#6 on the top albums overall. This has been moving all thur the night. It started at #11, so lets keep it going. I know this is only one place but its a good sign. I will be checking back in a couple hours its 10 a.m. eastern.
#2 on the top Rock Album, list.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thousand Foot Krutch Review
TFK- Welcome to the Masquerade
41/2 out of 5
http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/WelcomeToTheMasquerade.asp
Talk about veterans of the genre. Thousand Foot Krutch is a staple of the Christian rock scene, and though the lineup has changed erratically since the band's start (vocalist Trevor McNevan being the only founding member still active), the band has always been well-respected for their shameless lyrical honesty as well as their inhibitions to rock hard. With a grand track record behind them, the bar has been raised. Does Welcome To The Masquerade, their fifth major release, continue the trends that made TFK the monumental Christian rock legends they are? The answer: yes, and then some.
"The Invitation" serves as the lead-in intro to the title track, and while usually I don't care for intro tracks, this one works well to give the whole album a strong, epic beginning. From the intro, we are led into the opening riff to "Welcome To The Masquerade." It's pounding and intense, perfectly starting things out. After this point, it should be apparent to a seasoned listener of the band that Welcome To The Masquerade is a much more produced effort than previous ventures. While the sound is more polished, the band's signature edginess is retained, and this makes for an amazing result. "Fire It Up" follows, and this is the track that really proves to be one of the best implemented on the record. The whole "pump-it-up" concept for songs has been done time and time again, but here, Thousand Foot Krutch has taken it to a whole new level. With a monster guitar riff and aggressive vocals to accompany it, it's the perfect party starter. The lyrics aren't particularly deep or profound, for the type of song that it is, they fit like a glove ("I've got a bad case of turning it up/It's getting cold in here, so somebody fire it up"). Next up is "Bring Me To Life." When I heard this track through Taco Bell's Feed the Beat contest (of which TFK was one of the three winners, I might add), I thought it was quite epic, maybe too epic for a single, as well as believed the sound to be somewhat pretentious. In hearing the whole album straight through, however, its place in the track-listing fits quite well. "E For Extinction" continues the fast-paced hard sound, and lyrically, it's one of the more innovative songs on the release. The fast-paced melodies show up later in "The Part That Hurts the Most (Is Me)" and "Scream," both of which are as meaningful and hard-rocking as the previous tracks, without managing to fall into going through the motions.
TFK slows things down a bit on a few occasions, as well. "Watching Over Me" acknowledges the Lord's presence and concern for our well-being in the midst of adversity ("I know You're out there, and I know You care, 'cause I feel you like an angel watching over me"). It's almost Skillet-esque in composition, but there's enough distinctiveness to not fall into a mold. "Look Away" is another slower ballad, which almost seems more akin to an FM Static (McNevan's side project with drummer Steve Augustine) track than it does a TFK one, but nonetheless, it's a very inspirational track in the bunch. Speaking of inspirational, "Forward Motion" is probably the most inspirational track on the disc, and that's saying a lot taking into account the whole album's optimistic concept. It's actually a very unique track musically, with the dirty guitar sound mixed with some pop flavorings. It just proves further how versatile Thousand Foot Krutch really is, as they can even pull off a "pop" sound with dexterity. While the tracks "Outta Control" and "Smack Down" are admittedly not quite as memorable as the rest of the album, they are still tracks I could see being fan favorites in the future, especially "Smack Down" (Yes, the title says it all; it's an arena anthem in every sense of the word.) "Already Home" closes the 13-track set, and it could not have been executed better as a closer to complete this fantastic album.
Lyrically, this is the album for those who need encouragement. The titles of the songs give it away completely ("Bring Me To Life," "Already Home," "Watching Over Me" just sound like optimistic titles, don't they?), and with the theme of uncovering our shames and secrets throughout, the title of the album correlates flawlessly. And while this element to the record is of the least importance and doesn't reflect the music itself, to top it all off, Welcome To The Masquerade's cover artwork is some of the best I've seen in years. Besides its obvious connection to the album's title, it's edgy, epic, charismatic, and charmingly misleading.
All in all, TFK dons a more produced approach to hard rock this time around while at the same time maintaining the unrestrained and raucous vibe the band is known for. And this being the fifth album from the Canadian band, there's a progression here that many old and new fans have waited to hear. What's made the difference? Could the return of Aaron Sprinkle as producer be the reason (who also produced the much-acclaimed Phenomenon), or has the band just hit an apex musically through their experience? Welcome To The Masquerade has taken everything that made the band great and turned it all up by a few notches. While moving forward, they don't forsake their previous work either (the flame emblem from the last album's cover is highlighted here as well). But it's the little improvements that go a long way, and Thousand Foot Krutch has crafted a record that will go down as one of the best, if not the best, of their career.
- Review date: 9/5/09, written by Roger Gelwicks of Jesusfreakhideout.com
_____________________________________________
Second thoughts, 4 1/2 out of 5
Since their Tooth & Nail Records debut, Phenomenon, in 2003, Canadian rock outfit Thousand Foot Krutch have gone through stylistic and member changes as they continue to evolve their hard rock sound. Their last two efforts, The Art Of Breaking and The Flame In All Of Us, were arguably more underwhelming than the aforementioned debut, but both were not without their highlights.
The band's fourth Tooth & Nail outing, Welcome To The Masquerade, seems to combine just about every one of the band's strong points into one album. From the abrupt intro "The Invitation" into the pounding title track, to the blazing "Fire It Up" and even the WWE-ready anthem "Smack Down," there are more than just a few moments on Masquerade that pack a punch. While TFK use some of the familiar traits that fans love, there are plenty of fresh elements incorporated (and a crisp but edgy production) to make the record an instant highlight ("E For Extinction," the mellow "Watching Over Me," the rocker "Scream," the radio-ready pop gem "Forward Motion," and the beautiful violin-layered closer, "Already Home"). If you can only afford one hard rock record in the coming weeks, there's no mistaking that Welcome To The Masquerade delivers, and it doesn't disappoint.
