Meadows: “For A Good & Faithful Servant” Live Album Review
In memory of Brandon Dabbs (bassist)
What do you do when your original plan is to pack a venue and play a show dedicated to a friend, but you get an unusual snowstorm in Birmingham, Alabama? Alabama-based Meadows had to make a decision and they decided to go ahead and record the show, without the audience. This was a show and album dedicated to their late bassist Brandon Dabbs who passed away on October 1, 2024. His brothers in the band wanted to do something special for his memory. Taking inspiration from Brandon’s life and the verse in Matthew 25:23, they released their live album, For A Good & Faithful Servant on May 25, 2025. It’s a private, emotional and intimate recording that gives full glory to God and reflected the inspiration from their friend.
For A Good & Faithful Servant Album Review:
Tracks: 12
Release: May 28, 2025
Label: Facedown Records
From the very first notes, the raw emotion in Meadows’ performance is a moving tribute to their late friend. The first song comes from their Likewise release, “Oh God, How Great the Mountains.” Musically, this song is reminiscent of The Ember Days, whose music was very mellow but heartfelt. From this emotional, methodical opening, Christian launches into screaming and his vocal ability is similar to early mewithoutYou, where Aaron Weiss’ vocals were beautifully unhinged and chaotic, but not a straight up thrash screaming.
The set continues with 'Orion,' a fellow track from their Likewise album. All the songs that are featured on this live album were tracks that Brandon had a role in creating. It was a nice way to pay tribute to their bandmate. “Orion” is centered around the message that while we may not like ourselves or think the world of ourselves, but God does. God cares for us so much that He sent His son to die on the cross for us. The raw vocals paired with the melodic guitarwork are highlights in this song.
Transitioning to the title track of Likewise, the song kicks off with a brief sermon intro before taking off. The song packs a visceral punch and I love it when the band really gives it their all in on their songs. The emotions are being poured out through the aggressive guitars and the incredible drum beats. After “Likewise,” they lead into “What is Truth,” which comes off their most recent release Familiar with Pain. The track kicks off with this distorted piano that sets a heavy mood, leading into a question that feels incredibly relevant to everything we're going through as a society right now.The music leans toward chaotic, but considering the source material, it makes sense. I love the closing lines to this song as the singer is recognizing God as truth.
“Like in the silence I heard your voice, in the stillness you move, in the distance you’re close. You’re ever-present when needed most. Holder of my broken heart.”
Next, we move into “The Answer” from their In Those Days & Also After release. The beginning is filled with a hopeful and fun paced guitar riff, paired with a matching melody. Meadows reminds me so much of The Ember Days, mewithoutYou and Attalus. This song, whether it’s the live version or the recorded version, is a song to be added to your post-hardcore summer playlist.
“Soften this heart of stone. I give You my life, rededicate my soul. To The King of Kings and Lord Hosts.”
This is such a great line and a great reminder of where we can find that hope. The recording continues with three more tracks from the Familiar with Pain album. The momentum continues with “39X,” a powerful track that explores the depths of the suffering Jesus endured. At the end of the song, there is a piece with the telling of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53:2-5. I love it when music is grounded in the Word, especially when artists either build their lyrics around Scripture or include live readings within the track.
This launches right into “Barabbas.” The song gives a gritty, distorted groove on the electric guitar, which gets the blood pumping right before Christian erupts with the “Barabbas” scream. The opening alone is enough to hook you. Throughout the song, you can really feel the weight of the crowd's decision to pick Barabbas instead of Jesus. Then they go into “Kudzu Guilt.” It’s got these high, melodic riffs that come out of nowhere and just make you want to start moving.
Next, we dive right into “The Raven,” a frenetic track from In Those Days & Also After release. After a whirlwind intro, the song develops a rhythmic and consistent sound. The band tackles the issue of an absent father, with difficult lyrics talking about how he wouldn’t be there to pick me up. A really tough song to write, but a reminder that we have a heavenly father that will never abandon us.
There’s a break in the energy with “For a Good & Faithful Servant.” The recording likely began here, with Christian opening in prayer for the event, the recording, and everything ahead for the band. Honestly, I’m glad they included this, because it is an absolutely powerful piece. Praying for those who are listening, those who have seen them live, for each other and those affected by Brandon’s life. Thank you to Meadows for including this track and continuing to live out their faith in the metal scene.
After the prayer track, they go into their worship song “My God is Strong” from Familiar with Pain. It is an incredibly beautiful song that features the vocals of Hayden Creel (guitarist Stone Creel’s wife). Between the soft piano and the clean harmonies, it is something that you’re not expecting after everything that we’ve heard so far. The power behind the harmonies and the lyrics, this is a song that can help pick you up through a difficult time. If you’re listening to this song and you’re going through a tough time, I would suggest just closing your eyes and opening yourself up to the Holy Spirit. I could see myself putting this track on repeat and being immersed in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Then, they wrap up the album with “I’m Only A Man.” The vocals carry this raw sincerity. You can tell they aren't just singing the words, they truly live them. This is a great song to close with because it highlights the reality of being human. Lyrically, it shows that while men desire to be brave and strong, we must ultimately rely on God for that strength.
Going through For A Good & Faithful Servant, the line between an album review and a concert review starts to blur, since it’s a live recording. Meadows isn’t an incredibly heavy band, but they’re more of a methodical band. Christian’s vocals are chaotic, but fun. It’s just immersive, high-energy music that a crowd can really get into. For this album, they wanted to do something to help remember their friend and colleague. The songs that were used in this recording were created and influenced by Brandon and it served as a wonderful tribute to Brandon’s influence on the band. I really enjoyed For A Good & Faithful Servant and frankly, I’ve liked everything Meadows has ever released. I am confident that the trend will continue with the new album rumored for release later this year.
