Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Music Review


Opponent, Sentinel
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Opponent
Sentinel



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Metalcore
Album length: 10 tracks: 34 minutes, 20 seconds
Street Date: July 8, 2022


READER RATING:   


In 2022, Solid State Records is pulling out the big guns, with new releases from The Devil Wears Prada, Norma Jean, and even Becoming the Archetype. But they’re also still in the business of signing new artists, which is the case for Seattle’s Opponent. The band formed in 2018 and has independently released plenty of singles and an EP, but their first full-length has been saved for their label debut.

The trio’s big introduction to the world at large comes in the form of Sentinel, a ten-track metalcore album that has the benefit of being produced by none other than Demon Hunter’s Ryan Clark. A fitting choice, if there ever was one, as the band very clearly draws inspiration from the Christian metal legends. Most notably, vocalist Andy Maier’s screams and growls often sound like those of Clark, occasionally to the point of being nearly indistinguishable. I had hoped that this was something merely on their debut single, “Betrayed,” but it does continue through the majority of the album. The music itself does do more to break up the monotony, but it largely falls into the category of generic metalcore, with little to really grab my attention. Not to mention some portions of the album feel sloppy and chaotic, and some production choices don’t hit the way they were probably intended, such as some lofi moments in the closing track, “Remember.”

New signings to favorite labels always create a bit of excitement. But occasionally, they can lead to a disappointing debut. Unfortunately, that’s the case for Opponent and Sentinel. It’s far from terrible - in fact, it’s a perfectly serviceable album if you’re looking for some decent metalcore - but not much more can be said about it.

- Review date: 7/7/22, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Solid State Records
. Album length: 10 tracks: 34 minutes, 20 seconds
. Street Date: July 8, 2022
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: Amazon.com (CD)
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Overture (1:20)
  2. Sentinel (2:49)
  3. Betrayed (3:36)
  4. Reflection (3:16)
  5. Fading (2:38)
  6. Running (2:46)
  7. Forgotten (4:10)
  8. Shadows (4:34)
  9. Rival (4:04)
  10. Remember (4:15)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images