John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com
41/2 out of 5
http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/WelcomeToTheMasquerade.asp
Talk about veterans of the genre. Thousand Foot Krutch is a staple of the Christian rock scene, and though the lineup has changed erratically since the band's start (vocalist Trevor McNevan being the only founding member still active), the band has always been well-respected for their shameless lyrical honesty as well as their inhibitions to rock hard. With a grand track record behind them, the bar has been raised. Does Welcome To The Masquerade, their fifth major release, continue the trends that made TFK the monumental Christian rock legends they are? The answer: yes, and then some.
"The Invitation" serves as the lead-in intro to the title track, and while usually I don't care for intro tracks, this one works well to give the whole album a strong, epic beginning. From the intro, we are led into the opening riff to "Welcome To The Masquerade." It's pounding and intense, perfectly starting things out. After this point, it should be apparent to a seasoned listener of the band that Welcome To The Masquerade is a much more produced effort than previous ventures. While the sound is more polished, the band's signature edginess is retained, and this makes for an amazing result. "Fire It Up" follows, and this is the track that really proves to be one of the best implemented on the record. The whole "pump-it-up" concept for songs has been done time and time again, but here, Thousand Foot Krutch has taken it to a whole new level. With a monster guitar riff and aggressive vocals to accompany it, it's the perfect party starter. The lyrics aren't particularly deep or profound, for the type of song that it is, they fit like a glove ("I've got a bad case of turning it up/It's getting cold in here, so somebody fire it up"). Next up is "Bring Me To Life." When I heard this track through Taco Bell's Feed the Beat contest (of which TFK was one of the three winners, I might add), I thought it was quite epic, maybe too epic for a single, as well as believed the sound to be somewhat pretentious. In hearing the whole album straight through, however, its place in the track-listing fits quite well. "E For Extinction" continues the fast-paced hard sound, and lyrically, it's one of the more innovative songs on the release. The fast-paced melodies show up later in "The Part That Hurts the Most (Is Me)" and "Scream," both of which are as meaningful and hard-rocking as the previous tracks, without managing to fall into going through the motions.
TFK slows things down a bit on a few occasions, as well. "Watching Over Me" acknowledges the Lord's presence and concern for our well-being in the midst of adversity ("I know You're out there, and I know You care, 'cause I feel you like an angel watching over me"). It's almost Skillet-esque in composition, but there's enough distinctiveness to not fall into a mold. "Look Away" is another slower ballad, which almost seems more akin to an FM Static (McNevan's side project with drummer Steve Augustine) track than it does a TFK one, but nonetheless, it's a very inspirational track in the bunch. Speaking of inspirational, "Forward Motion" is probably the most inspirational track on the disc, and that's saying a lot taking into account the whole album's optimistic concept. It's actually a very unique track musically, with the dirty guitar sound mixed with some pop flavorings. It just proves further how versatile Thousand Foot Krutch really is, as they can even pull off a "pop" sound with dexterity. While the tracks "Outta Control" and "Smack Down" are admittedly not quite as memorable as the rest of the album, they are still tracks I could see being fan favorites in the future, especially "Smack Down" (Yes, the title says it all; it's an arena anthem in every sense of the word.) "Already Home" closes the 13-track set, and it could not have been executed better as a closer to complete this fantastic album.
Lyrically, this is the album for those who need encouragement. The titles of the songs give it away completely ("Bring Me To Life," "Already Home," "Watching Over Me" just sound like optimistic titles, don't they?), and with the theme of uncovering our shames and secrets throughout, the title of the album correlates flawlessly. And while this element to the record is of the least importance and doesn't reflect the music itself, to top it all off, Welcome To The Masquerade's cover artwork is some of the best I've seen in years. Besides its obvious connection to the album's title, it's edgy, epic, charismatic, and charmingly misleading.
All in all, TFK dons a more produced approach to hard rock this time around while at the same time maintaining the unrestrained and raucous vibe the band is known for. And this being the fifth album from the Canadian band, there's a progression here that many old and new fans have waited to hear. What's made the difference? Could the return of Aaron Sprinkle as producer be the reason (who also produced the much-acclaimed Phenomenon), or has the band just hit an apex musically through their experience? Welcome To The Masquerade has taken everything that made the band great and turned it all up by a few notches. While moving forward, they don't forsake their previous work either (the flame emblem from the last album's cover is highlighted here as well). But it's the little improvements that go a long way, and Thousand Foot Krutch has crafted a record that will go down as one of the best, if not the best, of their career.
- Review date: 9/5/09, written by Roger Gelwicks of Jesusfreakhideout.com
_____________________________________________
Second thoughts, 4 1/2 out of 5
Since their Tooth & Nail Records debut, Phenomenon, in 2003, Canadian rock outfit Thousand Foot Krutch have gone through stylistic and member changes as they continue to evolve their hard rock sound. Their last two efforts, The Art Of Breaking and The Flame In All Of Us, were arguably more underwhelming than the aforementioned debut, but both were not without their highlights.
The band's fourth Tooth & Nail outing, Welcome To The Masquerade, seems to combine just about every one of the band's strong points into one album. From the abrupt intro "The Invitation" into the pounding title track, to the blazing "Fire It Up" and even the WWE-ready anthem "Smack Down," there are more than just a few moments on Masquerade that pack a punch. While TFK use some of the familiar traits that fans love, there are plenty of fresh elements incorporated (and a crisp but edgy production) to make the record an instant highlight ("E For Extinction," the mellow "Watching Over Me," the rocker "Scream," the radio-ready pop gem "Forward Motion," and the beautiful violin-layered closer, "Already Home"). If you can only afford one hard rock record in the coming weeks, there's no mistaking that Welcome To The Masquerade delivers, and it doesn't disappoint.
John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Thousand Foot Krutch Preview
Bring me to LIFE
9/8/09 NEW Album from Thousand Foot Krutch - Welcome to the Masquerade
Sunday, September 6, 2009
TFK - E for Extinction
This is a mix of footage from my vacation this summer, I put them together with The music and Pictures of Thousand Foot Krutch and the band members.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Get The Word Out!!
Thousand Foot Krutch
Welcome to the Masquerade
Road to Best Rock Album of the Year!!
Let's get the word out on this new album. I will be posting news of TFK and I hope other's can help out and post great comments about this great band.
I have been a fan since 2004, I went to a youth group trip to Panama City Florida for Acquire the Fire. I picked up their newest cd at the time before I left to have something to listen too. And at the time the Album was Phenomenon.
