in rough-edged authority. The ballad side of the band’s music isn’t neglected, with “Back Where I Began,” “Never Too Far Gone," and a cover of John Mark McMillan’s “How He Loves” standing out for their uplifting intensity.