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This Might Sting a Little Bit

There have been times when a record hits me over the head and blows me away. The first song is a kicker, a few singles are sprinkled throughout, and the rest is filler. Such records can wear themselves out quickly, turning short-term "grab your attention" into long-term "not this again." Then there are those special albums that seem good, yet unassuming on first listen. But, after repeated plays, they grow, and grow, and grow...Next thing you know, they're a walking beanstalk! This Might Sting a Little Bit is definitely growing, up and out.
Produced once again by Travis Wyrick, this disc is so intense it's hard to know where to start. "I just know Jesus is the way/ I just know Jesus is the truth/ I just know Jesus is the life/ I just know Jesus is my God!" starts Kevin Young (vocals, bass) on opener "I Just Know." Anyone who has heard even one Disciple song knows that the band does not try to encrypt their lyrics in order to artistically portray the message of Christ. This track is no exception. Delving into the fact that so many denominations fight over such petty differences, the focal point of the song is that we all serve the same God. This seems to be a subject on many artists' minds recently, and should be addressed. Musically, the guitars are bigger than their past two albums, an intentional effort according to the band. Turning his back on current hardcore/modern music trends, guitarist Brad Noah serves up a good old solo near the end of the track.
"Big Bad Wolf," which appeared on issue #77's Hard Music Sampler, is complete with some wolf-growling thrown in for good measure. Vocally, Kevin Young sounds akin to ex-Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach, in my opinion one of hard music's best vocalists. Beautiful and searing at times, then turning on a dime to sound down-right dirty/gritty and full of angst, Mr. Young can serve it up both ways. This song is a far cry from a ballad, though. Aimed and pointed at Satan, the lyrics announce that "the Big Bad Wolf will never steal out of the hand of God Almighty the life that I gave to him." These words are really crammed into the phrasing of the song, but it works. Brutal. Drummer Tim Barrett's drum sound here and throughout is tight and proficient.
Sometimes it's amazing how devoted people of other religions are to their gods. Some pray for hours on end. Others drop to their knees and face a certain direction every day at the same time to pray to their god. We, as Christians, have and know the one true God, and yet we find it difficult to give him even five minutes of our time. In the words of the song "Worship Conspiracy": "Pray to Buddha everyday/ Put us to shame in every way/ Muslims fasting 40 days/ We can't lift our hands in praise/ God deserves more than what we're giving him." Simple, yet poignant.
"1-2 Conductor" is musically intense, and the lyrics, of course, are out-spoken. A VERY heavy worship/praise song, more words to chew on: "Would I seek applause and praise from men in everything I wanted to be?/ I don't give a rat's rear end what they say as long as my God's happy." I had to rewind on first listen..."a rat's rear end?" Humorous, for sure. Serious, also. God is our only audience, and we should only strive to please him.
The disc ends with "Altar Call," and it's just as the title insinuates. Over a very light guitar and drum part, Kevin gives a call to receive the salvation Jesus died for to give us all. Referring to John 3, he tells us how we "can be healed of the disease of sin." Following the recitation is a prayer, known as "The Sinner's Prayer." A very unique way to close an album, working hand-in-hand with the way many Christian bands end their shows.
I think you get the point. Disciple is not about to compromise their message for anyone. But, what about the music? Brutal. I guess I've used that word already. But, it is. Groove-heavy and sure to keep your attention, Disciple has matured as a musical entity. This album is more serious lyrically than their previous efforts, and the music definitely reflects this development. So, is it rapcore? Not entirely. Is it metal? Not completely? What do you call this? In the words of Kevin Young, it's "Heinz 57 Rock."
Easily the heaviest and most edgy band on the Rugged Records roster, Disciple is sure to gain even more respect with this, their first full-length major label release. This Might Sting A Little Bit? This does sting a lot!
[Rugged/ Chad Olson]