Disciple ‘Skeleton Psalms’

Written by: Abby Thigpen (4/27/2023)

Before we dive into this review, I just have to express how excited I was for Disciple to be part of the Winter Jam Tour this past run. I can’t believe it was their FIRST time on the tour. In my opinion, it was loooooong overdue and I hope they gained a ton of fans because they totally deserve it. Anyways, to the music review.

I love the way the album opens with the choir-like voices ringing in “The Executioner.” I love the biblical remember of “this cross is where I come to die” because I must choose to deny myself daily and take up my cross to follow Christ in his perfect ways every single day. And of course, we open the album with a heavy hitter with plenty of screams, shredding guitars and banging drums.  It’s the perfect way to start off this album and lets you know the ride you’re about to take with what’s in store.

I was at the Columbus Winter Jam stop when I heard “Promise to Live” for the first time. It was absolutely beautiful to hear a new song as a member in the crowd and watch these guys kill it. It has a similar message to older songs like “Dear X” to offer hope to people who are struggling with mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. As someone who suffers from anxiety and is medicated for it, I appreciate that a Christian band is tackling the issue head on instead of ignoring the very real issue it is in our world today. I belt this song while I’m driving, accompanied with air guitar and steering wheel drumming more often than I’d like to admit. The people in cars next to me probably think I’ve lost it, but I don’t care because this song is truly an anthem for anyone and every going through various trials this life throws at us.

“Resurrecting Reasons” is a slower and quieter song, which can be a refreshing change of pace, especially because it allows you to focus on the lyrics a bit more intently. I love the idea of “resurrecting Jesus in me” because it reminds me that I literally am unable to do anything by my own power, it’s all Christ through me. There is also a ton of raw emotion that cuts to the heart of the not so pretty parts of being a Christian, like “murdering [God’s] mercy from my memory.” It’s comforting to know that although we will make mistakes day after day after day, because we’ve accepted Jesus as our savior, we can have a fresh start with a clean slate and he will never leave or forsake us.

“Bow Down” might be my new favorite jam. I was audibly affirming the lyrics as they came through my car speakers, and I had chills up and down my whole body the entire time. It is a masterpiece of rock music with killer guitar riffs and smashing drums mixed with biblical truths, since some of the lyrics are literally scripture itself. Not to mention that the idea of worshiping other idols in this day and age is prevalent everywhere you go. It’s a great reminder that as followers of Christ, we must not worship anything other than God himself. Needless to say, if you look up Christian rock music in a dictionary, I think this song should be the definition.

Overall, this album is a wondrous combination of heavy hitting rock centered on biblical messages that point to the work of Christ. I couldn’t have been happier to see these guys continuing with their craft and getting their message out in the world for more people to connect with and learn about Christ through.

(4.5/5)