Album Reviews
Movie reviews
Concert Reviews

Top 10
Resources
Contact Us

I recently had the chance to check out the _Scars Remain_ tour featuring Disciple, Decyfer Down, and Fireflight. The concert was delivered at The Other Side in Tulsa, Oklahoma on January 19, 2007. As a big Decyfer Down fan, I was not at all skeptical of the fact this was going to be an excellent show. Naturally, DD took the stage and performed an amazing set. Having seen these guys before their album _Out of the Grey_ hit the market, I was impressed at how they have grown in ability since they went into the studio with a major label. They played several tunes from the album, one of which is "Burn Back the Sun." If you haven't heard it, I suggest you pick up the record and listen to it. It's quite possibly the most impacting song I have heard in the past few years from any Christian artist or group. As I am into a lot of hard music, I was a bit skeptical at the quality of a performance Fireflight was going to give us. Not that I didn't think they could pull off a great set, I have just gotten tired of hearing the song "You Decide" every three hours on our local Christian radio station. So as soon as they took the stage, I was pleasantly surprised with the performance.

These guys (and gals) took the stage and absolutely shook the place. They had a great sound and a load of energy. I was impressed at the level of interaction they had with the audience. I even dug the live version of "You Decide." It was far better than hearing it on the radio. I was so convinced of the band's sound that I am actually now heading out to my local Christian book and music retailer to pick up my very own copy of the album. Good on ya, Fireflight.

Now on to Disciple: naturally, as I am a hard rocker and all, I was expecting these guys to tear up the stage. But boy, was I in for a huge shock. See, unlike most of my fellow headbangers out there in the audience, I have never seen Disciple in concert. What a mistake I was making by missing these guys in concert; these guys were worth the wait. From the first chords ripped out of the guitarists' camouflaged Zakk Wylde Fender Custom to the very last guttural scream from the lead singers throat, this band redefined and reaffirmed my faith in the fact that Christians can rock longer and harder than the secular market--and love doing it, too. I was absolutely pulled into an ear-shattering vortex of Christian metal that I had not experienced in years.

This band really knows how to put on a good show. Song after song kept the crowd moving in a furious state. When I thought it couldn't get any better, they stopped playing, and the lead singer took the time to whip out his Bible. This was definitely the highlight of the concert for me. Having been trained at a seminary, I was impressed that a band of this caliber was ministering to the crowd. He read a few classic verses and spoke to young and old about letting go of things that hold us back from a better life. Awesome! Shortly after his ministry moments, Disciple ripped out a handful of older tunes, in a barreling medley, and sent the crowd running to the merchandise tables with tears and sweat and smiles all around the house.

Kids, I am truly thankful I caught this tour, and believe you me; if you miss this one... you could be missing the greatest concert tour of the year. Hands down, this is the epitome of rock! Well enough for now.... I'll see you on the flipside. Keep rockin'!

Mike Cooper  February 11, 2007