idle threat: “you’ll forget the sun” Album Review
When it takes bands five years between releases, some people fear that the band stopped or fizzled out. That isn’t the case with idle threat. This 5-piece from Nashville didn’t want to rush their sophomore release, as they took the time to diligently write and record the new record. After all the time spent writing, editing, recording and mastering, you’ll forget the sun is a worthy follow-up. The band brings its combination of post hardcore, rock and ambient rock to the surface, along with its deep hitting lyrics that speak of frustration and doubt before ultimately finding something (or someone) to put their faith and hope in.
you’ll forget the sun Album Review
Tracks: 10
Length: 39:44
Release Date: May 8, 2026
Label: Tooth & Nail Records
The album starts with “passing shadows.” The subtle opening with gentle guitars strumming eventually gives way to a distorted sound, reminiscent of 90s rock. idle threat has crafted a sound that takes the best parts of folk, rock and metal and blends it together. Zeke’s clean vocals have a folk quality to them, and that’s what separates this band from everyone else.
“I want to let You in, but don’t know if I can go through this again.”
The underlying theme of the album is the struggle of wanting to say yes to God, but being unsure if the pain and suffering is worth it. This lyric is incredible, because there are times that Christians have this same struggle. We know how much God loves us, but often we experience trials and tribulations, causing us to question His presence.
On this album, there are four guest features and “in tandem” has our first guest feature as Stephen Keech from Haste the Day lends his talents to this song. They start fast right out of the gate, but it slows down as the bassline drives the melodic mood of the song. Stephen’s vocals bring some bite to the song. Meanwhile, the guitars play a subtle, chugging tone, layered with a melodic riff that provides this encompassing setting of the song. Stephen offers a combination of clean and scream to give us this gritty, gut-driven vocal that sits perfectly in the grey area between the two. It sounds great with this song.
The first single from this album is “evermind.” The guitars and drums are in tandem on the intro, creating a buzz for the rest of the song. But then they pull back as the vocals cut in, slowing things down. The vocals in this song and others possess a distinct edge that separates them from the rest of the pack in Christian rock. The vocals are raw, authentic and genuine, perfectly driving home their message, especially in this song.
“There’s no sense in this tragedy. Father, sing over me. If I scream through the tears. Why can’t I have them here with me. Oh God, will You weep with me?”
This song tackles grief and sorrow in the aftermath of a suicide. The lyrics and vocals are passionate and driven, highlighting a topic many bands are bringing attention to today. In this instance, the main character in this song is looking for comfort and companionship in the grief, crying out to heaven. Remember, if you’re feeling like you’re better off not here, that is a lie. There are people who care about you. There is a God in heaven who cares for you and longs for you to reach out to Him.
Transitioning from a tragic aftermath to a place of deep vulnerability, the band kicks off “illuminated days” with their signature melodic guitar riffs. This is a jam song where the guys sound like they are just enjoying themselves, playing music. They open themselves up and allow a vulnerability in the music and lyrics, making it real for their fans and music listeners alike. The guitar work provides a simple chord progression, which sounds technical, but blends nicely with the drums and bass to create a tight sound.
“Rose-colored history hides this grief that I can’t cope with.”
There are times that we hide grief while romanticizing what happened. We hide the pain with a little bit of joy. We could refer to that as illuminated days.
“sequoia” is the next song and it provides a very somber and reflective atmosphere between the raw vocals to the atmospheric guitar chords. Honestly, I think this is my favorite song on the record. It sounds like a song that you would listen to while driving on a road trip on a journey of self-discovery. The vocals sound raw and gritty, while the guitar work is gentle and smooth. After the first listen, I took the time to close my eyes and really listen to the song and the emotion of the song brought me to tears. It’s so introspective.
“Everything’s gonna be okay. Though our dissonance has its days. We are never gonna be the same.”
With change, there is an uncertainty that comes along with it. You might think change is for the best or it might be for the worst. But, regardless of how you feel about it, it is still a good reminder that it’s still going to be okay even in an ever changing, fast paced world.
