Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review


Colossus, Badlands
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Colossus
Badlands



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Metal / Hardcore
Album length: 10 tracks: 31 minutes, 28 seconds
Street Date: September 16, 2014


READER RATING:   


Facedown Records had a seminal year last year with no fewer than half a dozen very stellar releases, and Colossus was a part of that outpouring with their debut, Time & Eternal. They did everything right and produced a high-quality and highly enjoyable, if not truly original, record. This time around, on Badlands, Colossus again leaves little to complain about. Armed with more quality production, a more progressive and eclectic sound, and an unashamedly dark lyrical approach, Badlands definitely looks to turn up what has admittedly been a quieter year for Facedown (quieter than last year at least). Starting with an effective instrumental prelude, "Demons" immediately starts out as the album's highlight, with a powerful breakdown and angsty lyrics calling to Jesus to save them from the demons that torment them. "Outcasts" is another highlight, with more frenzied and ambient guitars and vitrol-filled lyrics questioning non-believers why Christians are the ones always dragged through the mud. Throughout the album, Colossus presents us with solid breakdowns with a good mix of crisp percussion and lead guitar work that is sure to make any metalcore fan happy. Overall, lyrically, Badlands vents a lot of angst and frustration, and clearly this album has a lot to say. But hope does lurk behind their venting, such as in the thoroughly encouraging "Worthless," or the finale "Nicotine" where lead vocalist, Alex Gutzmer, longs to God for forgiveness and salvation. A powerful and quality album all around, and with definite areas of improvement over an already-strong debut, this four-man group from South Dakota is firmly establishing themselves as a force in Christian metalcore.

- Review date: 10/4/14, written by Mark Rice of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

. Record Label: Facedown Records
. Album length: 10 tracks: 31 minutes, 28 seconds
. Street Date: September 16, 2014
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Badlands (1:10)
  2. Demons (3:39)
  3. Slow Burn (3:04)
  4. Outcast (3:39)
  5. Worthless (3:22)
  6. Shades of Gray (2:44)
  7. Downcast Eyes (4:02)
  8. Insomnia (3:21)
  9. Recoil (2:51)
  10. Nicotine (3:36)

 

Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Tuesday, September 9, 2025
DC3 Bake Off - A COLORS SHOW - Single (independent)
Former Ruins In Your Field - Single (independent)
John Van Deusen Hallelujah Story - Single [Anotherland]

This Friday, September 12, 2025
ALBUMS
Jervis Campbell Good Grief! (independent)
Demon Hunter There Was A Light Here [Weapons MFG]
Roxanne Grace Try Again [DREAM]
Ellie Holcomb Far Country [Capitol CMG]
Sower Contemporary Christian Machine - EP (independent)
twenty one pilots Breach [Fueled By Ramen]
Phil Wickham Song of the Saints [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
BASECAMP Under the Blood (feat. Knaladeus) - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Dan Bremnes Find Yourself - Single [Curb]
Matt Hammitt Days God Gave - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Margins - Single (independent)
The Undertaking! Forever Remember - Single (independent)

Next Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Joel Vaughn TBA [DREAM]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images