VESSELS was produced by Aaron Sprinkle (Anberlin, The Almost) and showcases a more mature and diverse Ivoryline than was heard on their previous record. "We just started writing," says vocalist Jeremy Gray. "We didn't really have a plan or agenda for the record. We just wrote what was on our hearts and hashed out the songs together. We had ample time to get the songs just the way we wanted and had a blast writing and recording the record. It really was one of the most exciting, joy-filled times of my life."

Joined by Guitarist Dusty Kittle, Bassist Robert Woodward and Drummer Wesley Hart, Gray and Ivoryline began taking the band's sound to a new level. "With The Daylight" and "Hearts Open" harken to the heart of the band's catchy rock core while "Search Me Out" and "Instincts" take that sentiment and forge forward to plateaus like "Made From Dust" and "You Bring Fire," which are arguably the most ethereal and moody songs of the band's career.

"It's been four years or so since some of the songs on THERE CAME A LION were written. Our tastes in music have changed, and we have changed as people," explains Gray. "As a band, we listen to all different types of music from classical and movie scores to metal and hardcore. Since we do all our writing together, we influence each other all the time, and we employ each other's strengths and different tastes in the writing process."

But the band also wanted their new music to have a renewed meaning. "During the recording process, I began praying that God would literally fill our songs, lyrics, and the album as a whole with His Spirit; that he would use us as His vessels. That was just really on my heart," Gray says.

Thus VESSELS was born.

"The record is definitely more honest, revealing, and spiritual than our previous. We really want it to impact people in a deep way. Of course we want them to jam it and love the songs, but we also want people to be uplifted, loved, and maybe even challenged by some of the topics we address."

For more info on Ivoryline, visit the JFH Artists Database.