Harsh imagery notwithstanding, “Attack” condemns violence and says of humanity, “If we fall, we all fall.” The title cut raises the probing question, “Why don’t you ask the kids at Tiananmen Square/Was fashion the reason why they were there?” Other songs skewer drug-addled celebrities (“Stealing Society”) and America’s gluttonous consumer culture (“Dreaming”). The haunting “Soldier Side” and “Holy Mountains” show concern for, respectively, doomed warriors and victims of Armenian genocide. Even though it turns a corner late …
“Lonely Day” finds an emotionally isolated guy contemplating suicide. Some families may object to the partisan political ire of “Tentative,” which claims even God can’t save America. Dark and profane, “Kill Rock ‘n’ Roll” repeats “a–hole” six times. The term “m—–f—er” appears even more often on “Stealing Society.” “She’s Like Heroin” is the gritty tale of a prostitute turning tricks to support her drug habit. “U-Fig” rallies people to “beat” and “eat” naively patriotic flag-wavers.
This acerbic follow-up to Mezmerize specializes in oblique social commentary meant to shock the U.S. out of its selfish, zombie-like existence. But poignant lyrics get compromised by rage, darkness and obscenity.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
