The Petra Zone

I received my copy of Project Damage Control on Monday and didn't get a chance to listen to it until Monday night. To be quite honest, after my first listen, I was not too impressed. The only thing that stuck in my mind was that I had a much greater appreciation for John's singing ability. The man can truly sing anything. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to give the CD a second and third listen, and my overall opinion of the CD has changed.

Heavy metal is really not my thing as a rule; as much as I like rock guitar, I don't like it drowning out the vocals and other instruments, which is usually the case with most metal. I think what got me off on the wrong foot was that the first two songs (Dreamscape and Somewhere) are my two least favorite songs. That set a bad tone for me. When I listened the second time, I started with the 4th song, New Jerusalem, and listened all the way through the CD twice. I have to say that I really like New Jerusalem, Surrender, Lay Me Down and Heaven. I think that Surrender and Lay Me Down are very powerful songs lyrically, and both really spoke to me.

Having dial-up, I had been unable to listen to the samples that were out there, but it seems like I remember someone saying the songs sounded "dark." I kind of had that impression too of many of the songs, but after studying the lyrics, I think it is mainly the key they are written in. However, I will say that it seems the songs that were written about Wayne's accident are somewhat disturbing, which is understandable. Life isn't always pretty, and I can understand an artist's need to express himself, but I guess my personal preference would be to listen to songs that convey hope.

I think that the CD is definitely worth the "dime and the time." I wish you good luck with it Brent. I am puzzled about something though. It seems like I remember you saying that John recorded his vocals in Franklin (or nearby) at his son-in-law's studio. I didn't see any credit for this on the CD. (Yeah it's trivial, but I'm just picky that way.)

Vocals were done at John's home, which is a non-commercial studio. John did not disclose any information other than calling the engineer "a smart guy". No names, not nothing. Otherwise, as you can tell by our bio and in the CD tray, we always give credit where it is due, and tell it like it is.

Thanks for your honest opinion/review. I had no idea that we were metal. haha. I thought that it could have been alot harder. I left about 24 tracks of guitar out of it.

Anyway, the only song to come out of the accident is Heaven. Everything else was around before that. It is a dark record in places. Truthfully, that is where many people on the edge are spiritually. That is why most people are liars singing the praise songs on the radio, and why many feel uncomfortable having it in their face. They are on their knees for the same thing everytime. Plug and play whatever that is.

I too hated to mix John so far back, but that is the state of things today. Most music is mixed for iTunes applications. Heavy guitar is where it's at. When we compared mixes to Velvet Revolver, John is much louder on several songs.

You rock.

I had no idea that we were metal. haha. I thought that it could have been alot harder. I left about 24 tracks of guitar out of it.

Well, I'm old, so it reminded me of metal aka the 80's.

I too hated to mix John so far back, but that is the state of things today. Most music is mixed for iTunes applications. Heavy guitar is where it's at.

Another reason there's so little music that interests me today.

It is a dark record in places. Truthfully, that is where many people on the edge are spiritually.

I don't think that is just a Christian/spiritual phenomonen; it seems to me that a lot of "current" rock is dark or angry. Since I don't like boy bands or dance music, I find myself listening to classic rock or sometimes country more and more. I use music to elevate my thoughts or mood; I don't want any help in being depressed. But I know there are a lot of people who are comforted by hearing music that mirrors what they are feeling.

You rock.

Thanks!

I've listened to the clips on the website. I KNOW I'm gonna love the songs and I need to order my copy! HOpe I got money soon.....

My copy (shockingly) came in today. My only complaint would be, like calico, that John was mixed too low at times.

Liked the guitar solos, and I liked the lyrics (don't mind a bit of darkness). Good purchase, I was surprised how much I enjoyed the slower songs. Liked the cover.

Eh, too late to say anything precise. Might add more tomorrow. Nicely done, Brent. Cheers.

havn't been here in a while, and almost forgot how to log in!! new computer and all(both died at the same time. grr)

I had forgotten ordering this, and all of a sudden there it was, i don't even remember when it came in, i have gotten a lot of stuff lately. It was great hearing John again, yeah it could have been a little heavier and vocals more out front (the vocals draw me more than anything else) however I also liked the fact that you could tell it was a Christian band, but the song wern't the typical syrupy praise stuff. I don't dislike any song on the disc, it took me a while to listen to it, since i took it to work, and was up and down all day from my desk. i think i heard the first 3 songs 6 times before it occured to me to start at number 4...

tim