I got addicted to it then and to this day they are still my Favorite band. I love all kinds of music but I always go back to Thousand Foot Krutch.
As soon as I got home I searched for more of their music and found Set It Off. I was hooked, for the longest time I thought that it was the best album ever. I no longer think it's better than Phenomenon but there is alot of fun music on Set It Off.
Sadly the last two albums have been a slight letdown. The Art of Breaking, and The Flame in All of Us had some of the best stuff from tfk, but overall they were not better than Phenomenon.
Early 2009, I heard news of the new Album. Welcome to the Masquerade and ofcourse I was really happy hoping for greatness. Shortly after, I find out Thousand Foot Krutch won the Feed The Beat, from Taco Bell. I was really glad to hear this news, and was excited to know others felt the way I did.
I was thrilled when I heard Bring me to Life, and then shortly after Fire it up. These two show that TFK is getting back to where I think alot of us wanted to see them.
I want to mention, This is the best Live band I have ever seen. And this New Album looks to give a great show.
If anyone has comment please leave one. I want this blog to be a place to connect with other fans. Also, for fan's of other christian bands as well. I also am a big fan of skillet. I have seen Tfk and Skillet many times and they are just amazing.
Welcome to the Masquerade
Road to Best Rock Album of the Year!!
Let's get the word out on this new album. I will be posting news of TFK and I hope other's can help out and post great comments about this great band.
I have been a fan since 2004, I went to a youth group trip to Panama City Florida for Acquire the Fire. I picked up their newest cd at the time before I left to have something to listen too. And at the time the Album was Phenomenon.
I got addicted to it then and to this day they are still my Favorite band. I love all kinds of music but I always go back to Thousand Foot Krutch.
As soon as I got home I searched for more of their music and found Set It Off. I was hooked, for the longest time I thought that it was the best album ever. I no longer think it's better than Phenomenon but there is alot of fun music on Set It Off.
Sadly the last two albums have been a slight letdown. The Art of Breaking, and The Flame in All of Us had some of the best stuff from tfk, but overall they were not better than Phenomenon.
Early 2009, I heard news of the new Album. Welcome to the Masquerade and ofcourse I was really happy hoping for greatness. Shortly after, I find out Thousand Foot Krutch won the Feed The Beat, from Taco Bell. I was really glad to hear this news, and was excited to know others felt the way I did.
I was thrilled when I heard Bring me to Life, and then shortly after Fire it up. These two show that TFK is getting back to where I think alot of us wanted to see them.
I want to mention, This is the best Live band I have ever seen. And this New Album looks to give a great show.
If anyone has comment please leave one. I want this blog to be a place to connect with other fans. Also, for fan's of other christian bands as well. I also am a big fan of skillet. I have seen Tfk and Skillet many times and they are just amazing.
Lyrics - Welcome to the Masquerade
1. The Invitation(Instrumental)
2. Welcome to the Masquerade
We’ve got the fire, who’s got the matches?
Take a look around at the sea of masks
And come one, come all
Welcome to the grand ball
Where the strong run for cover
And the weak stand tall
I’m not one to scatter ashes
But there’s some things that’ll melt the plastic
Try and dig down deeper if you can
I’m not afraid, I’m not ashamed, I’m not to blame
Welcome to the masquerade
I’m not ashamed, I’m not afraid, I’m not o.k.
Welcome to the masquerade
We’ve got the power
Who’s got the action?
Break it down, ‘till there’s nothin’
But a mere fraction
Out of the fire, rise from the ashes
Reject your doubt, and release the passion
Let’s get on it
Believe, if you want it
Step into the realm
Where the real one’s flaunt it
Come, back, rewind
Another time on it
Reach out, take that
One off, step on it
3. Fire It Up
I got a bad case of turnin’ it up
It’s getting cold in here
So fire it upI got a bad case of turnin’ it up
It’s getting cold in here
So somebody...Fire it up, come on and fire it up
I’m in love, with the feelin’Of pressure to the ceilin’
Wake up with intention to
Face my opposition
Get raw, when it’s time to
Lay it on the line
To the wall’s where we’re takin’ it
Let your light shine... like...I throw down when it’s time
For the action, make it happen
And the sound got ya feelin’ like
Man, what just happened?
When it’s on
You might not get a warning
Or a sign
To the wall’s where we’re takin’ it
Let your light shine... like...I got a bad case of turnin’ it up
It’s getting cold in here
So fire it up
I got a bad case of turnin’ it up
It’s getting cold in here
So somebody...Take it higher until the roof is on fire
Take it higher, let’s burn it up
4. Bring Me to Life
Open your mind, don’t let it slip and
Take you on a midnight ride that’s wicked
Everyone around here, comes here feelin’
Fed up with the way their wounds are healing
Take me to a place where doors are open
A lovely little place where no one’s broken
Welcome to the world of “no one’s listenin”
I just wanna break out, and escape this prison
Bring me to life, breathe air into me
It’s taken me my whole life to realize
All the things I’ve never seen
Bring me to life, breathe air into me
Take me from the darkness that I’ve been in
‘Cause I just want to be free
Come on, start your engines, flip that switch
And take it to the limit, if you ride like this
And if ya feel alive, then pump your fist
‘Cause there’s no turning back
When the energy hitsDown comes the rain
Like a hurricane, hard to breathe
Like a storm hangin’ over me
It’s comin’ to get me, but I don’t have to let it in
I’ll stand up, face my fears like an enemy
I’ve been wanting to break out
You helped me figure out
That I could come to life
And turn this thing around
Been wanting to break out
You helped me figure out
That I could come to life
And turn this thing around
Just, shut it! If you’re talkin’ to me
I’m sick and tired of all your lies
And what you want me to be
5. E for Extinction
I’m not the same as yesterday
Ooh... It’s hard to explain
How things have changed
But I’m not the same as before
And I know there’s so much more ahead
I can barely believe that I’m here
And I won’t surrender quietly
Step up and watch me go
Break down, ya really want it?
Wanna make a scene?
Show me what ya mean
Let’s get it started
Let me see whatcha got
Can ya take it up a knotch?
Don’t think you got it
Can’t handle the pressure?
