A vital element in the battle for conservatism is refusing to cede ground in the culture war. While, in general, Hollywood and the entertainment media are fiercely dedicated to shoving the progressive agenda down a gullible public’s throat, there remain artists who embody 1 Kings 19:18 by not bowing down to the modern-day Baal of blasphemy and hedonism. Such is the case with “Arise,” the latest release by veteran heavy progressive rockers Glass Hammer. It’s a winner in every sense of the word.
The brainchild of musician and author Steve Babb, with quality abetment by vocalist Hannah Hale Pryor, “Arise” is a concept piece that is equally enjoyable following along with the plot or as a stand-alone listening experience. As described by the artist:
Set against the backdrop of deep space exploration, ‘Arise’ follows the extraordinary journey of an android dispatched by overzealous scientists to uncover the galaxy’s hidden wonders. The album’s lyrics, liner notes, and artwork convey a tale of cosmic dread and wonder that doesn’t begin with a big bang, but, according to Glass Hammer mastermind Steve Babb, “…definitely ends with one.”
He’s joined by singer Hannah Hale Pryor and guitarist Reese Boyd for Glass Hammer’s twenty-first studio album. “‘Arise’ is my progressive-rock spin on space rock,” says Babb. “I’m still flirting with doom metal on a couple of songs, as we did on the last two albums, but there’s also psych-rock and even 80’s influence going on in the music. Even so, it’s very much a prog-rock album, just one that touches on other styles.”
Babb thoroughly understands the alliance of sledgehammer and satin that marks the best prog metal. The power is evident throughout, but there is no beating the listener into submission. Adventuresome melodies flow unhindered, allowed to breathe and expand in a natural manner minus gimmickry. Pryor has the rare gift of a voice that is simultaneously sweet and listenable, plus packing more than enough punch to let the rockers rock. She is a singer, not a screamer, and Pryor’s presence makes “Arise” all the better.
The album’s instrumental passages are a treat, especially the album’s closing track, “The Return of Daedalus.” With guitarist Boyd losing his mind as he uninhibitedly shreds without dipping into self-indulgence, the song is molten lava from start to finish; a nearly 17-minute tour de force leaving the listener wanting even more. Good stuff, indeed.
Did I mention Babb is a rock-solid (no pun intended) conservative? While wearing neither politics nor his deep Christian faith on his sleeve, Babb remains steadfast in both. As he explained in a 2022 interview:
“I was raised with conservative values and attended conservative churches. And though my take on Scripture dictates that I hold certain positions, I credit an ability for critical thinking and a belief in absolute truth to be the primary factors in determining my politics. There is an enduring moral order: human nature is constant and moral truths, permanent.”
He adds, “My faith informs my music / lyrics and my political views. I’m very passionate about the music and strongly opinionated about politics. However, I don’t mix politics and music. I’d alienate well over half our audience if I did. They trust us not to do that, and I think most of them know where we stand anyway. It’s our job to entertain them, and bring joy and wonder into their lives, not lecture them.”
MORE: Showing Progressive Rockers Glass Hammer Some RedState Love
Sometimes, an introductory feathery touch works far better than immediately beating someone over the head with your views. Caution is not always compromise. While there is nothing feathery nor compromising about Glass Hammer’s “Arise” — the album rocks from start to finish with intelligent hardness — it stands not only as an excellent source from which conservatives are able to enjoy quality art made by people of like views but also serves as a well-honed sword slicing through the myth that conservatives have nothing to offer artistically save second-rate jingoistic preaching to the choir.
The album is available at the artist’s Bandcamp page.