The album moves from a slow, somber song like “sequoia” to the hot out of the gate “glow.” The opening chords and guitar tone are reminiscent of Switchfoot. This track features more vocal dynamics than previous tracks. Ernie’s screams and Zeke’s clean vocal compliment each other well, trading off more than usual to highlight Ernie’s screams.
The momentum continues with “wither without,” featuring Garrett Russell of Silent Planet. The opening is absolutely frenetic, between Ernie’s chaotic screams and the brutal, fast paced guitar work. They dial back the intensity in the verses and the chaos tames. This track really highlights the duality of the band, pairing screams with chaotic instrumentation, while the clean vocals blend with the ambient guitar work. Garrett’s vocals at the end add to the chaos, complementing Zeke’s ramped up gritty screams.
“lilies and sparrows” was a roller coaster of emotion between the vocals and the aggressive guitar work. There are moments of insanity with the chaotic vocals and heavy chorded guitar work, then there are moments of tapered off and the cleans are brought to the focal point. The song is anchored by a heavy 2 step groove. The lines at the end of the song make an impact with the awareness that while we were feeling alone and battered, there is someone who loves and considers us more than the lilies and sparrows as evidenced in scripture, Matthew 6:25-34.
“When both my lungs gave out and I was all alone. And in my weariness I found no strength to roam. With bated breath, I knelt and bowed my head to pray. But I was quiet long enough to hear You say, ‘Listen and consider the lilies and sparrows’ Am I worth more than all the lilies and sparrows?”
“meet me there” highlights our third vocal guest, featuring Aaron Stone from My Epic. When I first heard this song, the influence from My Epic was written all over it. The simple guitar work is so gentle and ambient. This track feels less like a song and more like an open invitation to just sit in the presence of a God who loves you. The raw vulnerability of the music and lyrics beautifully captures the struggle of wondering if it's even possible to move forward. Aaron’s polished vocals both compliment and contrast Ernie’s tenacity in his vocal delivery. The echoing guitar riff transitions the song from soft and reflective to a heart-wrenching scream towards the heavens. The tone shift from reflective to deeply emotional shows the two sides of navigating trials in our faith. We want to reflect on our faith in times of trial and tribulation, but we also need space to feel the very real anger and frustration that comes with trials.
“Hold me, console the lonely. And lift up wholly my burdens from me these days. Break through the darkness ensued and in your truth carry me in the light of forever.”
The album wraps up with our last guest feature with Christian Nielson from Meadows for the final track, “you’ll forget the sun.” The song transitions from a soft, vocal heavy opening into a rocking rhythm, using a simple guitar progression and driving drums to get your toes tapping. Christian was destined to work with these guys as his scream vocal style works perfectly with the ambient sound that they offer. This is a fitting song to finish the record on.
“When I made my bed in hell, still Your Spirit found me there. When the darkness was my veil, still Your presence found its tears. We will see you face to face and the night will be no more. We will need no light of day for our light will be the Lord.”
The album closes with these lines, reminding us that even during life's harshest and most critical moments, hope and peace can still be found. I love the line, “when I made my bed in hell, still Your Spirit found me there.” There are times that we find ourselves away from God, but yet He still calls us back to Him.
idle threat is a band that pairs a gentle, ethereal sound along with a harsh, gritty hardcore vibe, weaving themes of hope and vulnerability throughout their lyrics. It took five years for them to pull this album together. They wanted to make sure that it was right in both music and lyrics. For that reason, I greatly appreciate their intense attention to detail, which results in a remarkably solid album. We’re almost half way through the new year and we’ve had some standout releases, between Pipe Bomb and Unbroken Reign, but I think this album deserves to be in the conversation for album of the year. There are songs that you can jam out to and there are songs that you can close your eyes and absolutely lose yourself in the soundwaves. Great job to idle threat for an incredible album.
