MISSION
STATEMENT:
"The purpose of Devil's Dice
is to encourage believers to live daily for God, not just when the time calls
for it." - Philip Meade
Judah First strives to strongly encourage young people to actively follow Christ and act on
their faith, by presenting on this DEVIL'S DICE CD, their high quality heavy metal
/ rock compositions as the powerful musical vehicle, to propel their messages.
Being a Christian in a secular world is a
struggle, with not only our own human weaknesses and temptations, but with other
not so nice influences which can trip us up if we become complacent Christians,
and not keep our eyes on Jesus, not living daily for him. As Christianity is an
active faith, we all need to fight the tendency to be complacent; a state of mind
which makes us fertile ground to be tempted to fall to our human weaknesses or
to become casualties of the ongoing Spiritual warfare waged by the Prince of this
world.
Philip
Meade and James Aaron
About
JUDAH FIRST:
James Aaron - Vocals * Philip Meade - Guitar
Keyth
Harkleroad - Bass * Chris Rosenstone - Drums
Here is a summary about their backgrounds....
The name of the group, Judah
First, was inspired by Judges 20:18. The tribe of Judah was to be the first
to go into battle, obeying what the Lord had said. So, Judah First would be called
into a music ministry, to actively reach out to the young people.
James
Aaron and Philip Meade, the founders of this band, both grew
up in homes where their fathers were pastors, and were involved at a young age
in Christian ministry, inspired by the examples of the adults in their formative
years, being prepared for their own Christian music ministry that the Lord had
planned for them.
Attending and actively participating
in church and worship has always been a part of their lives. Their musical talents
and goals have been encouraged and supported by their families and church music
and youth programs and the people in their church families as well. James Aaron
had been singing in church all his life. Philip Meade started playing drums in
high school and moved into playing guitar as he entered college.
The
idea of forming a band happened in college where Philip Meade became friends with
drummer Chris Rosenstone. After starting a secular
band called "Sojourn," the group played together for a few years, but always felt
an important piece of the music was missing; "the aspect of a ministry for
Christ with our music."
James Aaron was
brought on board in 2000 and Judah First was born, called into a Christian
music ministry mainly focused on the young music lovers of hard rock - heavy metal
music.
"The center of our music revolves
around a message that young people need to hear, a real message for real teens.
Relationships are hard, betrayal is hard, and it is easy to fall away from God."
- Philip Meade
The members of Judah First
When
not touring and performing in concerts, the members of Judah First live
a Christian life style, in their daily walk with the Lord. The band members also
are busy in ministry in their home churches.
Chris Rosenstone comments, "We are all active
in church, Philip Meade is a youth pastor at a Baptist church and James Aaron
is a worship leader at a church in East TN. We are fortunate to have a church
body that supports the music and understands when we have to be away for several
weeks."
OVERALL
REVIEW of DEVIL'S DICE ALBUM
Heavy
metal / hard rock music in general is made up of impressive, expressive electric
guitar work and drums and lots of showmanship -- It is a genre of music with lots
of energy, driving rhythms, emotion-strong feelings which are vigorously expressed
through the musical compositions and presentation of the lyrics. Vocals are usually
intense / emotional, with a hard edge to go with the very real, honest rock, courtesy
of the electric guitar ensemble and the talent of the musicians and of course
vigorous drums. Lyrics are blunt, emotional and real - often capturing the anxt,
joys, rebellion and challenges faced by their young fans, and other lovers of
heavy metal / hard rock!
Christian
heavy metal / hard rock follows the genre style, but with a major difference;
The lyrics which express the anxt, joys, rebellion and challenges faced by the
young and perhaps not so young revolve around spiritual truths and the Gospel
of Jesus, but in the same real honest language, and in the same vocal style with
variations provided by the vocalist.
The
Holy Spirit definitely flows through this Christ-centered band, as Judah First proves that heavy metal / hard rock music can have the high musical standards,
as well as ministering to the young and not so young, with thought provoking messages
which both warn and encourage both believers and seekers.
