When a band loses their vocalist that can be a tough thing. They can either decide to end it or they can move forward. Close Your Eyes decided to move forward. After their original front man Shane Raymond left many were heartbroken, including myself. He was such a dynamic front man and a huge part of what the band was. After he left the band went through a few other guys before deciding on Sam Ryder who before joining CYE was the vocalist for Canadian glam rock band Blessed By A Broken Heart. So, he was met with lots of criticism from fans even before they heard a single note out of him.

Line in the Sand is the third release by this Texas Christian hardcore band and first with their new vocalist and let me tell you, they do not disappoint. I feel that tracks like the title track “Line in the Sand” and “Burdened by Hope” are going to make fans forget that Shane is gone. Those two tracks along with a few more continue with the same force, passion and emotion that this band has always had. Ye,s Shane was a huge part of that but he was not the only person in the band. I for one am glad that the other members decided to keep playing music. The other aspect of the band that is still intact is the songwriting. This might be some of the best to come from these guys. As I mentioned above the emotion and passion is still present. The first single “Frame and Glass” might have a different sound from what we are used to from them but the lyrics are still strong.  One of the standout tracks on the album is “Sleeping Giant” and guess what? Yep, Tommy Green from the band Sleeping Giant does guest vocals on the track. This song is everything that spirit-filled hardcore should be. This is a track that had me moshing and two-stepping for Jesus. The fast pace that is present is a throwback to 80s hardcore and punk. At the same time it has a For Today feel which is okay with me. Another standout track is “Kings of John Payne”.  It has a slow feel to it and Sam sings in this one but it’s the lyrics that get you in this one.  Any song that is about how amazing true friends are is a great song in my book. This song has the potential to be a radio hit. For all of you kids that like to mosh the track, “The End” is for you. This track has guest vocals by Zoli of Ignite and Pennywise fame.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK98ZU-hnMM&h=297&w=450]

Overall this is a very good album.  This a band that I have always supported and will continue to support no matter who is singing for them. Because in the end it isn’t about who is singing the songs, it is about the message and what the band stands for. This band has a great message, one that we all can benefit from. My only concern is whether I want to buy it when it comes out from a store or wait a few weeks and buy it from the band when I see them.  Either way this is an album that I will be listening to for a long time.

Score: 4.5/5

I AM TUNED UP is the sponsor of the November 9^th stop of Close Your Eye’s new tour in Newport, KY. So if you can make it out – stop by!

Close Your Eyes is on Facebook and iTunes