It features fantastic vocal accompaniment by Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust. “Fly To the Sun” was originally released as the carrier single, and a smart choice at that. The band also makes efficient use of space between phases so that each phase doesn’t feel too cluttered. By the time the chorus hits, McKnight’s voice is blazing with emotion, bolstered by reverberation that gives it such a rich and dynamic quality. As such, the buildup in “Fields of Fire” has a smoother flow when building to each phase. In doing so, the listener can easily recognize the passion emanating through, not the product waiting to be sold. Rather than consist of cold hi-hats, watered down guitars and overtly bright vocals, each component fits warm and comfortable with one another. Another immediate factor to consider in this album is its production. The chorus also deviates structurally, serving as both a dominant component and a passive transitional phase, in which case both purposes are utilized equally well.

Vocalist Michael McKnight not only exhibits a unique identity, but a variety that is tremendously lacking in modern mainstream rock. On the first track, “Calling,” the instrumentation kicks off at battle-ready tempo and maintains its drive through the first verse. Provided the album is receiving major distribution from Warner Music Group, it’s clear that the band’s efforts may potentially usher in a new era of rock, and a mass of eager fans-myself included-realize that this album is worth our ears. Its title is a testament to their re-emergence, crushing all skepticism of the band’s return. Last Friday, the band finally released the newly titled Awaken independently through their own label, Soulidium Records. However, with production finished for a follow-up album, tentatively titled Fly to the Sun, the band experienced immense difficulty as numerous push-backs made for an indefinite release that is, until now. Their debut album, Children of Chaos, gained critical visibility upon its release a year later, and everything seemed to fall into place. Since forming in 2006, Soulidium captured the hearts of a nation with an alluring vampiric stage persona and tours with veterans of 2nd wave post-grunge, including Sevendust, Puddle of Mudd, and Alter Bridge. But in the case of Tampa, Florida quartet Soulidium, it was a well-spent and ultimately revitalizing hiatus. For others, it can prove to be a time of uncertainty-an obligation to conform or risk fizzling out.

For some bands, such a span may bring them certain prosperity and commercial success. Musical climates commonly experience drastic change every four years.

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