Jesusfreakhideout.com: Altarheart, "Creatures Here Below

JFH Indie Review

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Altarheart
Creatures Here Below - EP

Artist Info: Discography
Street Date: October 4, 2024
Style: Metal
Official Site: Linktree
Buy It: iTunes

It was just last year that we were introduced to the solo metalcore act, Altarheart. Deny Thyself was a solid debut that, while a little rough around the edges, had enough talent and promise to make up for it. With the addition of a second member, Altarheart is already back at it with new music, and it's clear that they're on their way up.

As Deny Thyself did, Creatures Here Below blends melodic metalcore instrumentation with harsher growls that lean more into deathcore territory. The vocals are strong, if perhaps a bit one-note. The music, however, is a little more diverse. The opening and closing tracks ("Sin" and "Eternal Mind," respectively) seem Wolves at the Gate-inspired, with their melodic and at-times atmospheric feel. But then there are tracks like "Malice," which is a pedal-to-the-metal, fast-paced metalcore track that hits hard and heavy. And the heavy music is matched by its cutting lyrics about our desire for comfort and luxury amid the suffering around us ("Heal the hurt, feed the sick / leave me out of it / don't bother me with your faith unfurled / let them crawl, let them die / I don't want to see it / you won't ruin my perfect world"). The whole EP is unapologetic in its message, whether it's attacking comfort, condemning division in the body of Christ ("Scattered Sheep"), or begging God to mold us into Kingdom-minded believers ("Eternal Mind").

With such an improvement in production in the short time between releases, Altarheart is proving to be an act to keep an eye on. Creatures Here Below is heavy, bold, and enjoyable from start to finish. Fans of Wolves at the Gate, War of Ages, and (Un)Worthy may want to take notice.

- Review date: 11/1/24, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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Record Label: None

Album length: 6 tracks: 21 minutes, 16 minutes

Street Date: October 4, 2024

Buy It: iTunes

Sins (2:20)
Malice (3:15)
Save Our Souls (3:31)
Creatures Here Below (3:13)
Scattered Sheep (4:48)
Eternal Mind (4:07)
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Jesus Freak Hideout (Scott Fryberger): Since we last heard from Altarheart, it seems the line up has grown! How did this growth come about, and are you still looking to add more members?

Anthony Thomas: Yeah! I added my brother Alex to the creative process this year. I had always hoped we could do something like this together given our musical backgrounds, and he's a super talented drummer. I had already written parts for the songs, but he added flavor with drums, making the parts much better. It was fun to have him in our music videos too. He's going to have a much bigger role from here on out, as he's already sharing lyrics and song ideas. As far as adding more members, I'm definitely open to it. Nothing in the works right now, though.

JFH (Scott): Creatures Here Below has a noticeable step-up in production quality. What can you tell us about the behind-the-scenes process?

Anthony: Thank you! I recorded and self-produced this in my little home studio. I had most of the guitar parts and song structures complete in the Spring, though I made some major tweaks to "Eternal Mind" in the 11th hour. I actually came up with the lead guitar part for the title track four years ago, but never had the right song to put it to. I'm stoked about how it turned out. Over the summer we upgraded the tones on the drum samples we use and adjusted the EQ on them and that has made a difference. This EP was a bit of a transition piece for how our songwriting will go from here on out, with Alex looking to get his own drum kit soon.

JFH (Scott): The lyrics are really unapologetic. How intentional was this level of boldness?

Anthony: While some of it was intentional, other themes just kind of came naturally. I didn't intend to offend or divide. I'm passionate about how the homeless and refugees are treated, like in Matthew 25:37, so I channeled that for "Malice." I've grown disheartened by how some preachers use their platforms to spread hateful speech, so I expressed that in "Save Our Souls." At the same time, I feel it is important as Christians to not turn a blind eye to sin out of political or social convenience, and that's where "Sins" comes in. It was challenging at times to express my thoughts without sounding like a madman (maybe I do).

JFH (Scott): The songs all cover different thematic ground, from open rebukes to coming before God in humility. How do you connect these themes in the context of the album title?

Anthony: The album title "Creatures Here Below" is from the second line of the Doxology. My church sings it at the end of every service and I really like how it unifies our focus on God. I turned it on its head though, honing in on the "creatures," implying how we all can at times act like animals and sow disorder. I came into this year disheartened about social/political tension and have been anxious about how people of God may act during the U.S. election year. I also didn't want to spend the whole EP angry, so I worked toward resolution in the last couple of tracks. I used a clip of my congregation singing the Doxology at the end of "Scattered Sheep." At the end of the day, it's our sin that puts us all on an even playing field, undeserving of an eternity with God. In the title track I ask God to forgive His creatures here below, because while none of us are exempt from sin, we are all still within reach of His grace and forgiveness.

JFH (Scott): If you had to play one of these songs for a new listener, which would you choose and why?

Anthony: I'd say "Scattered Sheep." It has the most complete arc thematically and also covers the range of sounds you'll hear on the EP. I'm really proud of it! But if they just want to headbang for three minutes, I'll throw on "Malice."

JFH (Scott): What are your top three albums of 2024?

Anthony: There's been so much good music this year! "The Fear of God" by Convictions, "Holiness Cries" by Bloodlines, and Heal the Hurt's self-titled EP.

JFH (Scott): Creatures Here Below came out only eleven months after Deny Thyself. Do you plan to keep releasing music so quickly?

Anthony: Not that fast, though I would expect some music next year. I doubt it will be a whole album, though. Now that we're changing our songwriting approach it'll take a little time to record, but it will be worth it. It'll be deciding whether to build on old demos I have or lean into more of the new ideas we already have. It'll probably be a mix of both.

JFH (Scott): What do you hope to accomplish with this EP?

Anthony: I hope the EP will meet someone where they are, possibly conflicted or discouraged about how to be a Christian in 2024. I hope it points listeners to Jesus and His example of loving others before ourselves, and seeking the Kingdom of God.

JFH (Scott): Would you like to add anything else?