Killers and Thieves

On their sophomore album, Christian rockers Embers & Ashes balance the raw aggression of Red with the melodic appeal of Sanctus Real and Building 429. Killers and Thieves shows the band’s commitment to crafting radio-ready tunes without sacrificing guitar heft or rhythmic muscle. Man’s denial and embrace of God is a recurring theme, with vocalist Jeremy Bates sometimes taking on the role of the Savior singing to a wayward believer. Musically, the Birmingham, Ala.–based quintet embroider their sound with prog-rock and electronica touches, evident in the shifting tempos of “The Mirror” and the glistening synth washes of “What Matters.” Prodding riffage and volleys of blast beats spur on “Guide Me Home,” while “2000 Miles” locks into a metal waltz powered by stop-start guitar work. The instrumental “Stones” provides the album’s most unremittingly heavy moment. Embers & Ashes’ tone is urgent yet hopeful, whether Bates is crying out with a sinner’s desperation (“Set Fire,” “Night from Day”) or expressing the Father’s forgiving love (“Into My Arms”).