Grief is a strange beast that can rear its ugly head when you least expect it. It can last for a short time, or it can plague one for a season, or perhaps even a lifetime. Jesus, himself, was described as a "man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief." There is something immensely comforting about knowing that our Savior understands grieving.

Which brings us to sophomore album you'll forget the sun from Nashville's idle threat. From the album's lead single, "evermind," we're given a glimpse into what the whole record is about, summed up in the line, "If I lift up lament, there's no sense in this tragedy. Father, sing over me. If I scream through the tears, 'Why can't I have them here with me?' Oh God, will You weep with me?'" And, the answer to this question, the band tells us, is a resounding 'yes!' Lyrically, there is so much inspiration taken directly from Scripture ("Glow," "Lillies & Sparrows," and "You'll Forget the Sun"). It's refreshing and encouraging!

idle threat is a band firing on all cylinders here. I'd credit that to the nearly 5-year gap between this and their debut full-length, blurred visions. It's a natural progression from that album, and while the band doesn't deviate much from their established sound, there are a few areas they've expanded. The guitar-work, in particular, feels more fleshed-out and intricate (listen to the intro of "in tandem"), thanks to guitarists Dylan Winstead and Nathan Moe. On "Glow," we briefly get some inter-play singing between lead singer/bassist Zeke McKinney and guitarist, Nathan Moe. It's a layer that I'd like to hear more of in the future.

Speaking of vocals, you'll forget the sun boasts four guest features from Stephen Keech (Haste the Day), Garrett Russell (Silent Planet), Aaron Stone (My Epic), and Christian Nielsen (Meadows). Each feature is great, but I think Aaron Stone's is the most effective on "meet me there," which feels like it could be a My Epic song. It's a slow-burn that builds with gang vocals before finally exploding into a cry out to God.

idle threat has delivered a truly heartfelt album that has connected for me more deeply than I'll get into here. If you're in a place where you're struggling to feel God's presence or love, this album is for you. It encourages listeners to set their eyes on God and what is to come, as we trudge through the light and momentary pains of this world. The album closes echoing the words of David, "When I made my bed in hell, still Your Spirit found me there. When the darkness was my veil, still Your presence found its tears. We will see You face to face. And the night will be no more. We will need no light of day. For our light will be the Lord!"

- Review date: 5/13/26, written by John Mark Amos of Jesusfreakhideout.com