The Brave
Battle Cries

Talking about religion is always a delicate topic. Especially when it is expressed in music, as one must strive not to be banal or overly self-congratulatory.

I have never been a fan of what is called CCM, or the movement known as Contemporary Christian Music, but there are some bands that deserve at least a listen, even for those who are not believers (and this comes from someone who no longer has the same "faith" as before).
Among the many bands in the mentioned movement, the most famous are certainly Stryper (the ones who used to throw Bibles from the stage for you to get the idea) and as a lesser-known band, though their quality in the records would suggest otherwise, the Guardian. And, despite a brief artistic activity, also the present The Brave, with this "Battle Cries" from 1992.

Written during the acts of violence in Los Angeles in the same year and produced by John and Dino Elefante (the Dumbo of hard rock in short), The Brave found themselves composing songs in a situation that was certainly not thrilling or of absolute peace.
Yet, their faith in God and the enormous hope placed in the lyrics themselves allowed them to release this excellent example of Christian hard rock, heavily influenced by great bands like Winger and Giant, and thus closer to a certain class metal.

Songs like the opener "All Together Now" and the wonderful "Tears Of A Broken Heart" are examples of excellent songwriting and a certain class rock, with evocative melodies and great guitar phrasing by the two guitarists Stayce Roberts and Freddie Tierra. And melody is always the main component, as in the case of the brilliant "The Waiting" and "Running All My Life" on which emerges especially the warm and passionate voice of James Salters, which we find at its peak in the final ballad "Just A Man".

In conclusion, one can safely say that the album is excellent; it's not a masterpiece, but it comes very close. Among the other songs, I would definitely highlight the rhythmic "If That Ain't Love" and "Ride With The Rhythm", where the remaining rhythm section by the drummer Randy Roberts and the bassist Malcolm Paris is strongly felt.

The Brave were, though briefly, a true band, and despite finding them later with the poor "Trust" of 1994, their hopeful lyrics make us forget for a few seconds that we live in this cold "Big World".

God be praised if there are still albums like this!