The Christian Manifesto

GENRE: METAL/INDUSTRIAL/ROCK

LABEL: INDEPENDENT

RELEASE DATE: JUNE 13, 2008

RATING: 4 OUT OF 5

Nutshell Version:

Altered Paradigm is one of the best rock bands you’ve never heard of. The foursome from Clarkston, Michigan know how to play, crushing through their 11-track debut at breakneck pace. Boasting the spiritual bent and vocal chops of Creed and the musicianship of Metallica, “Faded” is poised to make some noise and win some fans. Choosing the route of obscure spirituality over saying the name of Christ in every single song, Altered Paradigm has crafted an extremely accessible album that should open a number of doors for them. Again, they’ve got a solid rock sound from beginning to end and they do it well. Refusing to sacrifice quality or pander as so many bands in the Christian subculture have chosen to do, Altered Paradigm is just the type of band the world needs—subversively orthodox, blatantly awesome.

Full Version:

Altered Paradigm is one of the best rock bands you’ve never heard of. The foursome from Clarkston, Michigan know how to play, crushing through their 11-track debut at breakneck pace. Boasting the spiritual bent and vocal chops of Creed and the musicianship of Metallica, “Faded” is poised to make some noise and win some fans.

“Drowning” introduces the listener to Altered Paradigm’s sound with its grinding guitars, tight drum kicks, and raspy vocals drawing the listener into a fresh sonic experience. “You Lied” is a little simplistic in the delivery of the 1^st and 2^nd stanzas, but the chorus is heavy. It has such weight and depth and is conveyed perfectly. Here, vocalist Brad Stuart sounds a bit like Creed’s Scott Stapp, but he also brings his own shoes to the party. It is one of those tracks that will most assuredly be requested at their concerts for years to come. Ed Beebe (drums) and T.J. Thompson (guitar) stand front and center as “Midnight Rain” convenes, allowing some great drumming and guitar licks before Stuart’s vocals rise to the fore. Brian Banks also shines on the turntables, an unusual addition to such a clear cut rock act. The best song on the album is, by far, “Hypocrite.” It is sonically perfect—vocally, instrumentally, productionwise. It stands to become a quick fan favorite. Stuart sings out Look at this Look at you/How can you say you had nothing to do with this mess you made/Still you say I’m the one to blame/Who’s the hypocrite! “Traveler’s Paradox” is going to be one of those tracks that deserves way more credit than its going to get. It is haunting and breath-taking. The guitars here are reminiscent of Days of the New (for those of you who remember that band) and will stick with you long after the music fades. “Bleach” is already a favorite among the band’s fanbase and with good reason. A cry out to God to be saved from themselves, this is the most overtly spiritual track on the album.

The album isn’t perfect, of course. I like the lyrics and instrumental layering of “Russian Roulette,” but I think something is left to be desired in terms of the vocal delivery. It just didn’t work for me as well as it should have. The lyrics on “Leave” are a little difficult to understand at times as Stuart whispers much of what he says. So, unless one has the liner notes readily available, they’ll have to listen to the song several times to make out the words.  

Choosing the route of obscure spirituality over saying the name of Christ in every single song, Altered Paradigm has crafted an extremely accessible album that should open a number of doors for them. Again, they’ve got a solid rock sound from beginning to end and they do it well. Refusing to sacrifice quality or pander as so many bands in the Christian subculture have chosen to do, Altered Paradigm is just the type of band the world needs—subversively orthodox, blatantly awesome.

You can learn more about the band and purchase their CD from www.myspace.com/thealteredparadigm.

Track Listing

1. Drowning
2. You Lied
3. Midnight Rain
4. Surrender
5. Russian Roulette
6. {Untitled}
7. Traveler’s Paradox
8. Hypocrite
9. Bleach
10. Leave
11. Rain Down