Small Voice: “Testimonies” Album Review
Small Voice went viral earlier this year with their first single “No King But Christ” off their first full-length release Testimonies. The Southern California-based metalcore band first started releasing singles in 2023, but they are finally putting out a full-length this summer and we had the opportunity to get an early listen to this album! Strap yourselves in as James Panzarello takes you through his faith journey from beginning to present.
Testimonies Album Review
Tracks: 8
Release Date: July 16, 2026
Label: Independent
The boys don’t hold back on the opening track with their first single, “No King But Christ.” This song went viral with various memes attached to it, dealing with current political and ideological hot button issues. They make a bold statement right out of the gate with the opening line, “No King But Christ.” I love the declaration that they make in the chorus and how they continue to stand by that throughout the album. The distorted guitars accompany you into that declaration to make it more emphatic. The vocals take on a faster tempo in the opening verse before slowing down throughout the rest of the song. I hear some musical and vocal influences from A Plea For Purging (specifically from the “Malevolence” single).
They chug into the next track, “Apostle.” The chugging bassline pulls you in at the beginning, before taking things into the next gear. This song takes on a personal note with the band as this was something that James experienced at the beginning of his faith journey. He was new to the faith and didn’t realize the people he was being led by were teaching a false gospel.
“You claim to teach the things of God. Nothing but sensationalists. To the ones who can’t see. To the ones who can’t hear. Repent, rebuke, flee, reform.”
This is a message to the people who James interacted with, as well to the false teachers around the world today. Take heed of Paul’s warnings to Timothy in 1 Timothy and apply that to the people who you listen to and seek out for spiritual guidance.
From screaming about false teachers to screaming out about loss, we find ourselves entrenched on a journey of personal loss in “Goodbye.” This song comes from James’ friend’s perspective after losing his mom to suicide. He’s dealing with forgiving his mom for what she did, learning more about her and wishing that he had gotten the opportunity to say goodbye. The vocals sound like a cry up to heaven and share an emotional tone for the song. The simple guitar chords add to that emotional overtone. Once again, the bass stands out with a moshing vibe. The deep chugging vocals at the end is a brutal sendoff for an emotional and personal song.
"Some Days" marks another step in the faith journey, inspired by lead singer James' struggle with anxiety. This song also features a guest role from the guys in What We Seek. The gritty guitar riffs along with the pounding double bass starts us off strong, right out of the gate. Although I'm not sure which member of the band accompanied James on the vocals, the dueling screams are ferocious and incredible. This is the most brutal song on the album.
“I was numb, but not forgotten. I was lost, but not forsaken. Though I walk through the shadow - He stays. The Shepherd didn’t walk away. The Shepherd didn’t walk away.”
We can walk through life thinking that we’re all alone and that nobody knows about our struggles. This song goes along sharing that you’re not alone. You may think that you’re alone and lost, but He’s always there for you.
Halfway through the album we come to “All I Have.” This has everything you want in a heavy song, from the aggressive guitar riffs to the deep blast beats of the drums. This song has depth both musically and lyrically. The song’s message is about being lost in your depression/anxiety, but at the same time remaining close to God and realizing that above everything He’s all you have and all you need.
“Why is that I feel closer to You. When I’m in my coldest days, my embrace.”
“Anxious For Nothing” is a powerhouse song filled with guitar slides and filthy, gritty breakdowns. The beat has you going for a little two-step. Overall, it’s bass heavy and has astonishing depth. This song has a personal tone for me as it’s centered around a struggle with anxiety and being told that it’s all in your head or that it’s just a phase. I’m sure we’re not the only ones who have felt alone in our mental health struggles and being told that it’s a lack of faith or just a phase. This song is about overcoming that.
We move from back to back songs centered on overcoming anxiety to a beautiful sentimental song, “Psalm 111.” This song features Eric Tuffendsam from Sower. I like the combo of the screams and cleans with the style of a worship song. It is a great addition to the album. James and Eric truly poured themselves into this song as a way to worship the God they love and serve. I appreciate these songs blended in metal albums.
The album closes with “Last Time.” It opens with a techno beat, something unique compared to the rest of the album. Then, it launches into a thunderous combination of guitars and drums to lock in with the techno effect. I thought the cleans were done really well. I think the cleans and screams compliment each one as the two seemed to be on the same pitch. The double bass action was slamming in the breakdown that leads to the end of the song and the album.
“All it took was a drive on the interstate 10. It all made sense to me. Why You died. It set me free…You changed my life on that drive. A life destined for death and now filled with life. Through all the times I almost died. Through all the times you broke my pride.”
Testimonies takes the listener on the faith journey. It touches on the topics of false teachers, mental health, losing a loved one and wishing for more time. While these were some serious topics to write on, the band also made some bold proclamations, especially with the opening track. Each instrument got the opportunity to shine throughout the album, whether it’s the chugging bassline at the end of “Apostle” or the gritty guitar riffs of “Some Days.” This is one of the best albums of the year and I’m excited to hear more from these guys. They have some limited shows this year, so check them out at the Immersion Festival in Ohio over Labor Day weekend.
