Embers in Ashes is a Christian rock band that doesn't really fit inside a box. They use light metal elements with their guitars but have a distinct pop sound as well. The first two songs, "Set Fire" and "Into My Arms," are great rockers that get you pumped up for the album ahead. Sadly, the rest of Killers and Thieves is up and down, with the last two tracks being ones you'll likely skip. The musical elements in their songs are impressive, even if they are a bit repetitive. They display great talent in this area. The lyrics are mostly generic, and are nothing special, with themes seen too often in Christian music. Some songs, such as "Set Fire," "Into My Arms," "The Mirror," and "Night from Day" have good lyrics, however. An impressive analogy is made in "Into My Arms": "While only treating the symptoms / Pretending there's not a problem / Ignoring the cancer within." Unfortunately lyrics like these are overshadowed by more generic lyrics like the following chorus from the same song: "Run into my arms / I'm waiting here for you / Run into my arms / I'm always here for you." Perhaps Killers and Thieves would have made a stronger collection of songs as an EP (with "Set Fire," "Into My Arms," "Guide Me Home," "The Mirror," "Night From Day," and "Stones" being kept). Embers in Ashes has good musical skill and great sounds for rock fans who like a mix of metal and pop in their music. However, the lyrics will need to become much more creative before they make it to the big stage.

- Review date: 6/18/14, written by William Corbin of Jesusfreakhideout.com