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

Altarheart
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE


Altarheart
Vinedresser - Single

Street Date: August 4, 2023
Style: Metal
Buy It: iTunes




The brainchild of solo artist Anthony Conn, Altarheart is a brand new act that combines a bold faith in God's Word with a powerful metalcore sound. The solo project is set to release its debut album this fall, and in preparation, has just released its second single, a heavy hitter titled "Vinedresser."

While the song offers the listener a few moments to breathe, "Vinedresser" spends a great deal of time assaulting the ears with furious guitar riffs and pounding drums. Of course, this is a relevant sound for today, but the song structure and production style really bring to mind some of the metalcore acts of the mid-'00s, like Still Remains, Unearth, and Symphony In Peril. Some of the instrumentation could be tightened up a bit, but overall, it's clear that Conn has a good ear for the genre and is capable of writing strong and engaging metal.

Inspiration for the song's lyrics comes from the Book of John ("I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." - John 15:1-2). Conn's lyrics not only acknowledge his sinfulness, but also how he repeatedly falls into it again, to the point where he starts to love it ("You see I've grown to love my sin / too much to want to let You in / I shook hands with the devil / prayed for the dust to settle"). In the chorus, Conn asks for God as the Vinedresser to prune away his sin, all while begging for mercy ("Vinedresser, prune what You will / divine gardener, refine me still... don't throw me away into the fire"). It's an honest song that I find myself relating to far more than I'd like to admit.

Altarheart was a surprising find, but a wholly welcomed one. If "Vinedresser," and the previous single "From the Dust," are any indication, the upcoming full release is going to be something worth spending time on. I'm definitely looking forward to hearing more.

- Review date: 8/20/23, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

. Record Label: None
. Album length: 1 track: 3 minutes, 56 seconds
. Street Date: August 4, 2023
. Buy It: iTunes

  1. Vinedresser (3:56)

 

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

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

Search JFH



This Friday, October 3, 2025
ALBUMS
Pat Barrett I've Got A Fire [Capitol CMG]
Kristene DiMarco MEMORADUM - EP [Bethel]
Matt Redman Life & Breath [Integrity]
John Van Deusen As Long As I Am In The Tent of This Body I Will Make a Joyful Noise Pt. 1 [Anotherland Records]

SINGLES
ChristianXXII & Futuristic Already Won - Single [DREAM]
Damian Back To You - Single [DREAM]
Emerson Day This House Won't Fall - Single [Fair Trade]
for KING + COUNTRY World on Fire (feat. Taylor Hill) - Single [Curb Records]
Nathan Oswalt MAKE UP YOUR MIND - Single (independent)
Drew Parker Blame Jesus - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Shamash The Gulf Between Us - Single [Rottweiler Records]

Next Friday, October 10, 2025
ALBUMS
Citizens m us eum [Anotherland Records]
Jesus Culture Send The Fire: Live From London [Capitol CMG]
Tasha Layton Life in Me [BEC]

SINGLES
Chosen Road Daddy Was a Navy Man - Single [Thoroughbred]
Run51 Song Of My Soul - Single [DREAM]
Zane Vickery Name (Live at Greenbriar) - Single (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images