The first big Christian metal release of 2015 is here, and it's from the fan favorite Solid State band Haste the Day. The band's return to the spotlight comes in the form of Coward, which features the entire lineup, including past members. If you've followed the band through their career, you'll definitely hear the subtle differences between all of the band members and their influences. Overall, Coward is a fairly strong release, though it does feel slightly disjointed at times. That's not as bad of a thing as one might be led to believe; there aren't really any weak tracks here, but there are a lot of transitions from blistering metalcore to post hardcore, with some soundbytes of speeches thrown in here and there, and it occasionally feels out of left field. It's rather minor, though, as everything they do here, they do well. Longtime fans will appreciate classic Haste the Day-style tracks, like "Coward" and "Gnaw," while also finding enjoyment in the Everything In Slow Motion-esque tracks, like "Secret." If you didn't get to support their crowdfunding campaign, but you always had a soft spot for the band, make sure to pick up Coward. - 5/14/15, Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com


It was an exciting moment when Haste the Day announced their return after a nearly 5-year break. The most interesting part of the announcement is that the current line-up would consist of original members and newer members together. Coward is the result of said combination. Unfortunately, the album plays out like a b-sides album more than a single cohesive record. There are some solid tracks, such as "Take," but something just seems to be a little off with the album overall. Attack of the Wolf King was a great album that was loved by many, but Coward doesn't strike with the same potency. HtD fans will most certainly want to pick this one up, but try to curb your expectations a bit. There is plenty to enjoy, but it's doubtful to blow you away. - 5/22/15, Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com


After five years, Haste The Day is back with a crowd-funded album in Coward. This is an album for all HTD fans to enjoy. Coward features both of the band's career vocalists, giving it the feel of having two parts (and I tend to think of them as "Jimmy tracks" and "Stephen tracks"). You'll find straight-up in-your-face metal that is top notch and reminiscent of older HTD records, alongside perfectly hardcore tunes with nicely sung melodies that are more prevalent in more recent Haste The Day songs. Not every song is perfect, but there's bound to be some (forgivable) rust after a five-year hiatus. Fans who prefer one Haste The Day era over another may not love this, but I know I'll be playing it all summer. - 5/15/15, Kevin Hoskins of Jesusfreakhideout.com


It's been five years since Haste the Day released what many argue was their best work, Attack of the Wolf King. Basically, you have three types of fans with HTD: Those who prefer Jimmy Ryan as lead vocalist, those that prefer the Stephen Keech era, and finally, those who can live with both vocalists. This might be the only release (so far) that has a little for all those types of fans. Unlike AotWK and Dreamer, the clean vocals are just not as prevalent like they had been in the past, with songs like "Travesty," "Mad Man" or "Chorus of Angels." Upon first listen, some HTD fans might be in for a shock, but with multiple sessions, you will begin to admire Coward for some standout tracks, like "Accept" that almost echoes one of their greats, "All I Have" from When Everything Falls to "World" and "Coward" which easily appease the fans of the AotWK. If you walk into this album expecting Attack of the Wolf King Part 2, you will be disappointed because that's not what this release is about. Think of it as a Haste the Day reunion where they combine all the elements of past releases while defining a new chapter. - 5/16/15, Wayne Myatt of Jesusfreakhideout.com