Welcome to the Masquerade by Thousand Foot Krutch
Thousand Foot Krutch has quickly become a Christian rock favorite. The band released one CD called Set It Off in 2000, before it signed on with Tooth & Nail Records in 2003. After that, they released the popular album Phenomenon. The next album, called The Art of Breaking was released in 2005, followed by The Flame in All of Us in 2007. Their latest album, Welcome to the Masquerade, was released in 2009. Welcome to the Masquerade follows up with the rocking sound that TFK fans have come to love, and still keep the optimistic lyrics.
The first track is “The Invitation.” It is a totally instrumental song that lasts for just 59 seconds, but whets your appetite for the rest of the album.
Next is the aptly titled “Welcome to the Masquerade.” The song talks about the ‘masks’ we wear in life, trying to hide things that need to be dealt with. One line says “Out of the fire/rise from the ashes/reject your doubt and release the passion/let’s get on it/believe if you want it/step into the world where the real ones flaunt it/come back/rewind/another time on it/reach out/take that one off/step on it.” This is a scriptural idea of faith. Mark 9:23 says ” ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes.”
The third track is “Fire It Up.” This track talks about “turning everything up” and being passionate for Jesus and the Christian life. It has a very catchy rock chorus, with a nice finish.
“Bring Me to Life”, the fourth song, is the hardest rocking song on the album. It has a heavy, dirty rock sound. One part of the song says “Bring me to life/breathe air into me/take me from the darkness that I feel/’cause I just want to be free.” This is fulfilled by Jesus, for He frees us.
Fifth comes “E for Extinction.” This is the first of the slower songs. It gets harder. Its lyrics are a message that the Christian walk should be the main thing in our life.
The sixth spot is occupied by “Watching Over Me.” Its lyrics talk about God watching over us through life (I know You’re out there/and I know You care/’cause I feel You like an angel watching over me). Musically, it is a very peaceful and slow song.
Number seven is “The Part that Hurts the Most (Is Me).” This song picks the pace back up a bit, but still keeps things calmer than “Fire It Up” or “Bring Me to Life.” It talks about how we hurt God and ourselves when we sin.
Eighth is “Scream.” It talks about how frustrating it is when we sin and mess up a lot.
Ninth is “Look Away”, where the person in the song is telling God to “take all these cuts/and make them shine”
Tenth you have “Forward Motion”, a song that talks about not giving up when life is difficult.
Eleventh brings “Outta Control” to the table. This track is similar to “Scream”, where the singer is losing control and begs God to save him.
Twelfth is “Smack Down”. This track talks about battling with sin and that to win, you must look to God.
Lastly is the song “Already Home”. The thirteenth track shows someone realizing that God is their strength and that they need look no further.”I am on my knees/’cause You’re everything I need/…And I’m calling out You’re name/and I won’t run away/’cause I’m already home”
This album is Thousand Foot Krutch’s best one to date. It is very optimistic, very God-centered. It also has very good rock rhythms and uses of synthesizers.
Rating – 5/5
