JesusfreakHideout.com: Highlighting 2014 Part Two -- Looking Ahead To New Music In The Second Half of 2014

For our 8th annual Highlighting feature, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December. Each list contains 15 artists/releases for a total of 30 in total for 2014. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting Second-Half 2014!

1 of 15

#1. Anberlin
Lowborn

Release Date: July 22, 2014

I've had all year to say goodbye to the beloved band, and I still don't feel quite ready for this one. Both "Stranger Ways" and "Hearing Voices" both sound stellar in their new wave-influenced glory, and the band is clearly finishing things off on their own terms (and on Tooth & Nail, no less!). There's not much else I can say… Lowborn is going to be a bittersweet final album, but it'll be nothing short of satisfying.
- Roger Gelwicks

Goodbyes are never easy -- especially when it's to a band you love. Anberlin won me over with their 2003 debut, Blueprints for the Black Market and it's been incredible to watch this band grow and mature over the past 11 years. July 22 marks the release of their final album. While we can hope they'll be one of those bands that will reunite a time or two (or more) in the coming years, for now, it looks like Lowborn is their much anticipated swan song.
- John DiBiase

Anberlin has provided a lot of solid material over the course of their career. While it's a bit sad to see them calling it quits after this record, my guess is that they have saved their best for last.
- Michael Weaver

Of course Anberlin is number one. History has proven that when a band makes a grand farewell with the class that Anberlin is showing, the final album is a masterpiece (ie Five Iron Frenzy). I'm not one of the lucky staff members to have gotten an early review copy, but I'll be surprised if Lowborn is anything less than extraordinary...
- Scott Fryberger

Back on Tooth & Nail and paired once again with Aaron Sprinkle for the final album of the illustrious career of a quality band. No surprises here!
- Mark Rice

This is the way to go out. Make an announcement, record the album in a timely manner and bow out with dignity and a stadium full of happy fans.
- Tincan Caldwell

For many longtime fans, the release of Lowborn marks the end of an era. For over 10 years, the band has been one of the most exciting groups to follow, constantly changing with each release. It's been fun to watch their career unfold, and the final chapter is shaping up to be no different.
- John "Flip" Choquette

Visit our Anberlin page for more information about them...