We As Human

Christian rockers We As Human arrive with the endorsement of Skillet’s John Cooper, who helped the Nashville quintet secure a deal with Atlantic Records. On this self-titled debut, the band proves its mettle with snarling yet tuneful songs capturing the struggle for faith in heroic terms. Justin Cordle's throat-shredding vocals blend the raw aggression of Seven Day Slumber’s Joe Rojas with the Southern seasoning of Needtobreathe’s Bear Rinehart. Volleys of roaring guitars and slamming drum work add heft to solid melodies that build to arena-shaking choruses; they drive home a call for resistance against the snares of a fallen world. “Bring to Life,” “Let Me Drown," and “Dead Man” betray a hint of grunge as the band rebukes the Enemy and reaches for salvation. Particularly ferocious is “Zombie,” a slashing attack on spiritual numbness featuring Cooper on co-lead vocals. Another high point is a guest appearance by Ex-Flyleaf lead singer Lacey Strumm on the searing “Take the Bullets Away." We As Human lightens its sound on the keyboard-heavy “We Fall Apart,” an anthem for imperfect believers.