Review of "Blood, Faith, Loyalty " by Jeff Karbow of SicZine.com The pride of Wilkes Barre, PA, Strength For A Reason have been around since 1997 when they were formed as a side project comprised of members from OUT TO WIN. Well it's 8 years later and they're stronger than ever, so don't expect these guys to go anywhere. I've been a fan of SFAR ever since I first listened to Show and Prove that was released by Thornz Records(rumor is SC will be re-releasing it so keep your eyes peeled). So you know I was hyped as shit to see this in my mailbox after I got in from a long day of work. This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2005, so as soon as I got this you know I put it right into my stereo. Blood, Faith, Loyalty is an 11 track mid tempo opus of brutality and remembrance for the ones in the band who have lost friends and family members during the time between their recordings. When the album started to play my ears were greeted with the rugged sounds of "Liar," and as I would have hoped, they only improved upon their crushing mid tempo sound. The title track, "Blood, Faith, Loyalty," sports some crushing rhythms with gang vocals layered all over the track. "Refuse to Fall" features James Ismean (Fury of Five), and they couldn't have picked a better song for him to appear on. The message of the song is about fake tough guy posturing getting knocked on its ass by the tried and true. "New jack ego, scene bred thug. Telling kids that they don't belong. I was there from the start hardcore was always in my heart." "Father," serves as remembrance for Karl's father that has passed away in the last year. Which is nice to see, you don't see songs like that in hardcore enough. "Reverse the Role," is a song about wishing you could reverse the roles of a person wasting their life away and taking it for granted for a friend that should still be here. On top of the quality lyrics, this song features some great two step parts and a breakdown that sets shit off. "Suppressed," is my favorite track on the album, lyrically it's how hardcore gets you through your days, it's a lifestyle not a phase. "I taste the bittersweet of years that have gone by. I hate the world more and more everyday. My only release is hardcore, it keeps me strong, I'll rise above. The gang vocal chant at the end, "MY SPIRIT CAN'T BE BROKEN!" is one of the most memorable parts I've heard this year. I can just imagine every kid in the place screaming their lungs out to that one. The production on this is stellar, the overdrive on the bass sounds great without losing its low end, the vocals are dailed in perfectly, the guitars are thick with crunch and bite, the drums are crisp and deep when they need to be. As always Spook City hits you off with another great layout, the album art and photos really tie into the theme of the record. I dig the faded papal color. And there's photos of the people that this record is dedicated to in the tray art with a great tattoo memorial themed piece. Strength For A Reason prove once again they are at the top of the pack with their brand of brutally blunt and sincere mid tempo hardcore. Rating:4/5 Songs worthy of Replay: Suppressed, Refuse To Fall, Reverse The Role, Blood Faith Loyalty