The End Is Where We Begin

After years as a flagship Tooth & Nail act, Thousand Foot Krutch goes the independent route on <i>The End Is Where We Begin</i>. The Canadian Christian trio turns the project into a reaffirmation of its strengths, serving up hip-hop grooves, meaty rock riffage, and solid melodic content in fresh combinations. As before, frontman Trevor McNevan proves himself a lyricist capable of both anthemic hooks and nuanced content, whether he’s delivering a fervent alter call (“Let the Sparks Fly”), confessing his brokenness (the title tune), or rebuking the Prince of Darkness (“Fly on the Wall”). Longtime TFK fans will hear echoes of the band’s rapcore roots in “Light Up the Sky,” as well as a sharpened metal edge (complete with harsh singing!) on “We Are.” Amid the blistering guitar volleys and shout-along choruses are powerful expressions of spiritual hunger and transformation, with the acoustic ballad “So Far Gone” and the minor-key rocker “Courtesy Call” standing out for their emotional impact. <i>The End Is Where We Begin</i> manages to tie together its diverse sonic strands with unflagging energy and a sense of commitment.