Get, off, stop talkin’ about it
Gotta make this count, let’s go
When we move
We camouflage ourselves
We stand in the shadows waiting
We live for this and nothing more
We are what you created
I can feel the storm
The winds have changed
Ooh... ‘Cause we’re worlds a part
But just the same
But we won’t leave the way that we came
And I know there’s so much more ahead
I can barely believe that we’re here
We won’t surrender quietly
Step up and watch it go
Are you ready? Are ya ready?
Are ya ready for me?Are you ready?
Are ya ready?Are ya ready to see?
6. Watching Over Me
Don’t lie to me
I’ve seen everything I need
And I’ve heard all the requests
Like a symphony of thieves
Don’t cry for meI don’t need your sympathy
I’ve got everything I need
Right here inside of me
And I know it’s not that simple
But I think I’ll get it right
‘Cause no one else is listening tonight
I know you’re out there
And I know you care‘Cause I feel you
Like an angel watching over me
Don’t shut me out
I’m an arson to myself
Who can’t put out the fires
Until there’s nothing left
So take my broken glass
And help me make a window
So I can see your face
After all that I have been through
7. The Part That Hurts the Most (Is Me)
Everyday I get a little closer
And everything I’m made of starts to melt away
I see the signs, but I can’t quite make
The words out, all I want is to be near you
But I’ll push you away
I just want to get away
But I hurt you everyday
The part that hurts the most, is me
The most, is you
It’s everything I do, without you
The part that hurts the most, is me
The most, is you
It’s everything I do, without you
Every chance I get I’m movin’ closer
I know I’m not supposed to
But I can’t break away
I see the signs, but I can’t quite make
The words out, all I want is to be near you
But I’ll push you away
I hate talkin’ about it
Tried to lose it
But instead I found it
I just want you to know
I couldn’t love anyone more...No!
Stay away from me
Get up! I’m tryin’ to walk away
It just won’t let up!
No! Stay away from me
Get up! I’m tryin’ to walk away
It just won’t let up!
8. Scream
I can’t erase it anymore
It follows me everywhere I go
It’s like a mask that I don’t want to wear anymore
I think I’ve found a way to let it go
But it’s still too soon to know for sure
I’d give everything I am
To just feel somethin’
Can you feel that?
Scream! When the pressure breaks me
When it’s too hard to see
When I feel like I’m at the end of my rope
One more timeScream! When the fire burns me
When it’s hard to break free
When I feel like I’m standin’ on the edge
Of it all this time
I can’t suppress it anymore
Here it comes like a flood
Just like before, when it rains, it pours
And I don’t want to swim anymore
I think I’ve found a way to let it go
I don’t know, I’ve never felt this way before
But with everything I am, I just let go...
You make me wanna scream...It’s not a joke
I’ve felt as messed up as you do
I’ve felt the feelings you’ve been feeling
Been through the same things
You’ve been through
And I know how hard it is
To feel like you’re all alone
We’ve all been given a second chance
But the choice is all our own
(It was right in front of me...)
9. Look Away
She’s everything to everyone
Wish I could have seen it come down
But I heard incorrectly
It seems everything she knows is now
Five minutes ‘till closing
that’s not a lot of time when you’re nervous
And they say, daughter look away, don’t be afraid
When you want to turn back a million times
And it might get colder, but wait ‘till it’s over
Darlin’, you’ll find your way
But she said...I, will not look away this time
Take all these cuts, and make them shine
And all this pain I’ve held inside
So I can find my way home again
I will not look away this time
Take all these cuts, and make them shine
Don’t want to be perfect, just alright...
He’s on his way to nowhere
‘Cause he heard it was safe there
And safe is something valuable here
He’s spent half his life searching
And the other half working
Hard to find out if Jesus is real
And they said, son look away, don’t be afraid
When you want to turn back a million times
And it might get colder, but wait ‘till it’s over
Son, you will find your way
But he said...Every time, every line,
Every time you wanna say goodbye, sing...
10. Forward Motion
Let’s keep it moving in a forward motion
If we can hold on, we can cross this ocean
There’s no sense in lettin’ our emotions
Get in the way, until the door keeps closin’
If we sort this out, would we know how
To live like we were different
I know we’ve both had some doubts
Whether things would come around
And look at us now...
I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life...
I never thought we’d doubt
Whether this world would come around
And work itself out
But it’s more than a sound
When it moves everyone around
Are ya ready now?
And I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life...
I won’t be afraid
Your hands they cover me
It’s so worth it
I can’t let it fade
My hands are high and raised
‘Cause it’s worth it
11. Outta Control
It feels like a dream
How did things all get so crazy?
I’m remembering
Before, when I felt so clean
Alone in my room
It feels like the walls are closing in
I’m thinking of you
‘Cause I know what’ll happen soon
I’m spinning, out of control
Not knowing which way to go
Feelin’ left out in the cold
I just wanna let go of it all
And climb up over the wall
I need some help to get back on my feet
If you’re out there, cover me
You thought you could come and take it all
Without hurting me
That was your biggest mistake
Should have known when you saw me break!
Alone in my room (I sit)
And pray that the walls stop closin’ in
And every breath I take’s
A step further away from the end of me
I wanna get this off my mind
There’s no one else I can tell...
Please listen to me...
In a world where confusion is only an illusion
And fear itself, is just another
Weak-minded solution
I live in a generation with too much information
Instead of bonding together
We bring anger to the nation
My faith is the only thing I’ve got
And no one can take that from me
12. Smack Down
Get ready for the smack down
Get ready for the smack down
How ya gonna react
When ya put on ya back now
‘Cause there’s no turnin’ back
When you’re facin’ the smack down
Come on, let’s kick it, let’s all get wicked
Put your hands in the sky for a one-way ticket
C’mon!
Come on everybody, gonna start this party
If we turn it to 11, then we can’t go wrong
And I’m not tryin’ to tell you
There won’t be a longer road
When it all comes down
You’ll know just what to do
Gonna burn this down
And keep on runnin’
‘Till my time here is through
‘Cause when it all comes down
I know just what to do
Come on, let’s rip it, let’s push that limit
If ya don’t feel pain, then ya can’t be winning
C’mon!
