Saved By Grace

Item: For What You Have Done
Author: Duncann Tripp

For What You Have Done

(2001)

Reviewed by Duncann Tripp

Discogs Bandcamp Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Recorse RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2002

hardcore metalcore punk metal

Recorse Records' second band, Saved By Grace, feels compelled to open with an instrumental guitar and piano track. This, along with the reference to broken hearts in the songs, gives them common ground with label mates Love Is Red. There are plenty of other emotions to draw from in this release, however. "What It Takes To Feel Normal Again" does a fine job of treading the line between holding significant spiritual content and not coming off as preachy. Lines such as "I'm dead inside. . .from all my past mistakes" are followed by "the only way to save me is your love" hint of a believer's struggle with sin and failure, and the earnest knowledge that only God can heal. "Best Friend" is a gripping portrayal of the pain felt with the loss of a loved one. "Freedom From Chains," which draws quite liberally from the Psalms, and "Strength Through Trials" both hold the greatest amount of spiritual content, bringing back fond memories of the early "Spirit Filled Hard Core" days of bands like Focused, Unashamed, and Overcome.

The most sobering track on the album is "A Loss of Innocence." The song tells a tale of abuse under the auspices of love, and ends with a tormented soul screaming "someone should slit your throat for what you have done." While this chilling song does not exactly invoke warm, Sunday-school feelings, it does a tremendous job of showing the mixed emotions felt by someone wanting justice to be brought upon their abusers. The song is not at all comfortable, but it is honesty at its most brutal. The remaining songs, while falling into the bleeding heart category, are spaced out far enough apart that they avoid becoming repetitive.

This is another album of straight-up hardcore, but with a somewhat slower pace. There is a definite nod to metal, with the double bass drumming and steamy guitar licks not unlike those found in bands such as Society's Finest. "For What You Have Done" is a solid album displaying the enormous potential of both the band and their label in days to come.

3.5 tocks