Well, this band seems to have made some changes since I've last heard them! (And in all fairness, I didn't hear their 3-way split, so maybe none of this is news to you, but...) Their first full-length sounded a lot like Chalice or WBAFBR era Zao with less metal, but this takes them right across to the other end of the hardcore spectrum, perhaps more akin to Figure Four than anybody. Reasons are easy to pick out! There used to be 2 (nearly indistinguishable) high pitched vocalists -- one is gone, the one that remains has adopted the Figure Four/NIV/etc. lower pitched style. The other is the guitars, which were thin and a touch shrill are now deep, thick, warm, heavy, and just generally sound GREAT. Big improvement there!
Other than that, this cd doesn't necessarily stand out, but definitely stands up. It's hardcore, and by nature not really technical or creative, but it sounds very tough, has lots of groove, and some great "sing-alongs" (I HATE that term!) like "No one gets out alive!" Lyrically they remain straight up for Jesus, "My life is yours, my joy, my God, my refuge, let's rock!" pretty much hits on what it's all about. Throw in some irreverent metal fun with the hidden track, and I'm a satisfied listener.
8/10
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #89Reviewed by Jason DoddPoint of Recognition chug and brood through 10 songs of low end, metal riffs, hardcore breakdowns, and lots of throat. Their strength is in breaking methodical tempos for a chasing chorus. Their weakness is in doing so many methodical (boring) tempos. Foundationally, they are doing something similar to NIV, but without the 110% intensity that keeps your attention. Refresh, Renew has some songs…Dead Zine 2001Reviewed by Hey YouAfter their first release, Admiration of a Son, Point Of Recognition turned the heads of the hardcore/metal fans. Now with their sophomore release, they've got their heads spinning. This release is so much better than their first, it's not even funny, which is a feat in itself considering their first was pretty darn good. Refresh, Renew is much more hardcore, but still has a tint of metal in it.…Similar sounding releases
2001Brain:FAQBrainstorming
2003ZaoLegendary
2003IntegrityTo Die For
2001Beauty to AshesIn the Silence We Fight
2003EnamoredA Weapon for War
2005UnearthOur Days of Eulogy
