There was nothing particularly striking about the debut from Christian hardcore act Leaders, Now We Are Free back in 2012. It was a pretty standard metalcore/hardcore effort that you’ve come to expect from Facedown. However, on the follow up, Indomitable, California’s Leaders, after a significant lineup shuffle, have taken a page from label mates Those Who Fear and Ark of the Covenant and upped the ante and heaviness, delivering a more powerful The Acacia Strain-like sermon of heaving, hefty Christ-core.

I can hear you guys typing furiously away already (Nick?) but I’m going forward with this review anyways. Indomitable is heavy, taking chugging, patient hardcore and beefing it up with furious depth and fury that matches the aforementioned acts admirably. A few impressive blasts and hardcore canters break up the sheer heft, such as the sudden explosion that starts “Nightmares” and “Weak Minds” (featuring Impending Doom‘s Brook Reeves with some guest vocals) or “Struggles” and the start of the title track, but for the most part Indomitable lurches and lumbers with a controlled, mid paced down-tuned, rumbling fury that borders on lumbering deathcore at times.

The likes of opener “Hell”, “Dead End”, “Underdogs” and utterly devastating “Walkers” are just downright speaker rattling regardless of the typical Christian (though not overly preachy) lyrics and a must listen for fans of this heaving, heavy style of hardcore. Vocalist Lazarus Rios (the only remaining member from the debut) delivers a blast furnace of vocals matching the intensity of the music with a impressive bellow. And again, if you are going to dismiss these guys and others simply because of religious beliefs – tough luck, you are missing some truly heavy impressive music.

The heft is sparsely littered with a few bits of programming, whether a piano or some slight electronica, but it never interferes with the pure density of the tangibly angry music. But other than a very scant use in closer “My Home”, there are no delicate graceful moments or clean singing which often mar some christian metal. This is just pure, groove filled piss ‘n’ vinegar metal that will rattle your fillings, Christian or otherwise.

[Visit the band's website]

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