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Edgar Allen Poe was a very influential poet and writer during the Romantic period. One of his most famed works, "The Raven" is a poem that has stood the test of time, open to many interpretations and relatable to people in many walks of life. The lyric tells of a man who has lost the love of his life and is plagued by her memory. The pain and sorrow that is left after losing someone close can sometimes turn to doubt and confusion about our lives and faith. If left unanswered, the questions that are raised from this mindset will bring depression, perhaps even to the point of being suicidal.

Though they've been around for quite a long time, The Violet Burning has managed to remain somewhat of a fringe act in the Christian world, an area they perhaps hoped to leave behind after the release of This Is Your Moment, which offered a modern rock worship experience a la Delirious? and Rock and Roll Worship Circus. The new release, Drop-Dead, finds the group returning to their modern rock focus, bringing twelve tracks that long time fans will be certain to adore. With the help of Gabriel Wilson (The Listening), the album is tricked out with a sound that feels larger than life and create a mood to accompany the music.

Lyrically, the album really stretches the listener's imagination, developing a storyline that follows a similar path as "The Raven." The main difference between the two tales is a relationship with God which allows the character from Drop-Dead to maintain a sense of hope throughout the depressing circumstances. Several songs, such as "Humm" and "All I Want" speak to the frustration and wear of searching for life and love. Other tracks explain the pain of loss ("More", "Rewind"), the confusion that follows ("Do You Love Me?"), and a desire to be reunited in eternity ("The End Begins", "One Thousand Years"). "Eleanor" is clearly a love song written to a deceased love interest, echoing the poem's cry to "the lost Lenore."

Fans of The Violet Burning should really enjoy this release as it definitely plays to the band's strengths as artists and musicians. The overall tone of the album complements the thematic content and gives listeners plenty to dig into. Enjoyable throughout, Drop-Dead offers an entrancing musical landscape to back the thought-provoking and interesting lyrics. A great example of modern rock that works well.