They said I wouldn’t be nothin’
I said stop frontin’
Put the pedal to the metal
‘Cause the storm is comin’
13. Already Home
The trouble with truth is it never lies
And the trouble with wrong’s
That it’s never right
So I rest my head under Your light
The trouble with peace, is it never fights
And the trouble with love’s
That it’s always blind
I want to walk to the edge of it
Tonight, and I fall down
I am on my knees
‘Cause You’re everything I need
And I’ve made a mess of myself
On my own
Now I am on my face
And I’m calling out Your name
And I won’t run away
‘Cause I’m already home
The trouble with tears is that they dry
And the trouble within
Made me wanna cry
I’ve never felt so much like I’m alive
I wanna open my eyes and see Your face
If I have to wait a thousand days
I’ll still be right here, right next to You
And I fall down
And I know I haven’t always been
Where You wanted me
I’m standin’ here, arms out
Broken down
Before you
2. Welcome to the Masquerade
We’ve got the fire, who’s got the matches?
Take a look around at the sea of masks
And come one, come all
Welcome to the grand ball
Where the strong run for cover
And the weak stand tall
I’m not one to scatter ashes
But there’s some things that’ll melt the plastic
Try and dig down deeper if you can
I’m not afraid, I’m not ashamed, I’m not to blame
Welcome to the masquerade
I’m not ashamed, I’m not afraid, I’m not o.k.
Welcome to the masquerade
We’ve got the power
Who’s got the action?
Break it down, ‘till there’s nothin’
But a mere fraction
Out of the fire, rise from the ashes
Reject your doubt, and release the passion
Let’s get on it
Believe, if you want it
Step into the realm
Where the real one’s flaunt it
Come, back, rewind
Another time on it
Reach out, take that
One off, step on it
3. Fire It Up
I got a bad case of turnin’ it up
It’s getting cold in here
So fire it upI got a bad case of turnin’ it up
It’s getting cold in here
So somebody...Fire it up, come on and fire it up
I’m in love, with the feelin’Of pressure to the ceilin’
Wake up with intention to
Face my opposition
Get raw, when it’s time to
Lay it on the line
To the wall’s where we’re takin’ it
Let your light shine... like...I throw down when it’s time
For the action, make it happen
And the sound got ya feelin’ like
Man, what just happened?
When it’s on
You might not get a warning
Or a sign
To the wall’s where we’re takin’ it
Let your light shine... like...I got a bad case of turnin’ it up
It’s getting cold in here
So fire it up
I got a bad case of turnin’ it up
It’s getting cold in here
So somebody...Take it higher until the roof is on fire
Take it higher, let’s burn it up
4. Bring Me to Life
Open your mind, don’t let it slip and
Take you on a midnight ride that’s wicked
Everyone around here, comes here feelin’
Fed up with the way their wounds are healing
Take me to a place where doors are open
A lovely little place where no one’s broken
Welcome to the world of “no one’s listenin”
I just wanna break out, and escape this prison
Bring me to life, breathe air into me
It’s taken me my whole life to realize
All the things I’ve never seen
Bring me to life, breathe air into me
Take me from the darkness that I’ve been in
‘Cause I just want to be free
Come on, start your engines, flip that switch
And take it to the limit, if you ride like this
And if ya feel alive, then pump your fist
‘Cause there’s no turning back
When the energy hitsDown comes the rain
Like a hurricane, hard to breathe
Like a storm hangin’ over me
It’s comin’ to get me, but I don’t have to let it in
I’ll stand up, face my fears like an enemy
I’ve been wanting to break out
You helped me figure out
That I could come to life
And turn this thing around
Been wanting to break out
You helped me figure out
That I could come to life
And turn this thing around
Just, shut it! If you’re talkin’ to me
I’m sick and tired of all your lies
And what you want me to be
5. E for Extinction
I’m not the same as yesterday
Ooh... It’s hard to explain
How things have changed
But I’m not the same as before
And I know there’s so much more ahead
I can barely believe that I’m here
And I won’t surrender quietly
Step up and watch me go
Break down, ya really want it?
Wanna make a scene?
Show me what ya mean
Let’s get it started
Let me see whatcha got
Can ya take it up a knotch?
Don’t think you got it
Can’t handle the pressure?
Get, off, stop talkin’ about it
Gotta make this count, let’s go
When we move
We camouflage ourselves
We stand in the shadows waiting
We live for this and nothing more
We are what you created
I can feel the storm
The winds have changed
Ooh... ‘Cause we’re worlds a part
But just the same
But we won’t leave the way that we came
And I know there’s so much more ahead
I can barely believe that we’re here
We won’t surrender quietly
Step up and watch it go
Are you ready? Are ya ready?
Are ya ready for me?Are you ready?
Are ya ready?Are ya ready to see?
6. Watching Over Me
Don’t lie to me
I’ve seen everything I need
And I’ve heard all the requests
Like a symphony of thieves
Don’t cry for meI don’t need your sympathy
I’ve got everything I need
Right here inside of me
And I know it’s not that simple
But I think I’ll get it right
‘Cause no one else is listening tonight
I know you’re out there
And I know you care‘Cause I feel you
Like an angel watching over me
Don’t shut me out
I’m an arson to myself
Who can’t put out the fires
Until there’s nothing left
So take my broken glass
And help me make a window
So I can see your face
After all that I have been through
7. The Part That Hurts the Most (Is Me)
Everyday I get a little closer
And everything I’m made of starts to melt away
I see the signs, but I can’t quite make
The words out, all I want is to be near you
But I’ll push you away
I just want to get away
But I hurt you everyday
The part that hurts the most, is me
The most, is you
It’s everything I do, without you
The part that hurts the most, is me
The most, is you
It’s everything I do, without you
Every chance I get I’m movin’ closer
I know I’m not supposed to
But I can’t break away
I see the signs, but I can’t quite make
The words out, all I want is to be near you
But I’ll push you away
I hate talkin’ about it
Tried to lose it
But instead I found it
I just want you to know
I couldn’t love anyone more...No!
Stay away from me
Get up! I’m tryin’ to walk away
It just won’t let up!
No! Stay away from me
Get up! I’m tryin’ to walk away
It just won’t let up!
