Midweights-Decyfer Down, Jonah 33, 12 Stones, Dead Poetic,

These bands fall on about the middle of the scale of my musical tastes.  I don't generally have to be in the "right mood" to listen to them.  If I'm shuffling through my music and they come on, I perk right up.  Between the different artists here, there's some great guitar work, thumping drums, and some really good vocals that back up awesome lyrics.

Decyfer Down Vocals/guitar-T.J. Harris, Lead Guitar-Christ Clonts, Guitar-Brandon Mills, Drums-Josh Oliver

Decyfer Down is a straight-up rock band, and a good one to boot.  I first encountered this band about three years ago with their album, End of Grey.  I liked it well enough and bought a few songs, but they were just off from my tastes.  I think it was something about the vocal style of many of the songs; it wasn't bad, it just wasn't my style.  Well, not too long after, I heard them on the Anvil and the Hammer.  They were releasing a new album, Crash, which introduced their new lead singer.  A few songs played and I was hooked: everything was spot on.  Whether it was a solid rock song or a ballad, there was always plenty of energy and some awesome riffs.  The vocals were pure rock, some of the songs even reminding me somewhat of Chris Cornell, and the lyrics were as good as they had ever been, maybe even better.  I ordered the whole CD in the mail, because I wanted the hard copy.  I listened to it nearly non-stop for several weeks and I still love it.  For those who love your basic rock, these guys are gold.

Crash

Over My Head

Wasting Away

Jonah 33  Vocals/guitar-Vince Lichlyter, Guitar-Jason Rooney, Bass-Cory Riley, Drums-Joshua Dougan

Sadly, Jonah 33 is no longer together, but they have left some excellent music in their wake.  They have a vibrant, strong sound that moves at a really good pace.  The lyrics have a lot of energy and some good things to say.  Their most recent album, The Heart of War, was written with soldiers in mind and is an album of songs that were written to get you motivated to action.  The Strangest Day is a little softer, but just as good.  From their self-titled album, I really like "I Want a Faith Like That", which is very powerful and heart-felt.

Last One Standing

Scream

Faith Like That

12 Stones  Lead vocals-Paul McCoy, Guitar-Eric Weaver, Rhythm guitar-Justin Rimer, Bass-Kevin Dorr, Drums-Mike McManus

12 Stones is a bit different from the two above bands.  They are rock, but they tend to have a more grunge-like sound.  This varies (as it should) from album to album and song to song.  For example, Anthem for the Underdog is largely closer to alternative rock.  They create their target sound very well and have maintained it for quite a while.  Their lyrics cover a wide range of topics and deal with both God and other people in roughly equal parts.

Speak Your Mind

Anthem for the Underdog

Dead Poetic  Vocals-Bradon Rike, Guitar-Zach Miles, Drums-Jesse Sprinkle

This is another band that is a little different, though still (I would say) within the middle range of rock.  Their style has a fairly wide range to it, between their faster and slower songs.  Generally, their vocals tend towards the higher range and is similar to some hardcore bands.  But at times, it drops lower and is more like standard rock music.  They have some nice guitar work, which switches between chunky pounding and distinctive strumming.  Here's some songs that take in a fair part of their sound.

Cannibal Vs. Cunning

Sinless City

Modern Morbid Prophecies