Sometimes the most ambitious artistic breakthroughs are birthed out of the most unexpected circumstances, or more accurately in the case of Kutless' To Know That You're Alive, a painfully annoying accident. Having front man Jon Micah Sumrall tear his shoulder might seem like an unlikely muse for songwriting and sonic sculpting - especially considering the band's sold over 1.5 million CDs, performed in front of nearly two million fans and conquered Christian radio with numerous singles since its debut in 2002 - but it results in one of the band’s most immediate, expressive and aggressive discs to date.

Thousand Foot Krutch already had tons of Christian music fans, and is now finding a mainstream audience, and front man Trevor McNevan says that their faith is strong as ever. The September 2007 release of The Flame in All of Us looks to be that noticeable turning point for Thousand Foot Krutch. All told, even small details behind The Flame in All of Us indicate steps in the right direction for the band, evidence of God's favor at every turn. "In more ways than one, this is the most refreshing record we've made," Trevor says. "My favorite albums are the ones with lots of contrast that you can listen to front to back, that take you on a journey. I believe the strongest bands are the ones that a listener can grow up with."

Pillar's "For the Love of the Game" the arena-pounding anthem sets the stage for the ten-track project about tenacious faith, as the chorus echoes Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25: Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Their poignant message from the perspective of a deceased loved one in heaven in "Smiling Down"; their challenge to fence-sitters to make up their minds on "The Runaway" and "Forever Starts Now"; or the reflective reminder that God wants us to give Him the reigns of control in our lives in "I Fade Away", there is no mistaking Pillar's passion for its message and its music.

Five albums of material as a hip-hop artist is a feat in and of itself in an age that has been characterized by many as the dead era of this genre. Three of his four titles have scanned over 100,000 - the only Christian hip-hop artist in history to do so. KJ-52 has become one of the most trusted names in music as a songwriter, producer, minister, and comic poet, in spite of many seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Let's not forget: He is an unabashed follower of Christ, he is white, and he is a rapper. Most have said these things cannot be combined at all, let alone form an equation for success.

Fireflight's music offers a haven for the accused and beaten down and an inspirational spark to trust and dream again. Seeing the faces of the fans they’ve touched and watching the impact of their new online support community, Iamunbreakable.com, the band knows their message is getting through. As the title track proclaims, for all those who are broken and have lost their way, there is a hope and love that is Unbreakable.

To discover the real story behind Worth Dying For, the five-member worship band from Modesto, California, you've got to dig below the surface and make room for a deeper calling, a more passionate pursuit than music itself. Birthed in the city-wide outreach of Calvary Temple's weekly youth event, "The Stadium," Worth Dying For aims to shake this generation out of its lethargy and despair. The band is more creed than career, more mission than music. And the music—aggressive guitars, searing vocals and heart-provoking lyrics—speaks for itself.

Hailing from the state of Illinois, Run Kid Run is a 4 piece pop rock band with huge hooks, infectious melodies, and uplifting lyrics. Their debut full-length, "This is Who We Are," was produced by James Paul Wisner (Dashboard Confessional, Further Seems Forever, New Found Glory) and have recently followed up with their sophomore album “Love At the Core”.

For an unsigned independent act, Esterlyn sure has a lot of connections in the industry. Two of the members were part of Grand Prize, the band from Boise, Idaho signed to Jaci Velasquez's "A'postrophe" Records back in 2005. They've since moved on and are currently managed by the same company that handles Kutless, Stellar Kart, and Disciple. Moreover, Esterlyn's debut album was co-produced by Number One Gun's Jeff Schneweis, who also contributed his songwriting and performance skills to much of "Lamps".

There comes a time in every band’s life when abandoning commercial expectations in favor of heartfelt musical expressions and relatable lyrics takes center stage. For the Tulsa-based pop/rock foursome Capital Lights, that realization came remarkably early in its already impressive career. No matter with the format, Capital Lights' fan base continues to expand like lightening, as evidenced by feverish MySpace activity, downloads and CD sales at shows.

Considered one of the nation's top youth speakers, Bob easily connects with his audiences by sharing valuable biblical principles intertwined with stories and personal experiences that help youth deal with real life while re-igniting their faith. He explores sober issues while using his unique gift of humor. His messages of hope, worth, courage and respect ignite an interest in young people and somewhere between the laughing and the crying they realize their lives have been changed. Bob Lenz spoke to over 250,000 teens and parents across North America last year. Bob is the President of Life Promotions and Founder of Lifest held each year in Wisconsin.