HolyName: “Three Bar Cross” EP Review

When Sleeping Giant made the heart-breaking decision to close up shop in 2018, it devastated the Christian metal scene. Then, COVID happened and Tommy Green’s wheels were spinning and his creativity took over. Out of COVID spawned HolyName. In 2023, they would release their self-titled debut that featured special guest spots ranging from Brian “Head” Welch to Brook Reeves of Impending Doom to Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter and Eric Gregson of xDEATHSTARx. Then out of nowhere, they posted a teaser in the fall of 2025 for new music. November 14th, they released Three Bar Cross, a 4-song EP.

Three Bar Cross EP Review:

Tracks: 4

Length: 13:16

Release Date: November 14, 2025

Label: Facedown Records

“Christ is Risen” kicks things off with a chilling technical intro that teases what’s to come. The track quickly shifts gears, as a choir joins in to deliver the song’s only haunting lyrics, before launching into an epic breakdown that is reminiscent of old Sleeping Giant. Sleeping Giant was one of those bands that could throw down some hard bass lines that got your head thumping. Those familiar bass lines come through in this song. This song amps you up for what’s to come from the rest of this EP.

“Ritual” was the first song that was posted on HolyName’s socials along with a music video. Tommy’s vocals offer a delicate, chant-like style while layered with reverb. It creates an otherworldly atmosphere that contrasts with the heavy metal instrumentation. He’s going a completely different direction that he did with Sleeping Giant. Through HolyName, he shows a more intentional effort to ground his lyrics in Scripture and proper theology, influenced by his connection to the Eastern Orthodox church. In this song, the message and focus of the song is trusting in God and the importance of the elements of communion.

“Stained Glass” is a grungy metal masterpiece that was released earlier in the year, but it found its home on this EP. This song was written from a personal experience that Tommy had, coming from a place and time of betrayal in a church setting. It’s disheartening to have somebody that you look up to and see as a spiritual mentor, only to have them betray you. For some, it can drive them away from the Church, but for others they see past the betrayal and continue to put their faith in God. It is difficult to deal with church hurt, but it is important to continue to put your faith in God above all things and that He will bring justice to those who misuse their position in the ministry.

“These words I once loved but now I despise. You were like a father to me. But you’re like the father of lies. Father of lies.”

The lyrics are genuine and coming from a place of vulnerability. But while it sends out a message of pain, there is also a message of triumph.

“Through stained glass. I see again, I’m free again.”

Trevor Tyson (from Heal the Hurt) offers the brutal screams to compliment Tommy’s soft vocal styles. The music in this song continues to have this grungy breakdown feel. Between the distorted guitars and the thumping bassline, it drives the chords to get you headbanging along to.

The EP concludes with “Blood.” The songs are tied together by a recurring theme—navigating the messy reality of our own shortcomings.

“Well I’ve been the wounded. I’ve been the wolf. It’s no secret. Life is suffering and we are the culprits of all our disarray. In fact take a good look I’m sure you’ll see. We become the monsters we create.

There is a reality in Christianity and that is humans mess up. We are fallen individuals, but it doesn’t excuse the misuse of other people’s trust and respect. As I’m reading through the lyrics, there are moments that I sense that Tommy and the band could be writing from the perspective of the Apostle Paul, but that moment only comes in the middle of the song when he references “I am the chief of sinners” which Paul refers to himself in 1 Timothy 1:15.

Between the guitars and drums, the music is fun, energetic and gets you moving. The double-bass of the drums thumps through every now and then to add a punch to the song. It ends the EP with a bounce as opposed to the hard driven lines of the opening songs.

I sense that a common distinction of HolyName songs is the bass line. These songs seem to have a driving bass line, with the exception of “Blood.” Oftentimes, the bass can get hidden or will only get small moments to shine, but for HolyName, they want it to be highlighted. The mix is exceptional, especially how it carves out space for the bass to drive the tracks without muddying the guitars. It gives an appreciation for the instruments used in the song. 

