Soaring metal riffs and superb production guides us into the soulful soundscapes and songs of one-man-band Aaron Newsome – known to the streaming platforms as ServanT of 1.
His recent album release Baptised in Fire stormed into view with an impassioned and melodic opening anthem, the mighty Rising setting up an audio journey both delicate and intense throughout the highs and lows of each timeless rock track.
We’re somewhere between the likes of progressive metal, new metal and pop rock, a certain energy and distortion countered by the hopefulness and poetry of the lyrics, and the ultimate uplift of the tunes.
Baptised in Fire is a thirteen-track original rock project, from which highlights include the uniquely snappy and smart groove and concept of He Rose. Here we enter a sultry blues-rock realm of Christian storytelling with a twist of modern production magic. The song is again well-structured so as to let each section hit with the right dynamic and impact, and this alternative take is easily one of the most moving and memorable from the set.
The Long Way Home is another stand-out track, but for different reasons. A progressive metal riff hits with long-form charm and power, before a stripped-back verse of personal exploration and adventure captivates and enchants. Once again, the juxtaposition between softness and weight is intoxicating, and this quality runs throughout the songs of this album.
Later on in the playlist, the album welcomes a sublime acoustic track, with finger-picking and programmed strings laying down an intimate Americana vibe, and vague modern lyrics that are poignant and both familiar and essentially focused on this sense of Faith and the beauty and wonder of God. Heals The Pain is quite stunning at its peak. If this were to emerge as a live performance, the humanity and heart of the sound would be spellbinding.
Finally, from an eclectic rock album that consistently pushes the boundaries of genre, Redemptions Fire brings together the acoustic and distorted qualities, for a fast-paced and energising rock track that’s fiercely immersive when listened to at volume. ServanT of 1 lets the grit and imagery lay down a vivid and personal journey, with another anthemic build towards an explosive final third.
The music serves its purpose well, nostalgic and contemporary in equal parts – that familiar generated tone intertwined with the creative structuring and substance of the entire concept and style of Baptised in Fire. ServanT of 1 has built something immense and rather seamless with this album, and fans of the style will no doubt comfortably lose themselves within the walls of Baptised in Fire.
“The devil steals but God restores – he opens locks and broken doors.”
Find ServanT of 1 on Instagram.
