Customer Reviews

Of Truth + Reconciliation

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This album was much different then I thought it was going to be. Their debut album just rocked and it had a lot of catchy songs that in my opinion would get main stream coverage if they weren't a christian band. On this new album there songs aren't catchy like that, but its still very very good. Its hard for me to even explain this album. Its a very creative album. And the lyrics are very good. That impressed me as well on there debut album. Dude's a awesome writer. Definitly worth buying....

Staple is a incredibly unique band. They play powerful post hardcore rock (heavy rock with a mix of singing/talking/screaming), but if you're not a fan of the genre - don't let that keep you from checking these guys out.

Staple's incredibly thought provoking Christian lyrics really are the base of the music as they really talk about pushing harder and harder for Christ and not getting involved in this messed up society that we live in (Do or Die, Sound of Silence). They're real people though - as they talk about the struggle of not just putting on a show and claiming to be Christians, but really striving to live your life for God (Honor and Integrity). There are many more great Christian themes on this CD, as well. Even if you're not a Christian, however, the lyrics are really phenomenal and definitely worth hearing.

As far as the music itself goes - it is easily some of the best of its genre outright. The guitar riffs are very fresh and interesting: sometimes extremely fast chords mixed with scales, and sometimes slower acoustic music. The drums also drive the album very well. The lyrics, as I mentioned above, are incredible. Keim's unique vocals perfectly blend singing, speaking, and screaming into the music seamlessly - and each variation is used appropriately.

All in all, Staple's sophomore effort is some of their best material yet. Their unique, incredible sound is something that is not found often in any genre of music today. And their very evident faith and lyrics that listeners can apply to their own walks with Christ make the album all the more wonderful. Check it out - I sure hope you love it as much as I do!

For a while all I listened to were bands like mxpx, Hawk Nelson, and Pax 217. The Absolute hardest I would go was Thousand Foot Krutch... and then I heard this band's debut. I was blown away and can safely say that if it weren't for this band I would not like this type of music.

As for this cd... every song on this disc is phenomenal, except that is for the hidden track.. I found it to be a little boring. I thought that their last album was 'bleepin' awesome and didn't think it could be beaten, but they completely blew it out of the water. The guitar riffs, the drums, and absolutely the singing. It's the perfect mix of screaming and singing.. I hate nonstop screaming, but this is just perfect. I thought that the vocals on Do or Die were a little annoying, but besides that, this album has no flaws. Its got about the best Christian message out of any of my cds but they don't beat you over the head and I like that about them. It's always in my player, and is truly the BEST album I own.. and I have alot.

A great Christian alternative to System of a Down, and you should give it a listen even if you don't like System.

I've been following this band ever since it's humble beginnings. Their self-titled debut album made some splash with the piercing, unpredictable vocals of lead singer Darin Keim and the melodic, and sometimes disturbing, sound of his voice and the heavy cruch of the guitars. And now, they've done it again... And how.

This is the type of album that wins by knockout, not by points. Right from the beginning, you start to bob your head as each progression pierces your eardrums. It's the type of album that just won't leave your stereo. Musically profound and lyrically deep, this album has something for everyone. They have their own peculiar sound, that one can't help but familiarize with. This album is a buy that you won't regret.

I enjoyed the sound of staples debut , but only liked a few of the songs . That being said , I was slightly doubtful of their second effort and made no effort to hear it or purchase it , thinking it wouldnt reaaly be worth my while . Boy , was I wrong . "Of truth and reconciliation " is absolutely fabulous and leaves you wanting more . The band have matured incredibly and this cd is incredibly richer and deeper on so many levels . The songs are thoughtfully put together and there is more variation in each song . Darin uses his unique voice to greater levels and depths - hearing great flowing harmonies in the choruses , to gut renching guitar riffs and emotional vocals , provide the listener with perfect listening enjoyment . the production maintains the raw sound we heard in " Staple " but includes a diverse sound . I cant get enough of this cd - I can only describe it like being on a roller coaster ride - one moment you are travelling at an exilirating pace only to slow down to catch you breath and enjoy the moment , only to be whisked off in another direction of pure joy . This cd will keep you on your toes and have you guessing as to whats coming next . A great experience , amidst a music industry that pumps out the monotonous and predictable . Darin Kiem calls a generation to stand and be counted for truth and justice and to fight for the absolute . A head banging , heart wrenching , spirit lifting , life changing album !