Tommy used personal stories to fuel the message behind the songs on Three Bar Cross and it’s great to see him back on the scene with this new venture. If you appreciate solid theology, hard driven guitars and heart gripping lyrics, you have to follow HolyName as I’m sure there will be more music to come in the future.

Kutless: “The Seventh Seal” EP Review

It has been eight years since Kutless’ last release Alpha/Omega, but it’s been 17 YEARS since their last rock release, To Know That You’re Alive. They brought back their signature rock sound with their latest release, The Seventh Seal. As somebody who loved their heavier catalog, I was eager with anticipation for this release.

The Seventh Seal EP

Tracks: 6

Length: 27:11

Release Date: June 27th, 2025

Label: BEC Recordings

The EP starts with a cinematic feel in “End of the World.” It feels like something was being awakened. Kutless did a great job with their worship albums, but their fans were missing those signature guitar riffs and the vocal attitude that can send crowds into an active frenzy. When listening through the lyrics, you can hear the inspiration from the book of Revelation.

“The time has come, the moon like blood. Stars are falling from the sky. The breath of God, the world undone.”

Where “End of the World” fixates on struggle and the breaking point with a sense of urgent, frantic energy, the shift to “Midnight” offers a moment of reflective calm. The heavy riffs throughout the song are very reminiscent of To Know That You’re Alive, one of their heaviest albums. The vocals seem to be treated with a mechanical effect. The rhythmic chants at the end of the chorus are distinct and unique. The lyrics offered that traditional hope that we come to expect from Kutless.

“Nobody sees the disease taking over. I can’t believe they don’t run for cover.”

“Feels like a fight to survive. When I’m falling, I hear you call my name at midnight.”

“Words of Fire” was the first single released back in 2022. The intense and dominating intro  shows that Kutless still has that heavy sound that they used to showcase in their music. Between the chunky main guitar riffs and Jon Micah’s shattering vocals, this is a song that will send any crowd into an energetic frenzy. The theme of Revelation continues with this song as it calls for spiritual revival in the midst of societal chaos. Guitarist James Mead shared that this song was inspired by the story of the Two Witnesses in Revelation chapter 11. He writes, “When I read the story of the Two Witnesses, I can just picture a world that wants to stop them from spreading the truth. It’s an anthem for those that will continue to rise up and be bold and share their faith. The dead come back to life.”

After the heavy tone in the first three songs, Kutless slows it down with “Breakthrough.” This echoes the pattern set by Sea of Faces and Heart of the Innocent, featuring powerful songs followed by a more restrained, slow song. It has a slower tempo, but keeps that rocky edge. The song’s message is very relevant as anxiety is commonplace in our society. The lyrics offer some solace with words of reality as well as hope and breakthrough.

“I’m not giving up on you. I’m still searching for the truth. I just need you to be my breakthrough.”

“Lies of My Brothers” has a distinct sound compared to the rest of the EP. The opening of the song reminds me of one of the songs on the new Wolves at The Gate record. It has that dystopian sound throughout the song. When reading over the lyrics and listening closer to the song, Jon Micah is writing this from a sense of betrayal. In today’s world, when somebody goes against us, we want justice and we want that person to feel pain. In this song, while Jon Micah is writing from that place of betrayal, he answers it by saying that it’s just better to walk away from it, to forgive those who wrong you and how to move forward in life.

The EP ends with “Hold On.” It’s a song that screams hope and pleads with the audience to hold on. It’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed by life, but being a believer in the hope and salvation of Jesus Christ, we trust that He has overcome the world. It was refreshing and welcoming to hear Dawn Michele, of Fireflight, add to this song. When I first listened to this song, I didn’t know that she was featured on this song but her distinctive vocals immediately gave her away. The difference in tempo in the vocals and instruments in the verses distracted me, putting this song lower on my list.

