Amen: “Imperative Love” Album Review

Caleb Birchmore exploded onto the scene last year, performing under the moniker Amen. He’s already dropped a string of albums and EPs. His debut album This-day was put on KingdomCore’s top album list of 2025. He said that his mission is to write music for believers. If you’re a fan of industrial metal like Tool and A Perfect Place, this is the sound that you can listen to and jam out to. He continues his run of new, original music with his latest album Imperative Love.

Imperative Love Album Review

Tracks: 7

Length: 27:32

Release Date: January 30, 2026

Label: Independent

Amen’s latest collection opens with the title track “Imperative Love.” The album starts with a grungy, mechanical sound, hosting a great blend of screams and clean vocals. In an era of AI music, it’s incredible to note that every part of this project was created entirely by Caleb. His passion for music is second to his passion for his Savior and it shows in the lyrics.

“In Adam we die. In Christ we’re alive.”

This illustrates that through Christ and salvation, we’re alive. This pulls inspiration from Romans 5:12-21 where Adam represents our old life before Jesus. I appreciate it when bands and artists put out theologically rich and solid lyrics and Caleb has put out some incredible lyrics blending poetry and theology.

Musically, “Within Gethsemane” stands apart, as the blend of synth and guitar create a brighter sound than what we hear on the rest of the record. The guitar riffs shred and highlight the technical ability and mastery of the instrument. There are quite a few musical influences on this album, as the first couple tracks have an industrial sound and “The Exodus” has a nu-metal sound to it in the intro. Caleb provides an incredible and harsh breakdown at the end of the song. As far the writing inspiration, Caleb shows that he wants to utilize all of scripture to influence his lyrics. In “The Exodus,” as the title suggests, the Exodus story inspires this song where he writes lyrics about how God led the Israelites out of Egypt and to follow Him.

“Obey my voice, keep the covenant.”

These lyrics and words from Scripture can speak to us as well. Each song seems to have different and unique nuances. "Tabernacle" offers a softer, synth-filled opening, easing back into those methodical, mechanical sounds to help draw people toward the glory of God.

“No wedge between God and me. The veil is torn.”

I absolutely love the rich, spiritually grounded lyrical content in this song. He also brings a passionate delivery with the technical guitar work. Caleb’s not done there as he shows how well he can scream, as highlighted in “Enter into rest.” He provides a harsh, guttural scream to open the song with accompanying driving guitars, which contrasts with the mellow verses. The lyrics are catchy enough to sing along to, and as you do, you can really feel the passion and want to share in that emotion.

“Enter into rest.” leads right into “A-quiet-place.” I’m sensing a theme with these two songs back to back. As the last song reflected on entering into rest only through God, this song emphasizes the need to find that quiet place in prayer. This song continues that industrial sound that we hear throughout the album, with haunting guitar riffs on the verses. A spoken word section launches right into a brutal breakdown, highlighting the duality in the song.

The album wraps up with “Peter do you love me?” The song is packed with great breakdowns and riffs, making for a strong finish to the album. The guitar work is truly highlighted through the slides and breakdowns, as well as the drums in the intro. The album ends on a high note with a message of hope and salvation through only Jesus Christ.

Amen fuses alt metal sounds with deep, theological lyrics.. You can really hear the passion in the vocals, yet there’s a sense of humility behind them. The overarching theme is a message of humbleness, brokenness and ultimately forgiveness. If you are somebody who is feeling broken and unworthy, take some time to listen through this album and read through the lyrics. Falling somewhere between an EP and a typical full-length record, this seven-track release introduces a bold new sound for the Christian metal market. Again, it’s very impressive that the music and lyrics are all coming from one individual. I’m looking forward to what else Amen has to bless us with in the future and I believe that you will be too.