Rough Edge: Pillar CD Reviews

PILLAR

"The Reckoning" (Flicker Records; 2006)

"The Reckoning" generates a half more guitarsaw than "Fireproof," the CD I reviewed earlier, mainly because the band has steered away from the stale rock/rap sound that permeated so much of that particular album. Instead, vocalist Rob Beckley throws in an occasional death metal growl that's at least a little easier to take.

There are thirteen songs here and, while each is performed solidly and is well-produced, there isn't a song among them that stands out. Instead, "The Reckoning" sounds like one big, long track with the band taking a breath now and then to start a new song. Again, nothing's bad here, it's just that nothing really grabs you, either.

"The Reckoning" is just another nu-metal album trying not to be nu-metal and not quite succeeding. With a little more variety and a little more energy, however, it might have had a better chance.

A special edition of this CD is also available which includes special packaging and a bonus DVD.

For more information, check out http://www.pillarmusic.com.

"Fireproof" (MCA / Flicker Records; 2003)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

I have a formula that I apply to Limp Bizkit albums. Pick a Limp Bizkit album, any album, and listen to the whole thing. Then, divide up the songs you like and the songs you do like and check out the percentage. If you're like me, it's an almost exact 50/50 split. 50% sucks, and 50% is pretty damn good.

Why am I bringing up Limp Bizkit when this review clearly state above that it's about Pillar? Simple. The same formula applies. Not only do both bands have nearly the same musical sound (i.e., nu-metal mixed with some rap) but half of the songs on "Fireproof" are almost wholly rap while the other half are nu-metal or nu-metal / rap hybrids that kick some serious ass.

That isn't to say that Pillar sounds like Limp Bizkit. They really don't. (Well, sometimes they do.) Overall, their sound is more akin to Godsmack or, even closer, to Disturbed. Unfortunately, the band offers little in the originality department as well. Even with the hot and instantly catchy title track, "Fireproof" is listenable but not the kind of thing you're going to dig out often to replay the best tracks.

One thing Pillar excels at: The band is well-known as a Christian band but the religious overtones remain subtle and unforced. They get their message across with no preaching or sermonizing; instead, they just rock hard and hope that what they're saying seeps at least a little into your brain. It's an approach that works a lot better than going overboard and turning a rock'n'roll album into a hymnbook.

"Fireproof" also contains two versions of the title song, perhaps the best song on the CD: the original CD version and a radio mix. In addition. some versions contain a bonus DVD.

For more information, check out http://www.pillarmusic.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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