It
is this reviewer's opinion that Judah First offers some of the best Christian
heavy metal / hard rock music presented to the younger generation and others who
appreciate the genre. For they have it all: Driving
rhythms and counter-melodies via the electrical guitar extremely well-played,
great dynamics, a stirring combination of memorable melodies, down to earth lyrics
put together by an aggressive yet still clearly understandable varied vocal styles.
Their music has the effect of gripping the soul, encouraging and convicting the
listener to evaluate their attitudes and think about their own behavior, and give
thanks to the Lord for who He is; our loving, merciful Lord and Savior, and for
what He has done for us both on the cross and now.
While
the musicianship on Judah First's first album, VISION ROAD was an
excellent example of heavy metal / hard rock music which provided the perfect
support for their Christian messages outlined in
their mission statement for that album, this second
album from Judah First, DEVIL'S DICE offers heavy metal / hard rock Christian
music, up a notch in all aspects; their impressive musicianship, composition skills
and their lyrical messages, which fully express the various themes of the songs,
and are finely illustrated with the wide range of vocals and musical compositions
found in this collection of songs.
Philip Meade on guitar
About
their Music....
The very talented
Chris Grainger, who fronts the band Schfvilkus, once again was the producer
for this second album, DEVIL'S DICE. Besides being a talented guitar player and
song writer himself, he excels at engineering and mixing, which is one reason
one can think that Judah First is having a jam session in the living room
while listening to the CD!
Philip
Meade and James Aaron
not only bring their musical talents to the stage and recording studio, but also
composed and wrote the lyrics to the songs, though each song is worked on together
/ arranged together as a group, which explains the polished, focused result heard
in the performance. All songs were composed first on a guitar, and a chorus which
comes to mind is used as the building block for the
song.
On DEVIL'S DICE, Guitarist
Philip Meade was very busy indeed, in putting the songs together. Meade composed
and wrote the lyrics for the songs IDENTIFY, the title song, DEVIL'S DICE, LISTEN,
and SHE'LL NEVER TELL. He composed the music to most of the other songs as well,
and co-composed a few others with talented friends; J. Howle (XRAY EYES &
QUESTIONS) and W. Hutchins (OWN).
James
Aaron co-wrote the lyrics with Philip Meade on some of the songs and was the solo
lyrical writer on the songs OWN and QUESTIONS.
The
compositions feature strong, effective melodies, written in both minor and major
keys, sometimes with some dissonant intervals as well, which draw in the listener,
offering just the right support for the message and mood of each song.
The
umph and drive of Judah First's music is provided by a variety of precise,
driving rhythms, courtesy of the ensemble guitar work by Philip Meade & Keyth
Harkleroad and Chris
Rosenstone's well done drums.
Chris
Rosenstone has all the characteristics of a great drummer. He provides
not only a steady beat, using appropriate dynamics, but effectively guides the
others through tempo changes, never drowning out the guitars or vocals; always
providing an underlying support.
Together, the three of them, Philip Meade & Keyth Harkleroad & Chris Rosenstone offer not only
momentum to keep the songs flowing / pumping along, but also provide strong counter
melody / chordal support for the main melodies carried mainly by the strong, expressive,
sometimes emotional vocals provided by James Aaron.
James
Aaron brings an inspiring musical force to the lead vocals, bringing the right
vocal nuance needed to express the just the right vocal quality needed for each
song. James Aaron has the pipes and breath control to propel and carry the main
vocals and melody over the most strong counter melody being played by the guitars.
Furthermore, one notices the very interesting range
of James Aaron's vocals; from high energy, emotional to soft and plaintive, which
are always clear in diction and even on key, despite the vocal style required
for the particular song!