ive been listening to staple since there self title creepy looking cd came out and it ws weird but i liked it, now that this ame out i totally think staples first was nothing this is amazing top notch work and mych emotion in this post-hardcore cd its awesome

I really like the changes Staple made on this CD. Many hooks and catchy riffs really sets this recording apart. Same bold, loud, tight, hard rockin as the first - but BETTER. They've reached a new level. Need it for your library!!

Flicker Records, August 30, 2005
Genre: metal/riff rock
Official Artist Site: [...]
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
If you are fans of metal bands like Mushroomhead or Korn then check these guys out!

Ire and Hubris befall introspection and humility on this commanding ride that is Staple's follow-up to their critically acclaimed self-titled debut. Produced by indie rock maven Sylvia Massy Shivy, Of Truth and Reconciliation is an unpredictable and progressive move forward that maintains Staple's signature sound.
"It's still Staple. It's still heavy and riff rock but this time it is bigger. I think the guitar riffs are bigger and you will remember those more on this next album, the same with the hooks and the melodies. We are trying to capitalize on what we have done except make it bigger and better!" says Darin, lead singer while chatting with Wise Men Promotions (read more here).

Musically
This has been one of the most anticipated albums for me personally all year long. I have had the great fortune to get to know these guys over the years and watching the maturity of this band unfold has been incredible. This album is absolutely amazing and will feed all your rock needs with incredible guitar riffs, deep intense bass lines, heart pounding drums and mind numbing vocals. "Do or Die" kicks off highlighting the feel of the album with all the pre-mentioned qualities. When the chorus kicks in on "Forging General" you hear the increase on the metal quality of Staple with screeching guitars and a great hook that pulls you in. The song, in some places, has an 80's metal feel. "Honor and Integrity" is one of the highlights on the album which holds true to the amazing and unique stylistic approach of the band with melodic verses and hard bass driven choruses with one of the best guitar performances on the album. The song gives that great pace change that makes the listener feel they are in the music. "Gavels from the Gun Barrels" is yet another amazing track and we aren't even half way through the album yet. The song has that melodic feel and almost a screamo feel during the chorus and the drumming is intense with double kick drum drilling you in the chest. Almost like The Cure meets U2, "Black, Blue and Gold" was a very different track than I have ever heard from these guys. It has a unique and melodic feel with a cool bass line. It is the first ballad type song I have heard from the band and almost sounds like too much as in their are just too many layers. The album picks up the pace a bit with another modern rock influenced heavy track called "The Best of Times." The next track has a controlled chaotic feel with an increase in the heavier and dark feel of Staple. The guitars come across as frantic with an amazing bass line that drops through. "Final Nights" is a great track that picks up the Staple pace instantly with the great riff rock that drives them along. A couple bonus tracks are thrown in as well as continuation on the final track. Yes, Staple knows the blues...wanna no more? Go buy the album and let it play through!
Overall, the maturity has surpassed all expectation and the diversity has been expanded. Staple has drawn in more genre styles while not compromising their unique and catchy style.

Lyrically/Vocally
"A lot of our music is dealing and continuing the path of writing honest music. It tackles a lot of issues that I have dealt with and have seen around. It deals with different challenges to make people think. The important thing is to write lyrics intelligently and respectfully. If you write lyrics to the best of your ability and they pass both tests then the only thing people can have an issue with is if they don't believe like us. We are prepared to deal with that also. The line is becoming less of an issue as it gets blurred. Christian and secular bands play together all the time and realize that if the band is talented then that is the focus. There will always still be those that make it out to be an issue. says Darin while talking with WMP. And this is what Staple is about and their lyrics are clear. Staple is a band of Christians bringing truth through an honest approach with their Christian faith. These guys don't hide their beliefs and make a clear proclamation of the importance of Christ. Led by Darin Keim, he also gives Staple the unique sound. Keim does an amazing job with his gritty screams and an almost smoky blues feel vocally (just listen the the blues track at the end of the album). He also does a great job of showing emotion with his voice by not being over the top.

