Background:
Bulletproof Messenger formed in 2001 as an instrumental band due to the fact they could not find a singer that would mesh with their style. After one failed attempt at a singer, two years later the band finally found who they were looking for by enlisting vocal duties to Marcus Klavan. After finally finding a vocalist, the band spent the next two years writing and touring with acts such as Incubus, Collective Soul and Trapt.
With an unstable band lineup, Bulletproof Messenger released their debut “The Crucial Line” in 2006. The album was well received by reviewers and critics. The band self-funded the project while at the same time trying to set a permanent lineup in stone.
With a new lineup finally together, Bulletproof Messenger released “Arm Yourself” in 2009.
Here We Go:
Bulletproof Messenger mixes hard rock with electronics to create their own unique sound.
Track 1 is titled “This Fantasy” and it’s an interesting way to start off the album. They begin by showing their audience what they’re all about with the driving chorus and interesting turntables. Yes, that’s right, I said turntables. I’ll admit it, I was a little skeptical at first because usually that just isn’t my “cup of tea,” But I’m gonna have to give it a chance because the rest of “This Fantasy” is spot on. “Move On” is the next track. It begins with a very earthy (if you will) beginning, and drives into a smashing verse. The chorus is a nice blend of the intro and the verse to create it’s own sound. “Lose It All” is next on the track list and it’s ability to mix Matt Litwin’s DJ sound and with the dark sound that parts of this song portray allow for it to really stand out on the album. “DLD” is track 4, and it the only instrumental on the album. It’s a pretty unique track that allows Matt to show off his DJ’s skills once again.
“DLD” leads right into the title track, “Arm Yourself.” The title track relies heavily on the bass in some parts of this song, and I love it. I love good bass parts and Jesse really shines in this song. The guitar solo gives this song that little extra something to make it complete. “Control” is the next track and it definetley has one of the better guitar solos on the album. It’s an all around great rock track and it gives a powerful end to the first half of the album.
The most well-done track on the album as for as instrumentation goes is “No Way Out”. The emotional piano beginning leads into a driving guitar based intro. Lyrically, this is one of the deepest songs on the album as well. “No Way Out” is one of the best tracks on the album and it leads into “Wasted”, a song who’s introduction again relies heavily on Litwin. “Where We All Belong” is track 9, and really highlights each member of the band from the intense and loud bass chugging, the beautiful electronic work, to everything in between. “Grand Disaster” is next and presents a catchy opening guitar riff that drives into a warm and intriguing chorus. I would be ashamed of myself not to mention just how great the end of this song is. From the perfectly executed guitar solo, to the passionate outro of the song, this is one of the song endings I’ve listened to in a while. “Step Out” ends the album, and personally, is my favorite song. It’s not the hardest song on the album, nor the most intense, but overall it shines. “Step Out” is the best mixture of Marcus’s voice with the rest of the band, and it is the perfect end to an interesting and well done album.
Highlights: “Arm Yourself”, “Control”, “No Way Out”, “Grand Disaster”, “Step Out”
Final Thoughts:
I’m going to be honest: When I first listened to the album I was surprised by the electronic work. I wasn’t expecting it because I hadn’t listened to this band before. But to be perfectly honest, I actually like it. This album is solid. Bulletproof Messenger is one of the most unique rock acts out there right now and they’re way too good for people not to notice them. I’m just upset it took so long for me to find out about them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kyle I'm a self taught musician of nearly 20 years and I'm proud to say that music encompasses my life. I'm just a simple guy that loves music and who is constantly searching for new music to feed his musical vices!
I’m a big fan of this band as well, vocalist sounds a good deal like Chris Brown of Trapt at times. Great album, and their first album The Crucial Line is pretty can’t-miss as well.
loading...