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War of Ages puts out more of the same in their follow-up to Pride of the Wicked.  Musically, Arise and Conquer is a typical example of what you would expect from a Metal/Hardcore album.  Steve Brown and Brandon Bernatowicz provide some solid, frantic riffing, some soloing, and at least one breakdown per song.  Leroy Hamp’s vocal styling provides sufficient growling energy in keeping with the aggressive style of the band.  The problem is that there are few points during the album that cause the listener to really take notice.

One of the few standout moments on the album is the vocal melody during the chorus of Through the Flames.  The chorus has a remarkable sing-along quality, which is borderline oi-band punk.  Another highlight is the squeal-filled breakdown in Sleep of Prisoners.  The album as a whole is so similar to their previous release; it almost seems like a rehashing.

A fan of this genre of music will probably enjoy the music on Arise and Conquer with a passive interest.  The major polarizing aspect of the album is its intensely in-your-face religious themes.  The band is fiercely Christian, using every song as a soapbox.  Ignoring artful subtlety seen in other Christian Hardcore bands, such as As I Lay Dying, and even their previous album, which seems at least slightly less preachy, War of Ages leaves no doubt as the beliefs; each song is chock full of God.  One’s religious beliefs are a deeply personal thing, and the songs on Arise and Conquer can come across incredibly judgmental.  In particular, the tracks Salvation, Sleep of Prisoners, and The Awakening seem over the top in their damning of those whose opinions differ from the band’s.  For this reason, there are those who will feel put off by this album, and the band will miss out on fans because of it.