8. Scream
I can’t erase it anymore
It follows me everywhere I go
It’s like a mask that I don’t want to wear anymore
I think I’ve found a way to let it go
But it’s still too soon to know for sure
I’d give everything I am
To just feel somethin’
Can you feel that?
Scream! When the pressure breaks me
When it’s too hard to see
When I feel like I’m at the end of my rope
One more timeScream! When the fire burns me
When it’s hard to break free
When I feel like I’m standin’ on the edge
Of it all this time
I can’t suppress it anymore
Here it comes like a flood
Just like before, when it rains, it pours
And I don’t want to swim anymore
I think I’ve found a way to let it go
I don’t know, I’ve never felt this way before
But with everything I am, I just let go...
You make me wanna scream...It’s not a joke
I’ve felt as messed up as you do
I’ve felt the feelings you’ve been feeling
Been through the same things
You’ve been through
And I know how hard it is
To feel like you’re all alone
We’ve all been given a second chance
But the choice is all our own
(It was right in front of me...)
9. Look Away
She’s everything to everyone
Wish I could have seen it come down
But I heard incorrectly
It seems everything she knows is now
Five minutes ‘till closing
that’s not a lot of time when you’re nervous
And they say, daughter look away, don’t be afraid
When you want to turn back a million times
And it might get colder, but wait ‘till it’s over
Darlin’, you’ll find your way
But she said...I, will not look away this time
Take all these cuts, and make them shine
And all this pain I’ve held inside
So I can find my way home again
I will not look away this time
Take all these cuts, and make them shine
Don’t want to be perfect, just alright...
He’s on his way to nowhere
‘Cause he heard it was safe there
And safe is something valuable here
He’s spent half his life searching
And the other half working
Hard to find out if Jesus is real
And they said, son look away, don’t be afraid
When you want to turn back a million times
And it might get colder, but wait ‘till it’s over
Son, you will find your way
But he said...Every time, every line,
Every time you wanna say goodbye, sing...
10. Forward Motion
Let’s keep it moving in a forward motion
If we can hold on, we can cross this ocean
There’s no sense in lettin’ our emotions
Get in the way, until the door keeps closin’
If we sort this out, would we know how
To live like we were different
I know we’ve both had some doubts
Whether things would come around
And look at us now...
I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life...
I never thought we’d doubt
Whether this world would come around
And work itself out
But it’s more than a sound
When it moves everyone around
Are ya ready now?
And I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life...
I won’t be afraid
Your hands they cover me
It’s so worth it
I can’t let it fade
My hands are high and raised
‘Cause it’s worth it
11. Outta Control
It feels like a dream
How did things all get so crazy?
I’m remembering
Before, when I felt so clean
Alone in my room
It feels like the walls are closing in
I’m thinking of you
‘Cause I know what’ll happen soon
I’m spinning, out of control
Not knowing which way to go
Feelin’ left out in the cold
I just wanna let go of it all
And climb up over the wall
I need some help to get back on my feet
If you’re out there, cover me
You thought you could come and take it all
Without hurting me
That was your biggest mistake
Should have known when you saw me break!
Alone in my room (I sit)
And pray that the walls stop closin’ in
And every breath I take’s
A step further away from the end of me
I wanna get this off my mind
There’s no one else I can tell...
Please listen to me...
In a world where confusion is only an illusion
And fear itself, is just another
Weak-minded solution
I live in a generation with too much information
Instead of bonding together
We bring anger to the nation
My faith is the only thing I’ve got
And no one can take that from me
12. Smack Down
Get ready for the smack down
Get ready for the smack down
How ya gonna react
When ya put on ya back now
‘Cause there’s no turnin’ back
When you’re facin’ the smack down
Come on, let’s kick it, let’s all get wicked
Put your hands in the sky for a one-way ticket
C’mon!
Come on everybody, gonna start this party
If we turn it to 11, then we can’t go wrong
And I’m not tryin’ to tell you
There won’t be a longer road
When it all comes down
You’ll know just what to do
Gonna burn this down
And keep on runnin’
‘Till my time here is through
‘Cause when it all comes down
I know just what to do
Come on, let’s rip it, let’s push that limit
If ya don’t feel pain, then ya can’t be winning
C’mon!
They said I wouldn’t be nothin’
I said stop frontin’
Put the pedal to the metal
‘Cause the storm is comin’
13. Already Home
The trouble with truth is it never lies
And the trouble with wrong’s
That it’s never right
So I rest my head under Your light
The trouble with peace, is it never fights
And the trouble with love’s
That it’s always blind
I want to walk to the edge of it
Tonight, and I fall down
I am on my knees
‘Cause You’re everything I need
And I’ve made a mess of myself
On my own
Now I am on my face
And I’m calling out Your name
And I won’t run away
‘Cause I’m already home
The trouble with tears is that they dry
And the trouble within
Made me wanna cry
I’ve never felt so much like I’m alive
I wanna open my eyes and see Your face
If I have to wait a thousand days
I’ll still be right here, right next to You
And I fall down
And I know I haven’t always been
Where You wanted me
I’m standin’ here, arms out
Broken down
Before you
Welcome to the Masquerade
Here is a list of Reviews for the New Album all in one place.
5 out of 5. Contest for Best Rock Album of the Year!!
September 4, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Thousand Foot Krutch unknowingly set a standard with their 2003 record Phenomenon. Fans fell head over heels for it, and understandably so, its easily one of the strongest alternative rock albums of the time. Although not a quality found directly in songs, the album was mysteriously atmospheric, bordering on ambient. Subsequent releases were good, but not as good. The distinct sound found on earlier material dissappered, and at times in its place, was a more monotone pop. However demoing a song during an online studio chat with fans, frontman Trevor McNevan reignited hopes for a return to the band’s signature alternative sound. He further made a case for these hopes saying “This album is definitely our heaviest record yet and that was intentional…theres an aggression.”
And Welcome To The Masquerade delivers. From the anticipation building intro, and rather pummeling title track, to the rousing “Fire It Up” many fans will wish this record was released following their Tooth and Nail debut. Nearly every song feels reminscient of the strong points in their previous works. The title track reminds of Phenomenon’s, while “Fire It Up” feels a blend of previous anthemic tracks with a “Move” styled vocal delievery and a “Bounce” lyrical mentality. The heavy delight “E For Extinction” brings back the nostaglic “Quicken,” and “The Part That Hurts The Most” carries a “Faith Love and Happiness” vibe and is among the strongest songs they’ve written.
