CD Me

The Becoming has landed and it's time for you to remember what gave you chills the first time you heard really great music. Possibly the perfect blend of melody, mood and mystique, The Becoming declares their arrival on the music scene with its debut release Vol. I. Line up, and pledge your allegiance to The Becoming.

User Reviews about Vol. 1

I took a chance buying this album because of the 30 second reviews I heard on Amazon. But once I got it, I couldn't put it down. The sound is different which is what appealed to me. It reminds me of a hard rock Morrissey at times with the way the lead vocals sound. But digging down into the true lyrics, it's definitely got a positive message. My absolute favorite song is Our first sunrise. I've listened to it like 100 times. I've got friends that either love this album or hate it. It's definitely worth checking into. -- Not the same old stuff

Kinda dark music, but not too much to not like it if you aren't "emo" or "goth". But it has a kinda uplifting spirit about it. Very well mixed even if it doesn't sound like it from my review. I would love to hear more from them in the future. -- Great! Different than all the crap out now.

I'm not sure how the second reviewer came to the conclusion that the faith-message is well hidden in the lyrics of the songs; I feel that they're very obvious and highly uplifting. The Becoming's Vol I album is one of the best debut's I've ever heard. There isn't a single song that I don't like, and right now #4 ("I Cry") and #7 ("We're Already Dead") are my favorites. I can hardly wait to tell my friends about these guys...the music is simply AMAZING. Hopefully we'll see them at large festivals with other big-name Christian bands in the near future. -- SO GOOD!!

As far as being Christian I say they don't portray that so much. I bought this album based on the sound I heard from the clips, the sound is great, the message not so Christian, whatever is of faith is very subtle and well hidden, and their image is scary.
If I had more info about them I would not have bought this cd, really. I was generous in rating because of their sound only, as far as the message and image they shouldn't be in the Christian genre. -- Not So Christian

It takes a great deal of confidence -- not to mention attitude -- to title a debut album "Vol. 1". Nevertheless, The Becoming have made it work with this surprisingly solid initial release. Delivering an effort that is technically and stylistically strong, the band proves that Tooth and Nail made the right move giving them a shot.

The Becoming is a band with a punchy sound that immediately smacks you in the face from the first track. Their sound is centered around a predictably drop-tuned guitar matched with decidedly muted vocals. This combination allows the energy to come from the rhythm section, giving the album a booming, driving feel. The power of this band is in their ability to match this aggressive sound to the humility of their message.

The songwriting on "Vol. 1", though not groundbreaking, is energetic and determined. The band takes few chances, resting atop common arrangements and relying on the execution to carry the album. The first several tracks are moody hard rock tunes with driving verses that give way to more mercurial refrains. If you've only listened to the previews, you might be surprised by the frequent use of more delicate sounds to create space and create tension. This gives the album a more diverse, indi-fused experience.

Lyrically, the band delivers a poignant tone. While at times the presentation treads a little close to NSFW (Not Safe For Worship), the messages are not unlike those of the Old Testament prophets; perhaps fitting for these times. Certainly, the band does not mince words when it comes to the grief and loss that result from sin. In fact, the use of the more vulgar form of 'prostitute' on "I Cry" might be one of the reasons why you won't see this album on the shelves of Family Christian Stores. Yet the messages are legitimate, faith-based, and interspersed with several gospel elements. "Your Love", one of the strongest tracks on the disc, delves deeply into the benefits of grace starting from the frame of the author's funeral. Overall, the messages are a mixture of strongly worded laments and humble praises to Christ and set "Vol. 1" apart from much of what is offered on Christian labels these days.

The production is pretty fluid. As mentioned before, aural and ambient effects are used to gain a rolling sound that strangely complements the punchy, guitar-driven anthems. The band also employs the orchestral feel to accomplish a segue between several songs. At times the effect comes off as a little self-indulgent when crossed with the aggressive heart of the album; but the band generally makes it work, achieving some of the same elements that make bands like Trapt or (less-similarly) Linkin Park successful.

The bottom line? Vol. 1 is a powerful debut with real messages and a mainstream crossover appeal. Pick it up if you are a fan of the alt-metal/hardcore genre or could live with a little less scream in your screamo. -- powerful debut