RED ‘End of Silence Tenth Anniversary Edition’

Written by: Abby Barasckai-Thigpen (5/31/2016)

Confession time here. When I first got into RED, it was when they were about to release their newest album at the time, Release the Panic, and I only had their first album End of Silence at the time. I had no idea there were albums between those two. You could imagine my surprise when I listened to the completely different sounding Release the Panic album. I was shocked when I turned to Google and found there were multiple other albums of theirs that I had no idea existed. Needless to say, I was happier finding those than having the newly released one.

Out of all the RED albums that have been released, I probably have to say that it’s a tie between Until We Have Faces and End of Silence for my favorite record; so I am super excited that the band has decided to release a 10^th anniversary edition, and even more excited to be able to do a review for one of my favorite bands. So here we go.

My favorite song on the entire album probably has to be “Pieces.” I know it’s not really a rock song with the musical style of it, but the lyrics are just so honest and emotional. The long introduction of strings and piano sets the tone and you know the song is going to be heavy on the heart. Once the guitar enters the picture, it lightens the mood a little bit, but you know you’re still going to be hit in the feels. The opening lines are something that everybody can relate to: “I’m here again, a thousand miles away from you, a broken mess, just scattered pieces of who I am.” We all have our times of doubting or being mad at God and we find ourselves distanced from Him and disconnected from His love, but there is always that turning point where we bring our broken pieces to Him and allow Him to make us whole again. I think this song illustrates that perfectly. The softer musical touches really let you focus on the vocals and lyrics so the meaning of the song really comes across clearly.

Taking a turn away from the softer music, “Let Go” punches you in the face with guitars and drums along with screaming vocals; the true rock sound. The small breakdown in the middle of the song is so powerful because the vocals go from a low growl to an all out scream, which makes more of an impact of the meaning of telling your demons that they don’t own you anymore and you’re ready to let go of the pain, hurt, abuse, or whatever else it is that’s had a hold on your life. I think the softer outro of strings and piano really allows the listener to reflect on the choice of letting go of whatever it was that had a hold on them and gives them an opportunity to breathe, reflect, and heal.

Next, “Breathe Into Me.” We all knew this was coming. You can’t talk about RED without talking about this song. I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say that this is their most popular and most well known song. The song may be old, but it’s good. The variation of softer verses that have pops of guitars and drums paired with the more powerful chorus, with a slight seasoning of screams mixed in for just the right touch of heavy, provides a nice balance throughout the song. And the lyrics? Perfect. They’re all about how when we turn away from Christ and try to do things on our own, we fall on our faces and realize just how much we need Him. Then once we hit that rock bottom realization point, we ask Him to come back into our lives and fill us with His love. A common Christian theme, but executed oh so wonderfully.

Since the album is re-mastered and a special edition, of course there has to be a few new tunes on it. “If I Break” is another slower and more emotional song talking about questioning if God will stay with you in the hard times when you just fall apart. Guitars and piano are the main soft melody and the vocals reach some higher points than normal and it’s a calming refresher after listening to the heavier and in your face kind of songs seen throughout the rest of the album. “Circles” is a long instrumental that starts off slower and calmer but gradually builds into a more heavy rock sound. I have to admit that I miss having some vocals, but the music does sound pretty cool.

Overall, I just think that it’s nice to have a band with a real rock sound singing about Jesus and all the good things He brings to the lives of believers. The Christian rock scene seems to be hurting and dwindling lately and it makes me smile that some Christian rock bands are continuing to put out heavy albums with good messages. Fans will not be disappointed with this special anniversary album. I can’t wait to add it to my collection.

4.5/5