I’m not going to sit here and lie to you; back in 2006 Flicker Records sent us PILLAR’s “The Reckoning” and I didn’t even give it a chance. I might have given it one spin and tossed it to the pile never reviewing the release. Was it because I didn’t like the music? Was it because it was labeled Christian rock? I really don’t know.

Well PILLAR moved onto a new label, Essential Records, and released “For the Love of the Game” in 2008. We never got that CD to review; do you blame them? PILLAR is now back in 2009 with their new release “Confessions” and the good people at SKH Music (Steve Karas) and Ms. Luttrell from the Provident Label Group have given us another shot.

I’m not sure what your perception of Christian rock is but man I didn’t think it was anything like what PILLAR posses. These guys are vicious and powerful and lay down some masterfully tasty tunes. “Fire On The Inside” slices the boundaries of alternative metal yet holds the key that touches the melodic world. Great choruses and the outstanding guitar riffs of Noah Henson are just one element that sets PILLAR above others. Frontman Rob Beckley has massive vocal talent that brings PILLAR to the top of their game and the golden mid-section of bassist Rich Gilliand and Taylor Carroll on drums round out a phenomenal band. I was taken by how much these guys can rock out with the best of them and are lyrically genius also.

I was totally impressed with the structure of the tunes and the way each song is broken down. “Whatever It Takes” hits the AOR market and so do many other tracks. I mean I was reaching eleven on the volume dial and had my broom stick out rocking along. I did some kick-ass lip-syncing too! Check out “Whatever It Takes”, and man, if that don’t send you to another dimension then just hold onto your day job.

“Secrets And Regrets” is just another dream song that you will be singing along to also. It’s a rock ballad that will hold your attention. I could see Elvis Costello singing this one for some reason. “Better Off Now” is another great ballad that adds those special moments with real strings which are provided by David Davidson on violin, David Angell on violin, Monsia Angell on viola, and John Catchings on cello. I love when bands actual use a real string section and PILLAR nails it.

“Will You Be There” might be the highlight ballad that shows the sensitive side of PILLAR once again adding the string section and showing that talented range of Rob Beckley.

PILLAR takes on COLLECTIVE SOUL’ “Shine” and do it justice and just listening to this release it’s amazing. The next track “Call To Action” would have been a hit back in the new wave era and in the modern day it will explode. What a powerful track; the background vocals have a BEATLES/DURAN DURAN feel and the song itself makes you feel proud. Check out how those bass lines and the drums keep the song in check; amazing!!!

The final track, “You Are Not The End”, is another hard rocker that solidifies this a phenomenal release and makes it a five-star CD that needs to be added to your collection. If you’re looking for sensitivity, emotion and just plain powerful tracks, then pick up PILLAR’s “Confessions”.