Despite a genre filled with cookie cutter acts which incorporate what many would accuse of cliché lyrics, McNevan’s voice sounds authentic when delievering what he’s penned: “Its not a joke, I feel as messed up as you do, I’ve felt the feelings you’ve been feeling, been through the same things you’ve been through.” To the dismay of some, there is a new “Rawkfist” however this one isn’t as cheesy sounding, and while the thirteen song collection has a more Phenomenon tone then the previous two albums, it is not a clone copy. Just as Meteora expanded on Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory, the album takes bits and pieces of earlier work and evolves them.
As such, Welcome To The Masquerade is everything a Thousand Foot Krutch record should be, and could contest as the best rock record of 2009. As John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout noted, Welcome To The Masquerade combines nearly all the bands strong points. TFK couldn’t sound stronger. However, McNevan put it the best when he said “Thousand Foot Krutch has kind of been my baby my whole life,” its evident Welcome To The Masquerade has tons of time invested in it.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Street Date: September 8th, 2009
Label: Tooth and Nail
Track Listing:
Track Listing:
1.) The Invitation
2.) Welcome To The Masquerade
3.) Fire It Up
4.) Bring Me To Life
5.) E For Extinction
6.) Watching Over me
7.) The Part That Hurts The Most (Is Me)
8.) Scream
9.) Look Away
10.) Forward Motion
11.) Outta Control
12.) Smack Down
13.) Already Home
_______________________________________
Since their Tooth & Nail Records debut, Phenomenon, in 2003, Canadian rock outfit Thousand Foot Krutch have gone through stylistic and member changes as they continue to evolve their hard rock sound.
Their last two efforts, The Art Of Breaking and The Flame In All Of Us, were arguably more underwhelming than the aforementioned debut, but both were not without their highlights. The band's fourth Tooth & Nail outing, Welcome To The Masquerade, seems to combine just about every one of the band's strong points into one album. From the abrupt intro "The Invitation" into the pounding title track, to the blazing "Fire It Up" and even the WWE-ready anthem "Smack Down," there are more than just a few moments on Masquerade that pack a punch.
While TFK use some of the familiar traits that fans love, there are plenty of fresh elements incorporated (and a crisp but edgy production) to make the record an instant highlight ("E For Extinction," the mellow "Watching Over Me," the rocker "Scream," the radio-ready pop gem "Forward Motion," and the beautiful violin-layered closer, "Already Home").
If you can only afford one hard rock record in the coming weeks, there's no mistaking that Welcome To The Masquerade delivers, and it doesn't look likely to disappoint.
__________________________________________________
Thousand Foot Krutch, a popular Christian rock band, is nearing the release of its new album entitled "Welcome to the Masquerade" (due on September 8th).
In preparation for such, frontman Trevor McNevan spoke with CMSpin, a Christian Music web magazine, about the album, and an interesting statement was made by McNaven as it pertains to The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
According to the interview,
According to the interview,
Nappy: Last time I talked to you, you guys were working on getting a song on the new X-Men Origins movie.
Trevor: They’re still working on that. They’re still deciding when and where for that film. I hope so, we have a song specially placed for it, as well as for New Moon, that new Twilight movie.
It’s been cool seeing that come together.
So, do McNaven's words seem to indicate, to you, that TFK is likely to contribute to New Moon's soundtrack?
_______________________________________________
Welcome To The Masquerade Posted September 01, 2009
One of Christian music’s most popular Canadian bands, Thousand Foot Krutch, unveilsits fifth studio album Welcome To The Masquerade. This project marks the return ofAaron Sprinkle, who produced the group’s break-out album Phenomenon.
Welcome ToThe Masquerade invites you to take off your mask and confess “I’m not o.k.”“The Invitation” serves as a foreshadowing of what’s to come - aggressive guitars,haunting piano parts, and thumping beats.
From the opening verse of the title-track long-time fans will be pleased to hear Trevor McNevan bringing back the rhythmic vocalstylings of Phenomenon. Setting the stage for the album McNevan raps “Take a lookaround at the sea of masks/And come one, come all, welcome to the grand ball.”Getting it’s title from a 1960’s X-men comic, “E for Extinction” picks up on the album’stheme of “camouflaging” flaws and pain - “When we move/We camouflageourselves/We stand in the shadows waiting/We live for this and nothing more/We arewhat you created.”
Expanding on the theme, the string-laced ballad “Look Away”encourages listeners not to hold their pain inside, instead give it up to God. He will “takeall these cuts and make them shine.”“Smackdown” sounds like a fusion of “Rawkfist” and Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”The anthem is sure to translate well into a live setting, as well as the gutsy “Fire It Up.”
Along with fist-pumping anthems, Welcome To The Masquerade contains some wickedbreakdowns, the best one being found on “The Part That Hurts The Most (Is Me).”Remaining rather tame at first, the mid-tempo song lets loose after the bridge withMcNevan screaming “No! Stay away from me/Get up! I’m tryin’ to walk away/It justwon’t let up!”
The softer songs seem to be the weaker points of Welcome To The Masquerade, mostwould have been better suited for McNevan’s side project FM Static. However, theballad “Already Home” is a definite highlight of the album.
One of the more spirituallyovert songs, McNevan humbly cries out “Now I am on my face/And I’m calling outYour name/And I won’t run away/’Cause I’m already home.”Combining the catchy hooks of The Flame In All Of Us and the rhythmic elements ofPhenomenon, Welcome To The Masquerade finds a happy medium that will likely satisfyTFK’s massive fan base.
Though ambiguous at times, the album’s message is a solidone, letting listeners know it’s okay to take off your “mask” and reveal your innerstruggles or hurt because that is the first step toward healing.
Closing Thoughts:Trevor McNevan describes Welcome To The Masquerade as “… pedal to the metal.”That it is. Upon first listen, it is evident that Welcome To The Masquerade is one of thebest rock albums of the year.
