Soaring out of Troy, Michigan on the wings of angels, comes another Christ-core band with their eyes on the big leagues. We Came As Romans is set to release their first full length album, To Plant A Seed, on Equal Vision November 3rd. I was lucky enough to hear it a few days early, and let me tell you, I see a bright future for these holy rock-n-rollers.

I actually stumbled upon WCAR while I was out and about searching for new music, and after listening to their EPs, I was intrigued to learn more on this six piece outfit. I am clearly marked as an avid follower of many bands that are, I guess you can say, kung-fu for Jesus, and I am not ashamed of this. It just so happens these bands are writing good music, and WCAR is shaping up to fit in great with their industry contenders. Following suit to bands like Devil Wears Prada, Underoath and The Chariot, WCAR have a pretty basic formula for their music. This album is packed with driving riffs, catchy hooks and brutal breakdowns, all complemented by both mean and majestic vocal lines.

So the question is “what are these guys bringing to the table?” And I believe this question has two answers. First, this is, overall, just a solid record. Their music contains every element of style we look for in our hardcore music. They know what they are doing, and they do it well. The songs captivate and decapitate at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. For those of you who are extremely picky about your music, you should know that this CD is definitely mainstream hardcore. While WCAR do offer up a great roster of music, it remains true that it has all been done before…over and over. This is not a problem for me, but I can see how others might listen to WCAR and say it’s no different from any other Christ-core out there, and move on. Just wanted to lay it out there for you guys straight.

That being said, let’s get down and dirty. The album opens on a track titled “To Plant A Seed” and that’s just what this song does. Right out of the gate these guys show you what they got. This CD blows up quicker than K-Fed on a bender. “Broken Statues” is a brutal ballad of mayhem and melody, and is sure to please your senses. It is a very atmospheric and catchy song. I would say it is one of my favorites off the record, next in line only to its successor “Intentions.” Hold on tight cause this track comes out swinging, but shows its class with an orchestral arrangement towards the end. Tracks five and six, “Dreams” and “We Are The Reasons,” both hold true to their sound well. These two songs showcase their direction and abilities well, while rocking your socks off at the same time.

“I Will Not Reap Destruction” starts off with a creepy little piano playing what sounded to me like the tune from Halloween. You pick it up throughout the song, adding a creepy little twist to an already cool song. A lot of half-stepping and melody in this song with some nasty breakdowns and a murderous lullaby at the end.

Their closing song was very pleasing to my ears. If you read my reviews you will notice a big pet-peeve of mine is when metal or hardcore acts close out their albums on slow, wimpy songs. This is a plague of the metal community it would seem. WCAR closes on a song called “An Ever Growing Wonder” and this track is just huge. The meshing of screaming and melodic vocals through the choruses and verses really set this one off. The lyrics are solid, the message is strong, and music is powerful and inviting. Overall, the song really sends WCAR off in a good light.

After listening all the way through To Plant A Seed multiple times, I will have to say I am happy with this album. This CD is loaded with an arsenal of songs that attack your senses leaving you feeling quite inspired and uplifted. The music is positive, but at the same time nasty. The album as a whole portrays a passion and drive that can only be found in music that is inspired by a greater being. I love my Christ-core, and brand me if you must, but I will recommend We Came As Romans to any other person out there that shares the same passion for Christian metal. Fans of Underoath, The Chariot, and Blessthefall, will find this album fitting perfectly into their collection. Anyone who avoids what has recently been described to me as “Mall Metal” might wish to avoid this release as well; but my honest opinion is that you should do yourself a favor and at least give it a shot. You might be surprised at what you hear. Don’t be afraid to come into the light.

4.5/5