I had never heard of Pillar before hearing their fourth album. The Reckoning is strong from start to finish. It is a collection of some straight up melodic rock that gels in a way that just holds your attention. It's not heavy, nor is it terribly flashy, what it is, is a rock album that has a strong focus on melody and song writing.
While looking up some information on the band, I discovered they are a Christian act. I found that surprising, not in a bad way, I just did not get any type of religious vibe from the album. One thing I have realized over the years is once a band is labeled Christian, it is usually a death knell for any popularity. As we all know, when it comes to hard rock it is all about sex, drugs and rock 'n roll. Not that it has to be, or even should be. Some bands do break through, a recent example would be P.O.D., who have put out a few good albums and back it up with a high energy live show.
Pillar is a solid band that could break through into the main stream. From what I have read, they have put together a solid career thus far, building a following along the way. Something I think will help them in the long run, is their lyrical content does not beat you over the head with any type of Christian agenda or sermons; rather the lyrics are strongly positive and upbeat, matching the music playing with them.
Rob Beckley leads the band with his very melodic singing, which will often break out some rough edge growls when the chorus calls for it. Backing him up is Noah Hensen on guitars, with a strong crisp sound in his riffs and fills. He didn't blow me away, but he carries the music side with his catchy sounds that grab inside your head and rattle around for awhile. The rhythm section is comprised of Lester Estelle on drums and Kalel on bass. They fill out the sound nicely, particularly Estelle's booming drums. Their playing was produced by themselves with Travis Wyrick, and the end result is a very smooth, well produced sound that is clean and easy on the ears.
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