Ashes Remain ‘What I’ve Become’

There are plenty of musical influences apparent in Ashes Remain’s debut album titled, What I’ve Become, however have no worries, they bring plenty of their own in each song to the Christian rock table. Seemingly, the theme of this album cries out for God to come, comfort, and be there, ever-present. Although a rather popular theme lately, this band brings a fresh perspective.

The record kicks off with the rock radio-friendly song, “Keep Me Breathing”, a hard rocking tune with gritty-vocals and a hot guitar solo midway that any Nickelback fan would thoroughly enjoy. “On My Own” has a bit of a Skillet vibe, pushing out the importance of giving things to God because “I was never meant to fight on my own”. “Everything Good” eases the pace a little with a Building 429 feel, but the theme of relying on God and finding hope is still going strong.

“Without You” is a beautiful piano-driven track with honest, searching lyrics. The swell about two-thirds of the way through just brings the song home. This is full-fledge worship. “Come Alive” rocks out with a kind of Kutless-essence, releasing heavy drumbeats and driving guitars that punctuate strong lyrics: “living for the moment when I come alive”. “Unbroken” is probably the hardest, drum-pounding rock song on the album, with a message about clinging on to Him as He brings us through the fire and “dying to be unbroken”. Next up is yet another great track titled “End of Me” that promises an astounding performance live onstage and an amazing guitar solo midway.

“Right Here” is a bit slower, written respectfully from the point of view of the Lord, expressing His love and willingness to be there for us in the darkest of hours. This is one of those songs you need to listen to a few times and let the words sink in and minister. The following tracks, “Change My Life” which hits mid- tempo and calls out, “I need you to change my life”, and “Take It Away” that reveals a little Kutless flare bring more cries from the heart. “Inside of Me” feels musically like a part two of “Take It Away”. However, again, the words are great- “I cant breathe without You” and “Im not free without You” reveal yet more struggle to be one with God that we all feel now and then. And the chords in the choruses are different enough to set them apart.

Whoever said that you can’t have an emotional, impassioned rock album hasn’t experienced that of Ashes Remain, and I say experienced because its more than just a listen, it’s the journey this record takes you through, and the moving feelings it draws out. By the end, you will more than likely feel redefined and cleansed, and ready to push repeat on your player.