I'm fairly confident that most Christians are familiar with the band called Kutless,. They've been on the Christian music scene for quite a while now. I admit that while I was familiar with their name, I couldn't tell you what their music sounded like. When I received their latest album, Alpha/Omega, for free, in exchange for my honest review, I was looking forward to finally hearing their work.
Guess what happened? I discovered that I was already familiar with their music! Many, if not most of the songs on this project, are ones that our family have enjoyed at church and youth group. How did I not know ? I'm a little embarrassed, to tell you the truth. Oh well, red face aside, I'm glad to be in the loop now. So, I'm going to share our thoughts about Alpha/Omega, but first, a little more information about the band.
About Kutless:
Since signing to BEC Recordings in 2001, Kutless has transformed from a new rock band to a staple artist in the industry that has multi-format, top-charting hits, sold millions of records and more than eight million streams. Launched by original members Jon Micah Sumrall (lead vocals) and guitarist James Mead, the band formed first as a modern rock/worship band at Warner Pacific College in Portland in 2000. Kutless has two RIAA Gold-selling albums for Strong Tower and Live from Portland. The band has had 12 No. 1 radio singles across all formats including their major hits "Strong Tower,” "What Faith Can Do" and "Carry Me To The Cross.”
After more than 15 years together and reaching fans around the world, Kutless continues to be focused on sharing the Gospel with a younger generation that is searching for answers.
“We really believe that music can make a difference in people’s lives,” shares Jon Micah Sumrall. “Music is an incredibly powerful tool that can break down walls and allow us to communicate a message of hope to people who may not listen otherwise. We are still recording and performing because we really do believe it makes a difference. We hear stories all the time from people who share with us how a concert or a song has radically impacted their life, and it’s these types of testimonies that keep us going year after year.”
In 2012, Kutless formed EOTA Ministries (End of The Age) to expand their evangelistic outreach around the globe. EOTA is the non-profit arm that aids Kutless in hosting large, free outreach concerts and events. In 2015, they partnered with other organizations to bring concerts to Kiev, Ukraine and other cities for six events - the largest of their kind in that country. The next year, Kutless returned to 11 cities in Ukraine as well as in Belarus, a communist country, where more than 100,000 heard the Gospel and over 40,000 commitments to Christ.
With their upcoming album ALPHA / OMEGA, Kutless has created a collection of rock and worship songs of both original and cover tracks that are true to who the band has been for the last 17 years. They wanted to create a project that would engage the Christian community and have the greatest impact. The songs are true to who the band is at their core - rock and worship. ALPHA / OMEGA features a new version of “Strong Tower” as well as the debut radio single “King of My Heart.”
Go ahead, have a listen:
Here is the lineup of songs:
1.) Your Great Name
2.) Strong Tower
3.) King Of My Heart
4.) Cornerstone
5.) You Are Love
6.) Great Are You Lord
7.) Your Love Awakens Me
8.) Shepherd Of My Soul
9.) Gave It All
10.) No Wonder
Okay, let's get back to business. I figured that for my first listen, I would put it on for background music, and kind of get a general feel for the tone of the album. I quickly discovered that this wasn't going to be background music for me. I was drawn in by the worship. Now, I've always loved hard driving rock. I come from the 80's Hair Band scene, lol. So, the more anthem leaning songs on Alpha/Omega appeal to me. Yet Kutless performs the ballads in a fashion that appeals to those with my tastes. It seems to me that it's rare to find a group, even a Christian one, that has a gift for combining that style with genuine reverence. Music that yes, has you singing and feeling the beat, but also has you raising your hands in worship to God.
I'm in, I'm a fan. Lead vocalist Jon Micah Sumrall has a powerful, but velvety voice that can belt out a rock anthem with the best of them (Strong Tower, Your Love Awakens Me), and can also effortlessly bring you into the presence of God ( Gave It All, Your Great Name, King Of My Heart). This is on my repeat play list. I really think you'll like this project, so grab a copy!
* I received a free copy of Alpha/Omega by Kutless in exchange for my honest opinion.
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