I The Breather is a straight-up metalcore band hailing from Baltimore, Maryland. The band is signed to Sumerian Records and released their debut, These Are My Sins, through them. Clearly this band holds a great amount of potential with this release.

The band wastes no time storming out of the gate with "Forgiven," which is a nice start to the album. Guitarists Jered Youngbar and Justin Huffman duel with tight riffs similar to August Burns Red or Oh, Sleeper, as well as plenty of crunchy breakdowns. "The Common Good" showcases the energetic drumming abilities of Morgan Wright, who seems to have no trouble keeping up with the guitars. A minor setback is the lack of variety from vocalist Shawn Spann. He could be a force to be reckoned with if he learns to use high screams and low growls, instead of overusing his midrange scream.

The band should be praised for their bold Christ-centered lyrics. "Forgiven" speaks of our spiritual war and victory in God ("This is a battle fought by the Lord, resurrected from the dead"). The song "Conquer" features vocals from August Burns Red bassist Dustin Davidson, and he screams, "When will we conquer the hate that comes from our teeth?" In "Illuminate," the six-minute closer, Spann directly cries out to Jesus ("Be my Way, my Truth, and my Light").

Despite the minor problem of similar-sounding songs that drag down many metalcore bands today, I The Breather is comprised of five very talented men. While this album is not a breakthrough in the genre, it does its job to make you bang your head. Watch out for this band; they are one of the better young metalcore bands out there.

Review date: 12/4/011, written by Dylan O'Connor for Jesusfreakhideout.com