Lacey Sturm was arguably one of the most unique vocalists to hit the Alternative Metal scene in the early 2000s. Famously recognized as the leading voice of Flyleaf, Sturm’s talents first became prevalently recognized by the mainstream with the band’s 2005 self-titled debut. Following up with 2009’s Memento Mori, Flyleaf became one of the bigger names on the scene, touring with the likes of Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, among others. Moving along nicely, they put out New Horizons in October of 2012, however, after becoming fatigued with life on the road, Sturm decided to step back from Flyleaf before the album was even released.
A decision that left many fans torn, fortunately Sturm was not done with music… because in 2014 she announced the plans for solo material. This would eventually become her 2016 debut solo album Life Screams. A very impressive return for Sturm, the album was raw, energetic, and full of the type of Hard Rock fans hoped for. This was followed by touring over the next couple of years, various collaborations with others, including one with Nothing More, as well with her husband, Josh.
Pacing herself, much has happened in between it all; including Sturm’s return to performing with Flyleaf in 2022. A very exciting turn of events for Flyleaf lovers… Sturm still would not release an album for many years. Of course, in 2020 she would return with the powerful single “The Decree.” Co-written with Skillet’s Korey Cooper, the song offered a taste of what was potentially to come. Then two more songs trickled out in 2021 – “State of Me” and “Awake Love.” All quite good, more waiting followed; because nearly two more years would pass before the release of “Reconcile” in July of 2023. Outlining all this history, it is safe to say Sturm is in no rush… after all life is extremely short and precious. She is someone who has faced life, conquered challenges, and continues to seek clarity along the journey. Like most of us, still battles each day, within it all she tries to enjoy each moment as fully as possible.
That in mind, the time finally arrived for her to put out her new album Kenotic Metanoia. Released independently on November 17, 2023, the new album acts as a follow up to 2016’s Life Screams. Pouring everything into it, many of the tracks are written by Sturm with collaboration from her husband Josh, as well as Skillet’s Korey Cooper. Something that works quite well, much of the tracks are reflective of inner struggles, finding meaning in life, and making positive changes that not only help you, but others around you.
Consisting of fifteen songs in total, including each of the four singles between 2020 and August of 2023 when the Lindsey Stirling collaboration single “Breathe With Me” was released, Kenotic Metanoia could be some of Sturm’s best to date. Now, it is important to give a deeper understanding of what this album is all about. Yes, it is everything mentioned, but it is also a cathartic release in a world that seems to have us going in some many different directions. Examining it right down to the title, Kenotic Metanoia is drawn from two Greek words – “kenosis,” referring to a state of emptying of self, and “metanoia,” referring to deep change and altering of course.
These factors taken into consideration, the thoughtful nature of the lyrics throughout the album are quite personal to Sturm, but universal to anyone who may sometimes feel disenfranchised with society around them. Sturm makes this ever apparent on songs like “State of Me,” “Are You Listening,” “The Decree” and “Terrible Mistake.” This is while other standouts include “Thief,” the beautiful “Breathe With Me,” perfectly matched with Stirling’s strings, a heavily emotional vocal output on “Reconcile,” and “(I Died),” where you feel a sense of leaving yourself behind, all without forgetting past mistakes.
Overall, Kenotic Metanoia feels like an album that has been nestled within Lacey Sturm’s soul for some time now. Full of honest thoughts, it reminds you that we are all human, life’s path is never linear, but still, we need to keep searching for clarity. Most of all, we need to realize within ourselves that true freedom is often outside what society has led us to believe it to be. Heavy, melodic, and never boring, Kenotic Metanoia is one of the most surprising Hard Rock releases of 2023. That is why Cryptic Rock gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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