Times of Grace' New Album, "The Hymn of a Broken Man"

I pulled this down from iTunes at the recommendation of a friend, and have been pleasantly surprised at how it has resonated with me. Technically it's a Demon Hunter-type of metalcore with more of a screamo sound layered in on top of the "sung" vocals, but while I don't much care for screamo (i.e. the shrill, high-pitched type of non-pitched vocal delivery), the beauty of this album has really unfolded for me as I've listened to it this morning.

Has anyone else given this a listen and had a similar experience ... and if so, whaddaya think it is that sets this album apart from most of the rest of this type of stuff?

Rob

Oh. My. Goodness! I absolutely love this stuff! I had never heard of them until now. This is exactly the kind of style I enjoy. Not to mention the lyrics are awesome, inspiring, and point to Christ!

Thanks for starting this thread!

I was perusing my Walmart's shelves and I found one copy left. Score!! Now on my iPod.

The iTunes special edition is really great, because it includes a digital LP, where you can pull up lyrics and read them while the songs play, look at liner notes, and you also get a video for each song that was sort of a 'score' in video to accompany each track.

This album is just beyond awesome. Love it, but would love to hear more diversity from these guys. My only complaint is that its mostly one-dimensional.

Of course, I do realize there are some acoustic/diverse stuff on the record- I just mean I'd like to hear more.

I pulled this review off of Indie Vision Music

Quote :

Adam Dutkiewicz, guitarist of metal heavyweights Killswitch Engage, has gotten back together with that band’s former vocalist, Jesse Leach. Together, their “side project” is Times of Grace, an explosion of hard rock and heavy metal sound that is sure to please fans of Killswitch Engage, Demon Hunter, Underoath, Thrice, and even Metallica.

From the first note of “Strength in Numbers,” listeners know this album is going to epic, and full of passion and insight. Shouted over a fast marching snare and an ominous riff, Jesse delivers what could be seen as the thesis statement of the record: “As we live in these dark days filled with violence, opposition and hate, there lies a place of saving grace. Protected in the hearts of the humble, the faithful, the ones who choose the path of resistance to protest, protect, save, proclaim our lives lived not in vain. In flesh, in spirit eternal. One love, One truth, One destiny.” The entire album is a bold and powerful call to unity in faith and love, emphasizing God’s mercy and grace for those overwhelmed by guilt and despair.

Songs like “Live in Love” can get quite heavy with pounding riffs, blazing solos, and fierce screams, but in general The Hymn of a Broken Man echoes back to a purer metal with frequent clean vocals and no real hardcore breakdowns. While there is plenty of singing, especially on choruses, the rest of the vocals are split fairly evenly between true screams and a rough shout, akin to Thrice’s Dustin Kensrue or some stuff from The Showdown’s David Bunton.

The album frequently addresses the darkness of this life, unhesitant to delve into the depths of pain, doubt, guilt, and sorrow. However, without moving on too quickly or glossing over the power of these feelings and experiences, Times of Grace brings the overall message back around to a spark of hope. Compare, for example, the dark acoustic treasure “The Forgotten One” with the rocking and uplifting “Hope Remains.” The first is a passionate plea for the mercy of God amidst the struggles of life, singing, “Lost in a sea of sadness. Blind in this place of darkness. If I fall would you be there to raise me up? Or will I be the forgotten one?” Knowing that God does not work on our timing, the issue is not resolved in the mere five minutes it takes to play the song. However, the very next track, “Hope Remains,” is a positive call-to-action. The chorus sings, “Hold on to faith, hold on to love. Hold on to who you are. You’re not alone, don’t lose sight. We will rise above.” It is not a cheap, optimistic hope that deals with suffering by ignoring it and focusing on the bright side; rather, it is one that stares pain in the face, grieves over the dark realities of life, and moves on to point to the promises of God, even while admitting a lack of knowledge or understanding in regards to when and how those promises will be kept. It is a beautiful and powerful message, one that could resonate well in today’s metal community.

Overall: Working with Jesse Leach again was a great move on Adam D’s part, because Times of Grace has put out an album that could leave a big mark on heavy music today. There is an obvious passion and depth to this Hymn of a Broken Man, both musically and lyrically. Everything about this release is top-notch, from the vocals to the guitars to the lyrics to the production to the overall songwriting. Since Adam is still an active member of Killswitch Engage, it remains unclear how much priority will be given to Times of Grace, but their debut has this reviewer hoping it will receive enough focus to maintain a steady schedule of touring and recording.