by Brandon G. 

A lot of bands have debut albums that show them searching for an identity or they have songs that aren't passionate enough. Well, when the Rock/Screamo band, Dizmas released On a Search in America in 2005, they quickly proved that they have the potential to be around for a long time.

The album kicks off with a bang. "Revolution" starts simply with a drum solo, but a few seconds after the song starts, the entire band kicks off with the guitar section. "Revolution" is a fast paced song featuring amazing vocals and screams. The opening verses feature someone searching for answers about their life. The song is a reminder of how for Christians, nothing just happens. God has a hand in it and we can't forget that.

"Controversy" follows next, featuring the same style: starting off with a drum beat with the entire band kicking in a few seconds later. "Controversy" is a song featuring a look through the life of Jesus as He has to deal with Politics and the Religious Scholars of his time. The third song on the album is "Riots and Violence." “Riots” is a much slower paced song, which expresses the fact that in today’s world things aren't easy for a lot of Christians. But through God we find strength and He helps us find our way through all of our problems.

One of my many highlights from On a Search in America is the passionate ballad "Redemption, Passion, Glory." The lyrics are simple, but the passion of the band is musically and vocally expressed in an amazing mix. The song is written to Jesus, asking for an understanding about Him sacrificing His life for ours. Upon my first listen "Redemption, Passion, Glory" showed me that the band Dizmas aren't just about screaming or rocking out. They’re about honoring our Maker.

"Party of Noise" appears as the sixth song on the album. Musically, the song returns to the rockier sound of Dizmas, but because the lyrics aren't as deep as other songs on the album, "Party of Noise" is probably my least favorite song on the album. "Time Well Spent" explodes at the end of "Party of Noise" with an edgy rock beat. Time well spent is definitely one of my favorites from the album. The song is about how if we keep fighting and serving God, our life here isn't a disgrace. It also describes what the band is all about.

With the end of On a Search in America closing in, the band doesn't lose focus or slow down at all. "Saturday" picks up the pace, if that is even possible at this point. "Saturday" is about how as Christians, God puts us in situations that we don't always understand, so we need to ask for His guidance. He is truly our only hope. "Night Divine" closes the album with a bang, much like the way the album started. "Night Divine" is a song about how as Christians, we desire to have a stronger relationship with Him and no matter how tough life gets, God is there to help us focus on what’s truly important.

All in all, On a Search in America is a great debut. It's definitely one of the better debut albums I have listened to. This album definitely establishes Dizmas as a band with lasting power. Very few questions are asked that the band doesn't have an answer for. With a little more lyrical maturity, Dizmas will definitely be around for a long time.

For more information on Dizmas, visit their myspace homepage at http://www.myspace.com/dizmas.