If you have never bought an album by this band before, then please, let this be your first! Staple is a passionate band through a unique stylistic approach on music, vocals and lyrics. Fans of everything from hard core to metal to rock will find this album appealing!

"Of Truth and Reconciliation" by Staple is simply a masterpiece. Staple has truly come through with a sophmore release that shows maturity, creativity, and yet still keeps their signature sound. The CD kicks off with "Do Or Die"; an intense anthem of resolution. Next on the track list is "Forging Generals". This song is just as intense as the first. "Honor and Integrity" is a song about leading double-lives; how people have two faces and how their honor and integrity are therefore put to death. "Gavels From Gun Barrels" is my favorite track. The song is intense both sonically and lyrically. Darin's lyrics during the bridge are the most poignant in the entire album. It brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard it. "Sound of Silence", the CD's first single, is unique as it kicks off with a a harder edge, yet before the chorus, it turns soft, and then explodes back to its previous intensity. The so the speak "eye of the storm" feel to that small part of the song adds greater depth. "Black, Blue and Gold" has more of a blues feeling to it. Though different from most of the album, it fits. It is slower, but shows Staple's maturity. "The Best of Times" is amazing. It starts of with a minute of only the instruments. It has a sorrowful feeling to it, yet glorious or redemptive at the same time. "The Day the Blind Revolted" is a song another anthem to not buy into the "system" of the world. "Circles We Run" is a song about how we go nowhere with all the spiteful words that we say to others and how we need to put all of our hate aside if we wish to go anywhere. "Final Night" is not the final song (keep listening after its done). But it's crazy. With Darin yelling and the rest of the band yelling after him. But then it calms down like "Sound of Silence", and then sends you back out into the sonic storm. Overall this album is amazing. The guitar, bass, and drums are superb. The lyrics are once again amazing. Darin's lyrics are creative, thought-provoking, yet straight to the point. This album, as you can probably tell, I would highly recommend to anyone. Staple's "Of Truth and Reconciliation" is an incredible work of music and should not be passed up!

yeah staple definetly mixed it up alittle more in this cd..


Staple made quite an impression on the hard rock scene last year with their self-titled release on Flicker Records. With a ferocity and sense of angst that appealed to fans of Project 86, Blindside, as well as mainstream acts like System Of A Down, Staple quickly earned a devoted following.


The band's sophomore release Of Truth And Reconciliation is a more melodic and raw outing for the rock quartet. "Do Or Die" gets things started with unbridled energy aided by Keim's wild vocal delivery. The songs possess more of a structure that was missing from the first record, but doesn't always mesh with Keim's approach. But it's the unpredictability of Staple's music that is indeed its charm. "Honor And Integrity" throws random harmonies into the mix, most notably near the song's end, that sound great in context. However, it'd be interesting to see such harmonizing explored further. "Gavels From Gun Barrels" serves as a sort of tragic metal anthem.


"Black, Blue And Gold" is probably the highlight of Of Truth And Reconciliation. Inspired by how malicious kids can can be to their peers, the song is a delightfully dreary rock ballad that really showcases Keim's vocal talents and melodic range. "The Best Of Times" is another highlight, a passionate lament about the struggle of having to let go of things we hold dear. The biggest musical stretch for Staple, however, is the hidden track "The Corners I'll Stand On," a bluesy hard rock attack on the dating culture's casual view on sex outside of marriage.


Staple crafts a worthy follow-up to their strong debut with Of Truth And Reconciliation. The album marks a distinct growth in songwriting with more stylistic exploration. While some songs still come off a little rough around the edges, there's no getting around the fact that Of Truth And Reconciliation is still just a great rock record. Fans of their debut should indeed pick it up, while fans of Project 86, Blindside, and hard music in general may also want to take a look.

all in all u must buy this unless u f-ing stupid or something lol :)