Everyone
of these nine songs are uniquely impressive, making good use of dynamics and tempo
changes, often in the same song. This reviewer was wowed with the quality of the
band's musicianship, especially the talented guitar players, Philip
Meade and Keyth Harkleroad, who are always together, playing as one unit, no matter
what difficult rhythm or counter melody that are playing for their particular
guitar part (bass or regular guitar), providing sharp, precise driving guitar
work. They play a variety of dotted notes, driving 16th & 32nd notes, which
fly at times in intensity, sometimes in a syncopated rhythm. WOW!
Also
fascinating are the flawless musical segues within the songs which flow / sometimes
jump immediately from one difficult rhythm sequence, to another equally difficult
rhythm, which can also change in tempo as well. (They make it sound so easy.)
In between the verses in the
musical interludes, the listener also is treated
to inspiring electric guitar riffs, heavy metal jigs, creative, flawless musical
segues mentioned above, qualities of heavy metal / hard rock which lovers of the
hard rock and heavy metal genre really enjoy.
This
reviewer highly recommends this CD to rock music / heavy metal lovers and to people
with an open mind, who enjoy great music / musicianship. The messages of the songs
apply to everyone, because as human beings, we all have to guard against complacency
and to continue in our daily walk with our loving Lord, doing His will for our
lives. We all need to keep our eyes on Jesus, despite life's distractions, temptations,
so that we can withstand the not so nice influences surrounding us and the Spiritual
warfare which is also present in our lives.
More
about the Spiritual Truths / Themes in Songs
Messages
in these songs explore aspects of spiritual warfare, and the consequences facing
people because of the choices they make in how they live life; whether being a
lukewarm Christian or being reluctant in accepting the gift of Jesus Christ as
Lord and Savior.
Two songs which explore complacency
and temptation are IDENTIFY and the title song, DEVIL"S DICE.
Philip Meade explains, "A song like IDENTIFY is warning the listener of being
idle, while the title track, DEVIL'S DICE is a story of the dangerous temptation
to play the devil's game and "throw his dice."
Jesus
Christ is proclaimed to be the light, the way to overcome our sinful tendencies
and the only one who saves us from the Prince of the air in this world, if we
depend on Him, because He never leaves us. Spiritual warfare is real and we need
to be on guard, no matter what age we are!
Keyth
Harkleroad - Bass guitar
Specific Themes
illustrated in Songs.
People
who don't belong to Jesus yet are still under a judgment -Complacent Christians
are also in danger of falling to sin. DEVIL'S DICE * X-RATED EYES
Jesus
is our Lord and Savior, our way out of the power of sin - SPEAK TO ME * DEVIL'S
DICE * LISTEN * PERFECT SKY
Sin
causes pain to others - QUESTIONS * SHE'LL NEVER TELL
Jesus
is our weapon in our Spiritual warfare with Evil - OWN
Don't
be A lukewarm Christian - Show your choice through action - IDENTIFY
Chris Rosenstone on drums
DEVIL'S
DICE LYRICS
* * * + + SPEAK TO ME - Music
by Philip Mead & Words by Philip Mead and James Aaron
Fourth
favorite song of this reviewer. A confessional prayer hymn of a person who realizes
he is in need of repentance and forgiveness, and turns back to the Lord, done
with energy, zing, and drive in a composition which offers a variety of well played
rhythms, heart-felt guitar riffs, dynamic vocals, a poignant melodies in both
the verses and chorus and lyrical message that touches the heart. James Aaron
does such a good job presenting this prayer hymn in hard rock form
What
a terrific way to start off this album! This song offers a lot to the listener,
setting a poignant prayer hymn to a musical composition which cooks making good
use of the talent of the band members who play as a tight, focused unit. The driving
rhythms, tempo and melody direction changes smoothly initiated by well played
segues and interludes, finally taking the listener on a wild ride through the
guitar riff, played by Philip Meade, which is nicely supported by the underlying
driving bass part.
