Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

mothaltar

mothaltar
Prologue EP

Artist Info: Discography
Street Date: April 2, 2021
Style: Metalcore / Post Hardcore
Buy It: iTunes
Buy It: Amazon Music



Metalcore is a genre that fascinates me, as it has evolved into a sort of umbrella term covering just about anything with breakdowns, double bass, chugging guitars, and screaming. Personally, I feel the style in and of itself hit its peak back in the early to mid 2000's, as exemplified by the success of bands such as Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, and Underoath. However, I have noticed lately there seems to be an uptick in not only interest in metalcore stylistically by heavy music fans, but bands are starting to retrace the steps of the more aggressive bands of the past, as well as bands pushing the envelope and taking more of a progressive approach. This is where I would place mothaltar on this scale.

Formerly known as Forerunner, mothaltar is a four-piece metalcore outfit hailing from Dallas, Texas. Lead singer Johnathan Franco stated in an interview that the band changed their name due to how generic it was, finally settling on mothaltar. The band's name comes from Scripture, as the moth represents the decay of materialism. Franco stated in the same interview that they spell "altar" with an a to signify that the band was laying down their own materialism on the altar of God as a choice to lead more spiritual lives. This desire bleeds through the themes and passion of their debut EP, Prologue.

Musically, mothaltar draws from a great many influences spread over the short, five-song EP. There is an abundance of technology, low riffage, double bass, and ambient moments. The vocals range from harsh, deathcore growls on "Return" to the more spoken word style of "Worth Dying." There is also an abundance of breakdowns spread throughout, and the technical talent as well as the cohesiveness of the band as a unit shine during these moments. At times, the dichotomy between their more aggressive moments and the ambient shades of their sound can be jarring. To someone unaccustomed to the style, it will come across as chaotic, and they do not stick the landing on "Sojourner," but that is the scene snob coming out in me.

Lyrically, the band lives up to their mission statement, as many of the lyrics on the EP are based on Isaiah chapter 6, the band's favorite Scripture. Franco has stated that many of the themes inside the album are results of prayer the band has as a group, so it is no surprise that their content has many spiritual highlights. The standout track lyrically must be "Return," with the chorus, "And to my tribe of mercy / The Kingdom is at hand / I found my reason to die again." The band is proud of their faith, and they do an excellent job of contrasting the difficulties of life with the faithfulness of God.

mothaltar's debut EP packs a ton of promise and is hopefully a prologue to much more in the future. Their ability to meld the aggressive nature of metalcore with the introspective lyrics pulled from, and based on, Scripture is an exciting thing in a genre that has seen some of the bigger acts turn their backs on faith. Although it can come across as chaotic and muddied at times, as well as the few musical misses, I strongly recommend this EP to fans of Silent Planet, Azusa, The Contortionist, or if you are just a metalhead who appreciates a good breakdown.

- Review date: 8/1/22, written by Matt Baldwin for Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!





JFH Indie Spotlight Review . Record Label: None
. Album length: 5 tracks: 19 minutes, 42 seconds
. Street Date: April 2, 2021
. Buy It: iTunes
. Download It: Amazon Music

  1. Worth Dying (1:54)
  2. Return (5:30)
  3. Sojourner (3:52)
  4. Common (4:40)
  5. Burning Scoria (3:48)

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture [Syntax]
Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach]
Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach]
Elan Brio From Sin to Grace - Single (independent)
GZeal No Time - Single [Syntax]
I.A.N. & Cas Yahweh - Single [Syntax]
Vic Lucas Call On Me ft. Domi Grace - Single [Syntax]
No Vain Glory GRAH - Single [Syntax]
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent)
Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent)
Razzie, g!ng, Ally Minju NOSEBLEEDS - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes in Harmony Make Room - Single [Syntax]
Rosemont Dust - Single (independent)
Saved By Skarlet Memory Relapse - Single (independent)
Taylor & Co Worship and Luke Wareham No Holding Back - Single (independent)
Tds Cam Never Really Cared - Single [Syntax]
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]
Tauren Wells Fight Like Heaven - Single [Capitol CMG]

Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS
Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records]
Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident]
Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent)
Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)

SINGLES
The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon]
Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images