Musical Style: Hard Rock	Produced By: Warfare & Moe Robitaille
Record Label: Independent	Country Of Origin: USA
Year Released: 2000	Artist Website:
Tracks: 11	Rating: 80%
Running Time: 50:24

Ordering information - e-mail: rob@redlightband.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/redlightpartyrock

Warfare takes classic sounds and hooks of eighties influenced metal and hard rock and combines them with intermittent modern elements on its 2000 sophomore album Lost.  Recorded in follow up to 1995 debut full length The Battle, Lost finds Warfare upping production values - not that The Battle in any way sounds bad - while deriving of a heavier metal guitar basis.  Otherwise, the groups maintains a diverse element to its songwriting by also giving prominence to the blues, AOR infused melodic hard rock and acoustic rock (ballad to worshipful to heavier rocking).  What I emphasized in my 80% review of The Battle holds true with Lost in that ‘everything is exceedingly well performed in that Warfare structures its material with strong melodies to hold up under repeat play and backs it with able musicianship and sound production’.

The power trio, consisting of vocalist and guitarist Rob Brannon, bassist and keyboardist Rich Welzant and drummer Gary Forbes, continues on Lost the faith-based lyrical approach to The Battle.  Specifically, Warfare draws upon 2 Corinthians 10:4 as its signature scripture in this regard: ‘For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down stronghold’. Brannon best sums up the groups mission (as taken from its archived website):

‘It is our wish to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way kids can relate. The Word of God is powerful, no matter what type of music you package it in. We just want to introduce you to our best friend, Jesus Christ’.

Short instrumental keyboard opener “Mayhem” gives way to “Sheep”, one of albums heavier cuts.  All out metal is feel to guitars covering its distance (sort of like Barren Cross), which coalesce with vibrant bass for the flowing verse sections ahead of impetus picking up for the despoiling (and quite catchy) refrain.  Interestingly, occasional distortion to vocals allows a light modern effect (in a positive sense).

“Runaway” ensues in similar heavier territory but within an AOR tinctured melodic hard rock bent.  Guitars continue to convey a distinct crunch, albeit not to quite the snarling extent, while melody again plays a prevalent role, referencing groups signature layered vocal melodies.  Instrumentally, a bass solo gives way to Brannon’s stretch of blues drenched lead guitar.  Lyric snippet:

Found a promise and a key
That set me free
Scales fell from my eyes
Washed away all the lies

Turned away from my wrong
Filled my heart with a song
Welcome home my lost son
Now that your rebellion is done

Maintaining the metal guitar affinity is “Been Set Free”. It also takes a barebones approach, beginning to a drum solo before plunging forward to abrading guitars, exuding a momentum driven low end and darker allure found in the chanted refrain to repeat songs title in brusque fashion.  Heavy-footed timekeeping to Forbes stands out in this regard.

“Critical Mass” represents this reviewer’s choice track with its six and half-minute progressive based sound.  Song begins to clashing symbols that give way to near thrash-like riffs to bring to mind old school Deliverance, with the unease carried over to the power metal tinctured verse sections and every bit technical refrain.  Impetus slows for the extended instrumental run carried by open-air guitar over plunging bass.  If the group had recorded an entire album in this direction, I would not be disappointed.  Lyric snippet:

Now’s the time for you to receive
Open your heart and you can believe
He is the one who died for you
And His love will see you through

Don’t let your heart turn black
He’s the one, the only Son
He’s the one who can save your life
Cling to Him, out an end to this strife

Modern side to Warfare reveals on “The Addiction”.  Aggressive riffing and funk flavored bass with rap style vocals creating a churning mass of disquiet and angst, while a more melodic side separates in modern rhythm guitars and flowing AOR laced vocal melodies.  Bride’s Fist Full Of Bees comes to mind.  I like the song but if entire album were in this direction, my attention might waver. 

Hard rock semi ballad “Walk” bridges the gap between the Lost heavier material and that acoustic.  In terms of former, assertive guitars periodically impel to front of the mix to speak of the unyielding, particularly for the beguiling refrain; from standpoint of latter, acoustic sentiments delicately carry the first minute and half but also play a lightly weaving role remaining span. Catchy harmonies and melodies serve to tie everything together.  Lyric snippet:

And as I walk through the valley
I know that I will make it through
Oh Lord, Your faithfulness surrounds me
And in You there’s nothing I can’t do
So I’ll walk with You

And as I look backwards
At all my fault and sin
Forgiveness and mercy
Make me clean again

Lost also includes four acoustic rock tracks.  My favorite is “Lift Me Up” from not only its crisp rhythm guitar presence but also folk-like worshipful signatures to speak of the poignant.  I also values “Sailing Ships” with its upbeat, mirthful demeanor to join female backing vocals with a Spanish guitar solo, and “Thank You (Lord)” in regards to its classic rock bent in utilizing Hammond B3 to exude of the blues.  Each finds Brannon shining with his at times smooth, classic tenor and others grainy to raspy vocal abilities.

Lone song in which I pass is final acoustic number “Anything”, which while no means bad - it is warmly tinctured in also utilizing female backing vocals - is a bit much when factoring four of albums ten vocal cuts are acoustic.  Perhaps it is the hard rocker in me, but I would much rather have heard a heavier song or two instead.

Lost equates to second straight quality album from Warfare.  Group takes a similar melodic but also diverse - noting choice combining of heavier and acoustic tracks - songwriting approach.  Lone different is heavier nature to the Lost guitar sound compared to The Battle and improved production values to help the Warfare songwriting better stand out either way.  Lone complaint is that the album has a few too many acoustic tracks for my taste- yes, the acoustic material is well done but I also cannot help feel an additional heavier cut would have better complimented things. Still, if you enjoy The Battle or are a fan of any of the styles represented on Lost, I recommend making it a priority purchase.

Review by Andrew Rockwell

Track Listing: “Mayhem” (:19), “Sheep” (5:43), “Runaway” (4:27), “Lift Me” (4:27), “Sailing Ships” (4:45), “Thank You (Lord)” (5:32), “Been Set Free” (3:43), “Critical Mass” (6:35), “Walk” (5:40), “Anything” (4:51)

Musicianship
Rob Brannon - Lead Vocals, Guitars & Synthesizers
Rich Welzant - Bass & Keyboards
Gary Forbes - Drums & Percussion

Additional Musicians
Mike Marino - Guitars
Tiffany Spatafore, Kristal Spence, Kaitlin Ehnot, Charlie Cavenaugh & Forest Morran - Additional Background Vocals