(c) 2020 Independent Release
- Exodus
Jennifer Benson--Lead Vocals
Jose Jimenez--Guitars
Ian Sebastian--Bass
Ben Silverman--Drums
Additional Musicians
Jeremy Valentyne--Guitars
Ignescent has been a busy band. Following the release of two previous singles, "Into The Night" and "Demons 777", both of which made a major impact at Christian rock radio, the band went through some personnel changes, contracting from a five-piece band to just four members. New guitarist Jose Jimenez and new drummer Ben Silverman join Jennifer Benson and Ian Sebastian on "Exodus", which finds the modern hard rock band in a darker place musically than on their previous efforts. Joining the sonic fray is guest guitarist, Jeremy Valentyne, who has previously performed with New Years Day.
This new track starts off with a dark, foreboding intro before hard-hitting rhythm guitars and some deep...DEEP...bass rumblings creep into the mix along with a pummeling rhythm from new drummer, Silverman. Benson's vocals have an ominous tone as she starts the first verse, as some haunting keyboard elements join the background, adding to the almost spooky atmosphere of this heavy track. As has been the case with all of Ignescent's tracks, the guitars have a gritty, dirty tone to them, and Benson's vocals are powerful while retaining an edge that keeps her from becoming sing-songy and allows her melodic approach to really fit the musical tone. Benson also uses a whispered-deliver style to intro the chorus sections as she implores "Can you help me?!" before the chorus itself asks, "Can you hear me now? I'm crying out!" Deeply-bellowed screams enter the fray on a bridge section following the second chorus, before Benson returns to run the song out with another trip through the chorus. I wish the guitars would really rip into a deep, searing solo at some point during that bridge, but the band goes for more of a mini-breakdown, which still works well with the rest of the track, and before you know it, 3:46 has passed and "Exodus" has run its course...only to be repeated by most listeners, I'm sure!
Of the three singles the band has released so far, "Exodus" is my favorite at this point, with its heavier, darker vibe really providing a great foundation for Benson's haunting delivery. Benson told me the band is planning to do a full album, but "will most likely release another single between now and New Year's Day, so stay tuned!"
Currently charging up the charts of Christian rock stations such as ChristianRock.net, "Exodus" is a great track to introduce yourself to the band if you have not done so. Be sure to follow the band on Facebook and Instagram to keep up on the latest happenings with Ignescent!
Rating: As per usual, I don't typically rate singles in the way I would EPs or albums, but there is plenty to like about the modern hard rock approach of Ignescent. Snag the singles and crank them up!
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