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

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Inspection Review

Testify

Stratiotis
Testify

Street Date: August 10, 2016
Style: Rock / Southern Rock
Official Site: Official Website
Buy It: iTunes
Buy It: AmazonMP3


Boasting an older style of rock and roll with a self-defined "southern fried" sound, Stratiotis is a band that with a bluntness that is often hard to find in the Christian music industry. Their second album, Testify, calls out Christians for watering down the message of the Gospel ("Testify"), preachers for being corrupt ("Preacherman") and young men playing with the hearts of young women ("Daughter"). These topics are all handled with a righteous anger, but the messages are even more powerful in the context of the album because lead singer Jarrod Donnan is not afraid to fess up to his own shortcomings as well. For example, on "Rundown" Jarrod sings with his deep southern/post-grunge vocals "Thought I was a wise man / knew what was best for me... but the Lord gonna run me down." All these convictions are born out of a sense of deep gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross--a message that is boldly proclaimed on every song. The mixing on Testify is balanced with every instrument being clear, while still allowing each musical element to shine at the right time (such as highlighting the explosive guitar solo on "Judge") but the production quality isn't up to 2016 standards. Unfortunately, this quality, along with Jarrod's post-grunge vocals, the style of music, and the bluntness of the lyrics (most of which are good things), gives this album a somewhat dated feel. If you don't mind that, this album is an absolute gem.

- Review date: 9/5/16, written by Christopher Smith of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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


 

. Record Label: None
. Album length: 9 tracks: 32 minutes, 00 seconds
. Street Date: August 10, 2016
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: AmazonMP3

  1. Testify (3:41)
  2. Boy (3:26)
  3. Rundown (3:15)
  4. Daughter (3:49)
  5. Judge (3:41)
  6. Preacherman (4:00)
  7. Slave (3:34)
  8. Stuff (3:38)
  9. Seed (3:14)

 

 

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)
Tds Cam Never Really Cared - Single [Syntax]
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]

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