It was nice to hear Kutless return to their hard rock roots. The Seventh Seal really features the intense, driving guitars and Jon Micah’s incredible vocals, which are solid and encouraging. While it was great to hear new music, the songs felt similar. The dystopian theme has been a favorite among Christian hard rock & metal bands over the last few years, so it can be a little overplayed. There were other missing elements that could’ve taken this EP to another level. We had guitar solos on the other albums, but on this it was missing. Overall, The Seventh Seal was excellent and a welcome return to new music from Kutless; however, it felt as though it was just shy of greatness without a stand out moment.

(UN)Worthy: “From The Belly Of The Beast” EP Review

Have you ever wondered what the story of Jonah would sound like in a deathcore metal album? Here’s your chance, courtesy of California metalheads, (UN)Worthy. From The Belly of the Beast is their newest release, a concept album focused on the story of Jonah. This is the five-piece band’s third album, but first one as an independent artist after departing from Rottweiler Records. We were lucky enough to get a pre-release listen to the EP, here are our thoughts! 

The opening track, “A Suicide Mission,” sets the tone for the EP. It’s loud, aggressive and has an incredible breakdown that makes you want to mean mug along with a slow headbang. The rhythm between the drums and driving guitars will get you dancing in the pit. While the music sets the tone, the entire EP's underlying theme is a journey through the Book of Jonah. Every track is inspired by a different part of this incredible story, with this opening song drawing its inspiration from the beginning of the tale.

“They will just ignore your warnings. They will refuse to repent and repent and turn. So why bother sending me to them. They should be judged and left to and left to burn.”

This message is not just coming from the book of a stubborn prophet, but it is a message that can be reflected in our own life. Maybe there is someone God wants you to tell the good news to, even if you currently feel it's pointless? The raw, guttural vocals powerfully emphasize Jonah's defiance against God’s plan in this part of the story.

The drum intro on the beginning of “You can Run, But You’ll Never Hide” is incredible. It’s a tone setter. The piercing guitar riffs show a technical prowess that any guitarist would appreciate. Moving forward, “You can Run, But You’ll Never Hide” is inspired by the latter part of Chapter One, where Jonah is actively running from God aboard a ship. I love the lines,

“Did you forget that I Am the Omniscient God? That there is nothing that I do not know?”

This line is great, because it is an obvious question. We forget that God is all-powerful, all-mighty. He knows everything. He sees the point of sharing His good news and redemption with others. This chapter ends with Jonah being thrown overboard and being swallowed by a fish. The album art for From The Belly Of The Beast is a phenomenal depiction of this, bordering on creepy! 

The title track, “From the Belly of the Beast,” stands out from the rest of the track list with its unique intro. It’s a journey, from the first notes of the intense screeching guitar to the well placed double bass. The instruments are pushing this song along and the vocals are fitting in the right places. I love the tempo and breakdowns that dig deep into your soul. The music isn't the only thing with depth; the lyrics also hit hard, drawing their influence directly from Jonah's second chapter

“Inside this creature I cry out loud. Trapped inside three days and nights. I thought I could run away from You. Please don’t cast me from Your sight.”

“I will not forget Your call for me. I will preach and make You proud. Salvation comes only from You Lord as the whale vomits me out.”

This is the critical moment where Jonah breaks down in the belly of the whale. There are times that we’re broken and left with nowhere to go, but to Him. God is always there for us. Just as Jonah was being stubborn, he cried out to God and God answered.

The last song of the EP, “Judgment Denied,” is an absolute banger. Between the fierce drum work and the intricate guitar riffs, they’ve created a song so intense that the crowd will surely be left gasping for air. The clean spoken word in the middle of the song is absolutely haunting.

“I’ve dealt with your resistance, yet released you from the beast. Your lack of compassion and obedience has yet to have ceased. Who are you to command damnation of another’s soul. I am Alpha and Omega, the one who has made you whole.”

Listening to this song, it feels like a great way to wrap up the EP, and it definitely leaves me wanting more. Having studied the Book of Jonah as a pastor, I was seriously impressed! This EP manages to hit every essential part of the story. It covers the powerful arc of the story: starting with fleeing God’s call, to doubting if God can save certain individuals, to crying out for deliverance, only to cycle back to frustration and doubt. To God, there is no wasted time. It’s all for His glory and it’s all for His plan!