Begins with a disonant
bang using drum beats and disonant guitar -played intervals for 3 measures which
segues into a driving, fast paced rhythm of eighth note rests interspersed with
eighth note rhythm, supported by driving 16th note bass part, courtesy of Keyth
Harkleroad, which segues yet again into a fast paced 16th note pattern
of notes, which support the main vocals and melody.
Scriptural
References: (Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15-16, Galations 5:16, James 4: 7-10)
Lyrics:
Come
go with me / All that we see / Perpetrates and generates a sinners fall. Growing
weary / Full of envy / What does it take to finally break the world's law
Don't be deceived / By what I see / Association with your hands explains it all Why not try me / Don't deny me / Open my heart and
let me hear Your call
Chorus: Could it be
in my time of need / it seems / that I stand alone / No indication, reputation
from the seeds I've sown / I'm on my knees with my disease / Can't see, where
did I go wrong / Speak to me, Speak to me
Interlude
Chorus
* * * + + IDENTIFY - Words and Music by Philip Meade
A
hard rock anthem with a strong melody, solid guitar work, edgy vocals and a driving
beat, sure to please hard rock lovers! The introduction jumps right into the 16th
note driving rhythm, which establishes the counter melody in the first part of
the verses (8 measures) and driving rock beat. Second
half of the verses guitar work supports melody directly. Great drum and guitar
buildup to the chorus. Love the musical exchange in the Bridge.
Vocals
are in the hard rock style; edgy, raspy and strong, perfectly executed!
Guitars
play the melody along with the vocals in both the Chorus, and the Hook. Most enjoyable
interludes, featuring musical variations based on melody.
Scriptural
References: (Rev.3:15-16, Romans 12:11, Hebrews 7:27, James 1:22-25 & 2:14-17)
Lyrics:
Draw
the line/ Silent steps sublime / Before the dawn
of the rising sun/ Invades the night/ Rehearse your current alibi /
Chorus:
Hypnotize, common sighs, beautify / The spotlight, endless nights, of denial
Change your mind / Not a day goes by /Before the dawn of the rising sun/ Invades
the night/ Rehearse your current alibi /
Bridge:
You must choose a side / You must choose a side / You must choose a side And identify!!!!
Interlude:
Hook: What is the purpose of your pride / Internal spirit homicide / Control committed
bona fide / Who will you be today, Identify!!!
Interlude:
Chorus:
Replay
of main melody 8 measures / ends with beginning 16 note rhythm.
*
* * + + DEVIL'S DICE - Words and Music by Philip Meade
A
strong, energetic title song with a infectious, catchy melody, pumping rhythms,
meaningful, real lyrics, which describe so well the consequences of what can happen
during spells of spiritual resolve and / or unbelief.
Again,
written in a minor key. Begins with a cooking eighth note / 16th note rhythm.-
8 measures. Continues into the first 8 measures of the verses, changes to a mix
of melody support and rhythm. Chorus - guitars offer a lovely melodious counter
melody which brightens up the main melody and vocals.
Vocals are strong, raspy, edgy, dynamic and show evidence of fine breath control.
James has no problem singing difficult intervals which hit the higher octave.
WOW!
Scriptural References:(Galations 6:7,
Romans 6:6, John 8:34)
Lyrics:
Back
for more the story goes / How you've left us all behind / You crucified your only
friend this time / What comes around still goes around
/ So I'll just wait till you're taken down
Chorus: Into the common, frigid place / Where you're running on thin ice / You
dance beneath the puppet strings / But you still have to throw the Devil's Dice.
Artificial safety zone, it's not as cozy as you'd like/ The stakes are made, step
up and toss your life. / A note to self, don't believe the hype / So I'll just
wait for your sacrifice
Chorus:
Interlude
Hook:Extend
your hand / And take the dice / Don't have a choice / They're cheering for Your
Compromise / What have you done?
* * * + LISTEN
- Words and Music by Philip Meade
Starts on
an ominous note in a minor key, two drum beats; then guitars join in after 2 measures,
playing a dissonant interval rhythm using dotted quarter / 8th note rhythm for
8 measures, which segues into a slightly faster segment of dotted notes, a main
counter melody which supports the main vocals and melody.
