In 1992, gas prices were close to a dollar, tapes were the chief accepted form of multimedia and Disciple was formed. Think about that for a minute. Also that year, Nirvana's Nevermind went to the top of the Billboard 200 chart and grunge was perhaps the most popular form of music. That's right, grunge. So to say that Disciple has been around for a long time is an understatement. Forming in 1992, along with industry mainstays P.O.D. and MxPx, Disciple began making their signature Southern rock, releasing their debut album, What Was I Thinking, in 1995.

With a more notable Southern tinge than their most recent efforts, Southern Hospitality is a wild ride full of blazing guitar solos and bone-crushing riffs, packing enough energy to power a small country. The notable addition of former members of Falling Up and Staple add freshness to the 16-year old band, however, as a whole the sound remains largely unchanged. Southern Hospitality, sounding like bottled up angst shaken, is a perfect candidate to motivate sports teams and stadiums across America. It would almost be a surprise if it didn't, as Disciple's songs have been heard in numerous NFL and WWE outlets. Just check iTunes for individual NFL team versions of their hit single "Game On" from their 2006 release Scars Remain.

But an album can't survive on pure energy and strength alone. Other albums like this fall significantly short where it counts, and that's beneath the surface. Disciple has never been a band to disappoint in this way though and Southern Hospitality is no exception. Underneath the many layers of intricate guitar work are honest lyrics. Take "Liar," written by Kevin Young, Brad Noah and Tim Barrett for example. The liner notes explain the songwriting process.

"When I wrote this song I was struggling with forgiveness and wrote the line, 'I will forgive you, but it's gonna take some time.' This was an honest evaluation of where my heart was at the time. But it is God's will for us to forgive. Sometimes it is hard to do that. As followers of Christ, we are called to forgive at all costs," admits lead vocalist, Kevin Young.

Real people and real experiences, that's Disciple. This is a band that has been around for a long time and has been through a lot; yet they still stand. While many bands would have backed down on their faith for fame and fortune, Disciple hasn't done anything but get stronger. In one of the highest points of the album, the final track, "Savior," is both a dynamic and perfect way to end the record. Instead of focusing on themselves and going out with a bang, the band takes one more chance to point to God. Why? Because that's what Disciple is all about.

Longtime fans of Disciple will find nothing less than the quality they expect; catchy hard rock and God-centered lyrics that are almost always inspired by a specific verse of the Bible. With the release of Southern Hospitality, there has never been a better time to get into Disciple than right now. Look for "321" to replace "Game On" at a sports stadium near you...

- PReview date: 10/5/08, Reviewed: 10/18/08, written by Flip Choquette of Jesusfreakhideout.com