This is an absolute stunner of an EP. The guitar work is clean, crisp and vicious, and the drums just go at such a melodic pace. It all works together so well and the range in vocals highlights Dennis’ impressive ability to scream. If you appreciate the brutal sounds of deathcore, this is something that you need to listen to. I highly recommend giving From The Belly Of The Beast a listen!

Voluntary Mortification: “Mortem Cultus” EP Review

Mortem Cultus is my introduction to Voluntary Mortification, a brutal Catholic death metal five-piece from Lansing, Michigan. The band got their start with their debut release Suffer to Rise in 2022. Fast forward three years and they’re unleashing another round of brutal screams, shredding guitars and deep, thought-provoking lyrics. When I first started listening to them, they reminded me a lot of The Famine. The Famine was fast, aggressive and had a similar style to what we find in Mortem Cultus.

Mortem Cultus EP Review:

Tracks: 5

Length: 21 minutes

Release Date: September 26, 2025

Label: Independent

The theme and attitude for this EP are established right away in the intro to the first song, “Death Cult.” The eerie chanting serves as a prelude to the sudden burst of screams. Musically it is just loud and aggressive. The drums are energetic and Giulian (drummer) doesn’t seem to take any breaks. For the vocals, I can’t imagine getting that low and not losing your voice, but Conner (vocalist) does a great job of maintaining the high quality of his low screams. I like the line in the song,

“Hell Shrieks. I Suffer Yet He Restores.”

It is such a great reminder that hell and the enemy are going to do whatever they can do to keep you from fulfilling the will of the Father. As long as we are going back to the Father looking for repentance, He is willing to restore us.

“Plagues” is the next round of ferocity on this record. It begins with a chunky, distorted guitar intro and features Daniel McKay on vocals. This creates a shift in the dynamics of the song, artfully blending spoken word with the raw intensity of screaming. This is a well-placed change of pace as it temporarily forces the EP to slow down but then launches back into the brutality. The theme of this song seems to be on the end of the world, evidenced with lines like,

“Babylon, feel God’s wrath, obliterate all in His path.”

“Death Cult” is centered around living life for the sake of Christ, even when it could cost you everything. “Plagues” discusses the end of the wrath, but both songs feature some ancient Latin at the end of the songs. To me, it shows an appreciation for the ancient texts.

When you have music like this where it’s fast and aggressive, it’s fairly obvious when the tempo slows down. “Harvester” has a slow, methodical start to this song where the drums absolutely set the tone. If you like a good, death metal breakdown that makes you want to headbang, this is that song. Between the breakdowns and the variety of screams, they knew how to piece together this song and make it enjoyable.

The unusual title of the next song makes you instantly curious about its meaning. “Hemophagia” is the title of the next track and it means “the practice by certain animals of feeding on blood.” You’re thinking “How is this a Christian song?” but when you look at the lyrics, it makes sense. The song is referencing communion, but that it is more than just taking a piece of bread and a cup of juice (or wine). It’s about a cleansing, a holy cleansing. The lyrics stand out with their powerful message, urging church members to remember Christ's sacrifice and seek repentance.

“Consume thy divinity. Ingest the eternal covenant.”

I'm captivated not only by the lyrics but also by the powerful guitar solo and double bass featured at the end. The variety in the outro is a nice change in this song.

Mortum Cultus EP features four original songs and a cover. They covered “Entombment of a Machine” by Job For A Cowboy, which is a secular death metal band. It’s an interesting choice for a cover, but I thought they did the original justice. The styles are similar and if you weren’t aware that this was a cover then you would’ve thought this was a Voluntary Mortification original song.

While death metal isn’t exactly my cup of tea, I still appreciate a solid EP packed with full-throttle guitar riffs, blistering double bass and grueling deep guttural vocals. This was a short, 20 minute filled EP jam packed with deep, thought-provoking lyrics and incredible music. This is something that I could put on repeat in the gym. If you’re looking for something to headbang with, this is your EP. I give Mortum Cultus a four out of five stars.