Vocals
are sung in a slightly raspy, hard rock style, on key and strong and moderately
emotional. James hits the high notes with no trouble at all.
Interesting
interlude begins slow and deliberate, two drum beats, then guitars play a dissonant
interval rhythm segues into a heavy metal 16th note jig, well played and precise!
Segues back into main melody and rhythms, but ends on a drawn out whole note.
Scriptural References: (John 8:12 & 14:8,
2nd. Cor. 4:4-6, Romans 10:8-10)
Lyrics:
How,
do I fit in society? / It's dark, I can not see in front of me / Love, is just
a faded memory / Are there no friends, is there not one who cares for me?
Chorus:
You better listen / What do you want your life to be / It's in your hands / Are
you too blind to see / The light ahead, leading you / Down a path, a path that's
true.
You wonder why, kids no longer want
to play / Try, listen to what He has to say / You start to cry, sadness rules
the world today / Wake up, I know there is a better way
Chorus:
Jig
Tag
You better listen / What do you want your life to be / It's in your hands / Are
you too blind to see / The light ahead, leading you, leading you! You
better listen / What do you want your life to be / It's in your hands / Are you
too blind to see / The light ahead, leading you
Leading
you... Leading you... Leading you...
* * *
+ + OWN - Music by Philip Mead and W. Hutchins. Words by James Aaron
Hang
on for a wild, musical ride - Hard rock / heavy metal at its best!
Favorite
song of this reviewer, a hopeful, hard rock anthem written in a minor key which
really cooks with intensity, energy and drive in a quick 2 beat! Showcases the
enormous talent of the band. I would love to see them play this song live or via
video!
The phenomenal guitar work, which represents
the dueling forces involved in Spiritual forces. Dueling electrical guitar riffs
are really impressive; hard intervals played quickly with feeling and intensity,
in 8th 16th 32nd notes, with a little syncopation thrown in! In the background,
the other guitar continues the 16th note jig, to support the riff.
Begins
with an absolutely smoking 32nd note intro played by guitars and drums, interspersed
with dotted notes, precisely played together of course, kept on track by the steady
beat of the drummer, Chris! Sounds like a battle call to war. Brings a sense of
urgency of the seriousness of Spiritual warfare. Segues quickly into quick, precise
highly energized, evenly played 16th notes / dotted notes.
All
the way through the verses, the guitars play a driving counter melody, working
together with each other and the drummer. Nice places with some harmony in interlude
before 2nd verse.
Vocals by James are strong,
and carry the infectious main melody and message in style pleasing to the listener.
He is gifted with a wonderful voice and the ability to use it effectively.
Scriptural
References: (Ephesians 6:10-18, John 8:12, 1 John 3:18, Hebrews)
Lyrics:
What
you see here right before you is not uncommon / In the Mirror you will find you
own the same / I am Battle worn and weary, There's no cover and I'm too wet to
come in from the rain / Feel my pain
Chorus:
Carry! This cross of mine!! / The blood stains of war aren't hard to find / They
heal the blind
In the noise of the battle
great destruction / No protection and you're standing all alone / You are battle
worn and weary seeking cover / And now you see, the
light / And now you see, the light that Leads the way
You
are Battle worn and weary He's your Cover!! / Now you see the light that lights
the way / DON'T DELAY !!!!
Chorus:
* * * + + PERFECT SKY - Music by Philip mead
& Words by Philip Meade and James Aaron
2nd
Favorite song of this reviewer. A well done rock anthem proclaiming the hope we
have in Jesus, now and when we go home to be with Him. Our struggles, and challenges
we face in this life are bearable because the Lord never leaves us.
