Kutless is back. But not the worship band Kutless, the rock band. Returning to the heavy, nu-metal sound that marked them during the 2000s, Kutless is back with the 6-track EP, The Seventh Seal. Even the slightly softer track, "Breakthrough," carries a heavy edge to it. But it's not just the music that's heavy, the message bears weight as well. You can probably guess from the title an apocalyptic tone from this EP. Opener "End of the World" and "Words of Fire" certainly give nods to Revelation with a blood red moon, seals breaking, and witnesses rising from the dead. "Midnight," "Breakthrough," and "Hold On," however, feel like more traditional Kutless territory, offering hope and encouragement. Even then, there's a heaviness to it as doubt and pain make it hard for the light to shine through. "Lies of My Brothers" is perhaps the bleakest song of the bunch, as lead singer Jon Micah Sumrall wrestles with the betrayal of a close friend.

Imagine, if you will, a universe where Kutless took a break after 2008's To Know That You're Alive and returned in 2025 with The Seventh Seal. It would feel like they didn't skip a beat. For some fans who ignored the more worshipful years of the band, this is their reality. Maybe Sumrall and company heard the fans crying out for a harder release and listened. Maybe it's the influence of Disciple's Josiah Prince helping with the writing process. Whatever the reasons, it's clear the guys are returning to their roots. It's of note that all the tracks released beforehand were the heavier ones, while the most radio-ready song ("Breakthrough") came out with the EP. While there's a couple cringe moments (like the "Choose your fighter" bit on "End of the World"), and some missed opportunities for a guitar solo ("Breakthrough" could have been epic with one), The Seventh Seal is still a worthwhile, hard rock listen. In fact, it may be the best project Kutless has put out to date. Their return couldn't have come at a better time. Welcome back, Kutless!

- Review date: 6/26/25, John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com