ForeFront Records' newest act--The Benjamin Gate--is in keeping with the label's tradition of introducing truly cutting-edge Christian sounds. With a roaring chorus of guitars and singer Adrienne Liesching's enigmatic v... more »ocals, this South African fivesome cover new ground on the musical map. Sure you'll listen to the call-and-answer choruses by Liesching on "All Over Me" and think about the Cranberries, or, for older fans, maybe even Siouxsie and the Banshees. But the similarities end with the Godly message stamped on each riveting rocker. Think Christian bands can't shake sonic foundations? Check out the fury of "Lay It Down" or the enthralling alternative rocker "Secret." And for those quieter moments, the Gate gives us the lonely sounding and moving ballad "Hands." It may take a few listens to grow on you, but this release is a thoughtful and dynamic debut for a world that sorely needs it. --Michael Lyttle« less
ForeFront Records' newest act--The Benjamin Gate--is in keeping with the label's tradition of introducing truly cutting-edge Christian sounds. With a roaring chorus of guitars and singer Adrienne Liesching's enigmatic vocals, this South African fivesome cover new ground on the musical map. Sure you'll listen to the call-and-answer choruses by Liesching on "All Over Me" and think about the Cranberries, or, for older fans, maybe even Siouxsie and the Banshees. But the similarities end with the Godly message stamped on each riveting rocker. Think Christian bands can't shake sonic foundations? Check out the fury of "Lay It Down" or the enthralling alternative rocker "Secret." And for those quieter moments, the Gate gives us the lonely sounding and moving ballad "Hands." It may take a few listens to grow on you, but this release is a thoughtful and dynamic debut for a world that sorely needs it. --Michael Lyttle
"The music of the Benjamin Gate fits somewhere between alternative and techno-industrial, and is very similar to non-Christian artists like Garbage and Bjork. "Untitled" is incredible! With songs like "How Long" and "Lay It Down" on this album, you simply cannot go wrong in adding this one to your music collection. What makes the Benjamin Gate so great is not just that they are great musicians, but that their faith is real and is evident in the music they produce. You're not getting just a great mix of music, but songs that are both challenging and encouraging!"
Simply the best stuff out there
Jamie R. Wilson | 09/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For alternative rock fans, Untitled is the best stuff out there in 2001. I can't think of a single current secular band, with the possible exception of The Catherine Wheel, that has the sonic complexity and creativity of The Benjamin Gate. Superficially, the vocals resemble the Cranberries, but the music is an innovative blend of techno-industrial electronica and anthemic rock like early U2. I hope Benjamin's Gate gets a wide hearing outside the Christian community, because they have 100 times the energy, creativity, and emotionally-cathartic quality of any of the current radio bands. They'd make an excellent opening band for U2."
Distorted techno metal to the max!
William F. Lawson | Maryland United States | 06/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the most creative music i've ever heard. It's so good, i've played it virtualy every minute of every day since i bought it. (three weeks ago) The music style is so original that i need to play it constantly so i can sing it in my head when i'm not near a CD player. It's heavy heavy rock, yet I find it peaceful enough to sleep with it on. The amazing female vocals surrounded by distorted guitar, and electronic sounds, flow so smoothly into my head that it sounds new everytime i listen. There is no bad song on this CD. Benjamin Gate, give me more!!!!!"
Christian Rock the way it should be
J A W | Norman, OK United States | 07/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Benjamin Gate has its own sound, its own voice, its own style. They aren't a rip off of some other band, unfortunately, like too many other Christian bands. I compare Benjamin Gate to Starflyer 59, not in sound, but in a shared willingness to stake out new ground style wise. The integration of guitars and quasi-electronica is seemless and organic, as are the transitions between slow, medium, and thrashing songs. The guitars are active, pronounced, aggressive, without over-hyped "Rap-metal" distortion that is so tediously common in today's music scene. Adrienne's voice is the connector between the different styles, as she can go out all Rock Goddess on "Blow My Mind" and "Lay It Down" and then softly provoke tears w/ the piano-driven "Hands".A terrific band that deserved and deserves more appreciation."
Its A Gem
RICH BISHOP | Oxford, PA USA | 02/16/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"if you've read my previous reviews, you'll see that this is the first one I've done since I've been born-again. The Benjamin Gate's debut album is for me a daily listen. With cutting edge production, fantastic songwriting, edgy guitar sounds and Adrienne Liesching's beautiful vocals, this has to be one of the most intriguing albums I've ever listened to. Its a surprising fact that this is a rookie album, as it contains elements that even veteran groups, both secular and Christian often fail to find agter years of playing and recording together. Standout tracks include my personal favorite "Rush" which ends with a chanted Psalm 1, and the beautiful "Heaven" whereupon Adrienne's vocals evoke a sense of what the Angels could be singing as believers make that final journey home. While most of these tunes employ a rock edge, there's even a song laced with club beats and even a powerful piano number that closes out the album (Before a hidden track). TBG even performs well live, and I hope that they will be blessed with greater success, improving upon what they've accomplished so far."