Great
use of dynamics. Intro begins with a guitar playing a staccato dotted eighth note
rhythm which establishes beat and support counter melody and melody. Dynamics
in both vocals and musical support grow nicely to the chorus. Drums are steady,
and help guide the others into the quick tempo changes
During
2nd verse, guitars quiet down to staccato rhythm in intro, supporting the vocals
. Swell again in chorus, where Guitars provide strong support for melody
End
of second time through Chorus, nice quick change into Victory Jig is a joyous
sound with two changes of rhythm and tempo flawlessly executed; straight 16th
notes and then followed by quick tempo of dotted eighth notes, all played with
enthusiasm, drive! Tempo changes yet again through
last run through Chorus.
James Aaron begins
softly / in vocals, in a smooth style and follows the dynamics set in the musical
composition, revving up to full volume, changing vocal style to match.
Scriptural
References:( Rev. 21: 1-14, 2nd Cor. 4: 8-10, 16-18 )
Lyrics:
Ignore all the vindication / Reverse deterioration / The story of real salvation
/ In the middle of a constant confrontation / Seeps in the radiation / Shoot in
my medication
Bridge 1: But I saw the signs
/ And I know this time /
The text of a special
somewhere / Tells of a perfect home where /Tears will never fall there/ In the
middle of a constant confrontation/ Heard of a revelation /Here comes determination
Bridge: But I saw the signs / And I know this
time / That I just won't let go /No, I just won't let go
Chorus: Till You take me to that perfect sky / Where's there's hope in life and
dreams never die / Hold on tight, the end is now in sight / Perfect Sky
And
now that my war is no more / It's time that I walk through the door / Into a place
that's for sure / At the end of a constant confrontation / Remove all the hesitation
/ Enter my destination.
Bridge: But I saw
the signs / And I know this time / That I just won't let go /No, I just won't
let go
Chorus: Till You take me to that perfect
sky / Where's there's hope in life and dreams never die / Hold on tight, the end
is now in sight / Perfect Sky REPEAT
Victory
Jig!
Chorus:
*
* * + X-RATED EYES - Music by Philip Meade & J. Howle, Words by Philip Meade
Quite
a musical mix, composition wise, making it quite interesting to listen to and
review. Philip Meade & J. Howle created the most
rhythmically complicated, tempo changing composition with melodies to go along
which changes the musical direction at least three times, interjecting elements
of blues and soul in the soaring guitar riffs.
Verses
are played somewhat majestically, anthem-like, which offers a very nice contrast
to the other moods set in various sections of this song.
Very
nice harmony in the Chorus, supported by a combination of chordal support and
pumping 16th notes.
Scriptural References:(Romans
12:2, 2nd Cor. 4:3-4, James 4: 4)
Lyrics:
Color
blind / The absence of a nation's mourning / We're late on time / The seconds
click toward our destruction / With our eyes / Another viewing of corruption
As you pray / Where will your eyes take your soul today?/
Change
of tempo / musical direction 1
Chorus: I wonder
what is lost that we could find / If we looked without x-rated eyes
Magnify / The lenses of a focused vision/ As you pray / Where will your eyes take
your soul today?
Change of tempo / musical
direction 1
I wonder what is lost that we could
find / If we looked without x-rated eyes
Change
of tempo / musical direction 2 (Builds into guitar interlude)
Guitar
interlude - precise eight note rhythm intermixed with 16th NOTE, ends with plus
short soulful, guitar riff
Tag: Recognize The
enemy has his own painting/ As you pray/ Where did
your eyes take your soul today?
Interlude plus
short soulful, guitar riff
Change of tempo
/ musical direction 1
I wonder what is lost
that we could find / If we looked without x-rated eyes / REPEAT
Change
of tempo / musical direction 3 / Up a few notches. Ends with a sizzling jig with a dynamic electric
guitar riff, an exclamation point to the song!
*
* * + + SHE'LL NEVER TELL - Music and Words by Philip Meade
This hard rock ballad about child abuse bluntly spells out the result of evil
unchecked - Christians need notice and stand against evil, or it will grow, and
consume the innocent.
