If you're not familiar with the concept of a split EP/LP, it was often a really practical way to promote two bands who each only had a few songs, but without needing to spend the money on a separate disc for each artist. It's not a common practice now, as digital EPs and singles are the kings these days, but that isn't stopping Resuscitation Records, as their dedication to physical media has led to their first split release, The Beginning of Sorrows.

Side A features five songs from Las Vegas act TAKE. The songs are mostly singles they've released over the last few years, plus a song called "Golden Calf," which comes from their 2021 album, Power Trip. The band is intense, with ferocious vocals and a fantastic blend of melodic metalcore and traditional hardcore. The intensity of the music is matched by the lyrics, which are bold, reverent, and even confrontational. "Leech" goes after prosperity gospel preachers and takes no prisoners ("Happy life, happy tithe / funding your way into the Kingdom / one lie will do, two more for good measure / lining your pockets with the blood of Christ / those were your nails driven in"). "Golden Calf" is similar in tone, but switches its focus to nationalism and idolatry, while "Void" points to Christ as our only hope for salvation ("No hope, all is lost / broken by our greed / ripped apart by lust / no hope, all is lost … every broken home, every shake of the earth / every rumor of war points to the end … I wait for Your return"). TAKE proves themselves in just five short songs to be a band I need to keep on my radar. This is a great way to get to know them if you haven't yet.

Flipping to side B takes us to The Forerunner (also Las Vegas natives). From the opening moments of "Crowns," it's easy to get some major Sleeping Giant and HolyName vibes. While TAKE focuses on combating falsehoods from a Biblical perspective, The Forerunner is more of a worship band with a loud and dynamic sound that mixes screaming and screeching with melodic clean vocals (again, similar to HolyName in their almost drone-like feel, minus HN's tendency to overdo it). "Holy" is a prime example of the band's sound and mission, as you get a taste of their ferocity, their calmer singable parts, and their uncompromising devotion to the Lord Jesus. "Lion" is another standout track, which ends in the vocalists singing together in a soulful, Gospel-style chorus, complete with soaring vocals and hand claps. On paper, it sounds out of place, but it actually feels totally natural in context. "O My Soul" and "Empty Grave" close The Forerunner's half of the record with explosive Spirit-filled hardcore that honestly makes me want to move the needle right back to the start, especially after the closing lyrics, "And then one day, I'll cross the river / and fight life's final war with pain / and then as death gives way to victory / I'll see the light of glory and know / He reigns / hallelujah, You are King / hallelujah, Jesus reigns."

In addition to the great music, I wanted to mention the physical product as well. Resuscitation's vinyl packaging has been excellent thus far, and The Beginning of Sorrows is no exception. The record is flawless, and it comes with a full-size, colored booklet with lyrics, credits, a bio for each band, and a number of photos from the bands' live shows. On top of that, it's reasonably priced, which is getting harder to find. The whole experience with this release is top notch, and I can't recommend it enough if you love vinyl and high quality hardcore music.

- Review date: 1/19/24, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com

 Record Label: Resuscitation Records
 Album length: 10 tracks
 Street Date: March 15, 2024
 Buy It: Resuscitation.store (Vinyl)

Side A (TAKE):

1. Everything I Once Was
2. Leech
3. Golden Calf
4. Void
5. Tin Soldiers

Side B (The Forerunner):

1. Crowns
2. Holy
3. Lion
4. O My Soul
5. Empty Grave