Once Upon A Shattered Life

In late 2004, they signed with BEC Recordings, and their fourth album, Once Upon a Shattered Life.
BEC/Tooth & Nail producer-in-residence Aaron Sprinkle refines the band's alternative-tinged modern rock sound in ONCE UPON A SHATTERED LIFE, resulting in a standout album. The passionately powerful vocals of Joseph Rojas convey the band's mindset in I Believe:
Seventh Day has always been known for their "in your face" lyrics about life's tougher subjects. Pain, suicide, and suffering have all been covered in extreme detail many times over. But hope is not just presented, it is practically preached. This overshadowing theme has not been forgotten on Once Upon a Shattered Life.
The lyrics are passionate and fervent, painting God as the answer to pain, sorrow, and the consequences of wrong choices. It is a solid album that is refreshingly raw and honest.
The album marked their Billboard debut with appearances on the Heatseekers and Christian Albums charts. By that time, only Rojas and Schwartz remained from the original group.
This band raises questions, but it's not afraid of pointing to Christ as the answer. Seventh Day Slumber also offers balance. God rescued Rojas from a life of substance abuse and atheism, and sometimes those "up from the gutter" stories almost tempt kids who haven't messed up yet, but bass player Joshua Schwartz grew up as a missionary kid who resisted the temptations around him, showing that it's cool to live for God from day one.
Once Upon a Shattered Life is for anyone like me who likes the sound of Seventh Day Slumber, Kutless, and Jonah33. I especially like the title track, but the whole album is full of powerful songs. SDS has another winner.It is somewhat reminiscent of Jeremy Camp, yet very much like John Elephante from years ago. For the most part, they keep to a more melodic pop/rock sound, but occasionally up the ante and bring heavy guitar licks into the mix.

Lineup

Joseph Rojas - Vocals/Guitar
Jeremy Holderfield - Guitar
Joshua Schwartz - Bass
Ray Fryoux - Drums

Guests

Aaron Sprinkle (Poor Old Lu, Rose Blossom Punch, Fair) - Vocals/Guitar
Brynn Sanchez - Vocals