Third favorite song of
this reviewer. As is customary in ballads, the song's
melody and lyrics are the focal point of the composition. Love the catchy melody
written in a minor key and real lyrics brought strongly to life by the expressive
vocals, in an easy 4 beat rhythm. Guitars play background ominous doted note rhythm
which swell to progressive chordal support in the chorus, until the interlude
in-between the chorus and 2nd verse. The guitars jump into a quick, driving 16th
note jig, played evenly, interspersed with a dotted note pattern, which makes
it interesting. The interlude conveys the desperation and sense of urgency felt
by this abuse victim, leading up to her desperate action.
Scriptural
References: (Ephes. 5:10-14, Psalm 141:4)
Lyrics:
Sweet
girl behind the door / It's locked this time for sure/ The footsteps on the floor/
Coming back for more/ That look is in his eyes/ He wears a new disguise/ She's
in the corner/ Prays for another life
CHORUS
1: She'll never tell/ She'll never tell/ She'll never tell no one/ She'll never
tell / Of all the ways he likes to have his fun/ She knows the devil well/ He
doesn't live in hell/ She'll never tell / She'll never tell
Interlude
-
Another day of pain / Some things will
never change/ She's at the mirror/ Wearing blood and blame/ He hugs his wife goodbye/
She doesn't see the lies/ Her daughter knows the / Blind don't hear the cries
CHORUS
1
It's time to end her plight/ A gun is in
her sight / The shot remembers / All those sleepless nights / And now he's on
the floor/ He lost this time for sure/ And no one heard the / Sound behind the
door
Chorus 2: He'll never tell / He'll never
tell/ He'll never tell no one/ He'll never tell / Of all the ways he likes to
have his fun/ He knows the devil well / Opened the gates of hell / He'll never
tell / He'll never tell .
* * * + QUESTIONS
- Music by Philip Meade & J. Howle and Words by J. Aaron
Perfect
song to end this fine CD. A hard rock / heavy metal leaning ballad which draws
the listener to evaluate own behaviors and attitudes, inspiring changes which
would please not disappoint the Lord.
Begins
in a flowing, contemplative, mournful tune, broken chord electrical guitar playing
an acoustic part, which reflects the pain and hurt caused by another human being.
Vocals are sad, smooth, very melodious. It also reflects how disappointed the
Lord is when we sin. This first section offers great contrast to the next section
where the smooth vocals turn into a scream on the last word of the first verse,
"YOU!!"? Interesting segue into a heart-pumping, driving electrical
guitar pounding rhythms, and vocals which jump up about 3 levels from being sad
to showing frustration and anger- great hard rock / heavy metal music to end this
CD with an exclamation point!
Philip Meade
comments,"The song, QUESTIONS is an awareness of how another person has disappointed
them, and that in turn leads to their realization that their live has been disappointing
to God. They have been all talk while behind closed doors, they could care less
- 'confidential black.' At the end of the song, this person challenges the listener
to also examine their own lives - "now it's your turn to ask the questions why."
Scriptural References:( James 3:14-16 &
4:1-6, 7-10, Ephes 5:29-32, Col 3: 5-10)
Lyrics:
How
many times must I try, before I break through?/ How many lies must I fight before
I trust you? / How many words, must I hide, before I know you? /How many tears,
must I cry, before I see you?
Return to sender
/ It's coming back / You've Seen Through my façade / The Confidential black
The Realization / Of Things not Seen / To Rediscover how / I Give you Everything
So many Questions / Now things must change / No answers can be found / The Fraud
Carries The chains
Now It's your turn, to
ask the questions why / Now It's your turn, your turn, to mentally die / Turn
a face about / your soul starts to crouch / Words of death stop coming from your
Lying Mouth / And you try to say that you didn't lie / Now you ask yourself, ask
yourself, WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To
see Judah First perform DEVIL'S DICE, visit their web-site: www.judahfirst.com
Reviewed
by Julie Carr, for ChristianMusic.com