This spirit-filled hardcore band certainly has a couple of things going for them: competent vocals, well-played music, good production, and Christ-centered lyrics. The lyrics from "Thorns Compose" are really part of the hymn "When I Survey", but they provide a good summation of the band's worldview:
when I survey
the wondrous cross
on which the prince of glory died
my richest gain
I count but loss
and pour contempt on all my pride
forbid it Lord
that I should boast/save in the death of Christ
What Overcome has against them is that there is nothing to distinguish them from other hardcore bands. If you've heard any other relatively recent Christian hardcore band, then you've heard Overcome. Still, the occasionally interesting guitar riff or vocal shout shows hints of promise. While not a bad release, this band has a lot of work to do if they're going to distinguish themselves from other hardcore bands.
2.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Bandoppler 1999Reviewed by Tony "Keepin it Real" MitchellHey, hey there kiddies! I know I don't do a lot of reviews - mainly cause I'm not a very professional writer - but I just got the new Overcome EP - "The Life Of Death" on Facedown Records. And let me tell you, it is 5 songs of the best hardcore I've heard in a long time! I mean it's intense, it's hard, it's full of the Spirit, it's OVERCOME to the fullest degree! Now, you will notice a little…HM Magazine #73Reviewed by Doug Van PeltOkay, these guys lay down some mean hardcore. Even when the instruments step slightly out of time with each other, vocalist Jason Stinson holds it together with convincing screams. While production lacks some thickness at times, the songwriting and cool riffs make up for it. If you dig hardcore punk, you'll be into this. If you dug When Beauty Dies, then by all means, you'll want these five songs.The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Glenn HarperOvercome was signed to Tooth & Nail in the early summer of 1995, and promptly overlooked by the label. Sporting an excellent live show, their two albums on Tooth & Nail (Blessed are the Persecuted and When Beauty Dies) boast quite a few very promising songs with relatively unique new school hardcore stylings. Both albums are undone, however, by absolutely atrocious production; if Tooth & Nail had…Similar sounding releases
2001Saved By GraceFor What You Have Done
1992CruciferFestival of Death
1996Zao / Through and ThroughTreadwater...
1999ChaliceDeathmask Grin
2000Theocracy A.D.Strength of Many
1999Point of RecognitionThe Admiration of a Son
