ROCK KUTLESS Believer (BEC Recordings) FOR FANS OF: Jeremy Camp QQQQ Throughout the past decade, Kutless has steadily risen from the alternative underground to one of Christian music’s most influential modern rock acts. That consistent pattern of growth continues throughout Believer, which blends gritty rockers, contemplative worship cuts and piano-punctuated ballads. At all turns, the guys cover plenty of meaty lyrical ground, vividly detailing the crucifixion one minute and urging listeners to find their identity in Christ the next. ROCK REVIEWS ROCK NEW RELEASES rock talent. The songs on World We View exhibit an expansive rock sound, but every ounce is intended for mass appeal. “Anthem For The Lonely” is the single and highlight, and “Our Darkest Day” is another solid cut featuring Demon Hunter’s Ryan Clark. –Andrew Greer WE LIKE: “Anthem For The Lonely” SAMESTATE The Alignment (Sparrow Records) FOR FANS OF: The Afters, Sanctus Real, Abandon QQQ After forming on the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas, Samestate decided to go pro upon graduation, attracting the attention of Sparrow Records with a superbly crafted demo. Come the group’s full-length debut, it’s clear these five guys have a knack for catchy choruses and mighty melodies, along with a lyrical bent of leading listeners to embrace God’s plan for their lives. Add in cutting edge production from Paul Moak (Third Day, Mat Kearney), and Samestate is certainly poised for prominence. –Andy Argyrakis WE LIKE: “Hurricane” 02.07.2012 02.14.2012 02.28.2012 WORTH DYING FOR LIVE RIOT INTEGRITY MUSIC/PROVIDENT OWL CITY LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES UNIVERSAL MUSIC/EMICMG THE FRAY SCARS & STORIES UNIVERSAL/EMICMG KIROS LAY YOUR WEAPONS DOWN CCT/EMICMG NINE LASHES WORLD WE VIEW TOOTH AND NAIL RECORDS/ EMICMG SAMESTATE THE ALIGNMENT SPARROW RECORDS RHEMA SOUL RED UNIVERSAL/EMICMG SENT BY RAVENS MEAN WHAT YOU SAY TOOTH & NAIL RECORDS/ EMICMG –Andy Argyrakis WE LIKE: “Carry Me To the Cross” NINE LASHES World We View (Tooth & Nail) FOR FANS OF: TFK, Disciple QQQQ All release dates and album titles are subject to change. For the most up-to-date release schedule, visit www.ccmmagazine.com/ category/rock/ Thousand Foot Krutch’s Trevor McNevan discovered new Tooth & Nail act Nine Lashes, and it’s clear he has a keen eye for strong 42 CCM