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/thousandfootkrutch_masquerade.html
_______________________________________________
Thousand Foot Krutch is back with their most ambitious release to date, Welcome To The Masquerade, produced by Aaron Sprinkle (The Almost, Anberlin, Demon Hunter) and mixed by Randy Staub (Nickelback, Metallica). When asked about the new record, singer Trevor McNevan explains, "the main concept is that we all hide things and wear masks at certain and places in our lives. The longer we hide things, the more they eat away at us. The closer you get to 'knowing the truth', the harder these things are to hide". The album, anchored by the radio singles "Forward Motion" and "Bring Me To Life" hits stores and online September 8th. The band will support the release this fall on the 2nd annual Creation Tour.
Thousand Foot Krutch has sold a half-million copies to date of their albums Set It Off, Phenomenon, The Art Of Breaking, and The Flame in All of Us. The band hit the musical scene with the "Phenomenon" album and branched into active rock radio with the hit songs "Rawkfist" (Phenomenon) , "Move" (The Art of Breaking), Absolute (The Art Of Breaking) and "Falls Apart" (The Flame In All Of Us). At Christian radio the band has charted with eight #1 rock songs, and three top five CHR hits. TFK has shared stages with a wide mix of headliners including Switchfoot, Skillet, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, 311 and Sevendust.
Thousand Foot Krutch have shown that their musical talent & diversity still is full throttle. Welcome To The Masquerade begins with “The Invitation”, a instrumental track that is something uncharted for Thousand Foot Krutch, with grateful addition of keys in the background.
The title track “Welcome To The Masquerade” brings disappointment in it’s eerie resemblance to the album’s first single (”Bring Me To Life”), although the chorus is quite catchy. The third bombshell on this album, “Fire It Up” has already garnered it’s mainstream success with it’s use in G.I Joe trailer & on NHL 10. “Bring Me To Life”, the band’s first single from this album, fits quaintly in this album’s genre. “E For Extinction” demonstrates Thousand Foot Krutch’s talent in soft rock, while bringing Trevor’s heavy vocals to the chorus, & with lyrics such as ‘We Live For This & Nothing More, We Are What You Created’ shows that spiritual integrity is still an important part of Thousand Foot Krutch’s lyrical repertoire. “Watching Over Me” could easily be a FM Static song, which makes you wonder why it’s even on this album. “The Part That Hurts The Most (Is Me)” & “Scream” fill the middle of the album with typical Thousand Foot Krutch-style rock.
But, that all changes when we reach “Look Away”, an acoustic brilliance that might just be the greatest song ever written by Thousand Foot Krutch. Honestly, words cannot describe the impact that this track had on me. “Forward Motion” & “Outta Control” create a nice transition to reach “Smack Down”, a toe-tapping & hand-clapping track that could easily have been on someone’s album in the 80s. We are then greeted to our departure with “Already Home”, a soft outro track, with a hint of violin at the beginning, simply hearing ‘I Am On My Face, & I’m Calling Out Your Name’ in this final track’s chorus brings us back to reality of our spiritual thirst for our God.
Overall:While many may disagree, Thousand Foot Krutch has grown to a more mature group with Welcome To The Masquerade. Yes, some of their tracks do have what seems to be a repetitive nature, but the sheer brilliance of their stand-out tracks (”Already Home” & “Look Away”) is definitely something that should not be overlooked. Trevor once again has shown us that his lyrical repertoire is filled with great spiritual excitement, spiritual thirst & a knowledge that we are only a small piece in this puzzle we call the universe.
Reviewer: Shawn H.
Reviewer: Shawn H.
_________________________________________
Everyone’s favorite Canadians are back with 14 tracks of rawkin’ goodness! Thousand Foot Krutch has made a name for themselves with their high-energy live shows, and their versatile muscial style. Welcome To The Masquerade definitely takes TFK to a higher level as Trevor McNevan and his musical companions continue to stretch themselves musically and professionally.
After seeing songs like Move, Rawkfist, and Phenomenon used in everything from MLB games, to ESPN Sportscenter, to video games, the band recieved a great honor this year, being one of only three bands to win Taco Bell’s Feed The Beat contest. As part of the contest, they released the song Bring Me To Life as a free download at www.welcometothemasquerade.com. At first listen, you know that this is the Thousand Foot Krutch that fans have come to know and love, with their powerful guitars, chest pounding drums, and soul piercing lyrics. Our death and spiritual rebirth and revitalization is displayed through the lyrics “Bring Me To Life, Breathe Air Into Me. It’s Taken My Whole Life To Realize All The Things I’ve Never Seen.”
The overall theme of Welcome to the Masquerade is that 1)we are not perfect and 2)we all have something to hide. That is why the imagery of the “masquerade” is so brilliant, because we all hide behind our “masks”. Whether it be in E for Extinction how camoflauge ourselves, or Scream(my personal favorite track on the album) and the mask that I don’t want to wear anymore.
Also included on WTTM is the rock anthem Fire It Up. When you listen to this song, you will understand the reason for the title of the song. Its hard to listen to this song and not feel “fired up” to “let your light shine”. The whole song is encouragement to know who the opposition is, and to know who to lean on so that we can stand strong.
Forward Motion is about pushing our differences aside and working together to reach our common goal, which is reaching people for Christ.
Look Away is a slower track that deals with feelings of hopelessness and the reality of suicide. The lyrics cry to Take all these cuts, and make them shine, and all this pain I’ve held inside, so I can find my way home again. Finally, Smack Down, well, what can you say about this song that hasn’t already been said about this song? It just flat out rawks, and I won’t be surprised to hear song this echoing through sports arenas and wrestling rings for years to come.
TFK has always pushed the limits musically and lyrically, sometimes delving into topics that most bands won’t even approach.
Welcome to the Masquerade is no different, and is an album that will surely gain them much more noteriety in not only the christian music world, but the secular realm as well.
In fact, Welcome To The Masquerade is not only TFK’s best album yet, it has the potential to be the best album of 2009. Be sure to purchase your tickets for “the ball”, get your tux or dress and mask ready, and hit the lights, because the Masquerade has begun.
p.s.- My daughters will not stop walking around singing “Get Ready For The Smack Down!”. I guess thats not a bad thing!
p.s.- My daughters will not stop walking around singing “Get Ready For The Smack Down!”. I guess thats not a bad thing!
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