Search - Dizmas :: Tension

Dizmas has grown up!

Jones, 1 | Bakersfield, CA USA | 06/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a good thing.



I like screaming and stuff just as much as the next person, but the content of this album - I believe, BEGGED for something different. If you own Dizmas' last album you know what I'm talking about. I think this is one of the most lyrically honest and musically rockin' albums I've heard in a long time. I listen to it and I can hardly sit still... especially when being urged to "Dance". Which starts "today is perfect I feel like movin' around" and ends "one day we will be together standing near the sunshine..." this one just feels good.



Honestly, I had stopped listening to Christian bands. I just got tired of hearing the same things over and over again! Sound and content wise. I was at an interesting place in my life, realizing that following God doesn't mean that everything is going to be all honky dory... and sadly, that's often the picture that we are painted. Things caused me to sit back and examine my life and my faith. Which makes me think of the song "Play It Safe". Play It Safe outlines the difference between belief and faith. Many people have belief, but not faith. This song is a challenge to its listener to stop playing it safe in their beliefs and to take a real stance... which requires faith. This album speaks to me from a very real place. Discussing and bringing to surface the topic of suicide, heartbreak, the frustration and tragedy of improper Christian evangelism...

The tension of not knowing which way to go in life and having so many opinions given to you, yet wanting to will & do as the spirit leads.



Hope.



This album is about hope. Regardless of all the things that happen in this life - coming to a place where you realize that God is still right there with you... He's been there all along. In our desperation, He doesn't forsake us (even if He is the ONLY one who doesn't).



I haven't been able to take this cd out of my car. I'm actually listening to it right now (I bought it on itunes as well).



Anyway, I hope it speaks to you as much as it does me.

Be blessed,



-Crystal"

The Tension Has Risen.

Jennjenn | Wisconsin | 05/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Taking a more artistic approach this time around, Dizmas' Sophomore release, Tension is sure to be a winner, beckoning a wider fan base to embrace Dizmas' music ministry. Mellower than their debut release (sorry, no strategic screaming), Dizmas still offers the same raw emotion and intensity as On a Search in America, but in a more refined package.



The lead singer, Zach Zegan sings with passion and conviction, displaying a different set of vocal abilities previously withheld. The music is driven, each song is complemented with the next, and occasionally gives highlight to certain lyrical sections. The lyrics are practical, straightforward, challenging and thought provoking.



"Jealousy Hurts" lays the first stone, and establishes a firm foundation for the rest of the CD. "Shake it Off" oozes with charming melodies, sure to leave a smile. The strongest contender of the CD, "Play it Safe" is bound to be a favorite. "If You Love Someone" is slightly sappy, due to the chorus donning a popular phrase about love, yet the verses compensate and leave the desired heart aching effect. Not too bad for Dizmas' first stab at romance. "See Daylight" conjures up a battle cry to keep pressing on in the Lord. Dizmas then throws a light-hearted song into the mix with "Dance," and leaves the listener no choice but to get their groove on. "This is a Warning" boldly warns the world against apathy towards God. "The Voice is Ghostly" has a rather unique melodic spin, as the dissonance leaves an air of tension. "Nothing at All" and "Until You Rescue Me" sing about strained relationships, where compassion and the 'art of listening' are lacking. Things turn somber with "October" as it tells a tale of suicide, yet spares the details. The album then closes with a personal song entitled, "Sun" offering heart felt questions to God, trying to find the balance between faith and works.



All and all Tension rocks the casbah! Older Dizmas fans may miss the screaming, but will definitely enjoy the raw emotion and intensity still present, as newer faces join the fan base and embraces the artistic, power packed message Dizmas presents through their music."