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Among Thorns
 Among Thorns began their
ministry six years ago as a humble college worship band in Beaumont,
Texas. Today, they reside in Nashville, Tennessee, performing
roughly 200 concert and conference dates per year. With the release
of their third national album, Draw Near, Among Thorns is poised
to speak into the heart of modern worship music yet again.
On their debut album, Among Thorns, the band saw multiple
top 20 radio successes and sales in excess of 50,000. They pressed
on to create a powerful straight-ahead rock record for their
sophomore release, Desperate, and eventually relocated to Nashville
where they've recently completed their third studio project,
Draw Near. The new album has been a pivotal process both musically
and personally for Among Thorns, who said goodbye to their original
lead singer and welcomed vocalist Chad Jarnagin in September
2001. The changes have opened new doors for the band, inspiring
them to explore new realms of worship.
"God is working in us tangibly as well as spiritually,"
remarks Jarnagin. "He has brought us songs that have not
only come from a different place musically, but also from hearts
that God has changed."
With a fresh start and fueled motivation, the six members
have seen Draw Near as an opportunity to explore their diverse
talents and to sink their hands into making music. Thirteen stirring
songs have emerged and been captured by producer Paul Mills (Wayne
Watson, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Lincoln Brewster), who worked
with the band at the Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, Tennessee.
"We've had the freedom to explore some new areas of music
on this album and we were able to spend a lot of time in the
studio shaping the sound," explains Matt Gilder (keyboards.)
"We're really happy with the way it turned out."
Another area that has been molded is the songwriting on the
album, which was completed collectively by all the band members,
including collaborations with Margaret Becker, Jason Morant and
Jay Hall. "We have all had a part in writing this album,"
continues Matt. "This record is much more of a corporate
offering than the past few records have been."
The band's spoken language is both bold and compelling. There
are powerful anthems like, "The Heaven's Declare" and
"Bless the Lord." Alluring upbeat numbers like "Invitation"
and "I Can't Deny." Humble melodies like "Home."
And euro-rock based songs like "Reach Down." The aim
of these songs is to communicate a message of hope to Believers
and to reflect God in a meaningful way.
"I pray that these songs will be food to the heart,"
says guitarist Darin Sasser. "When we step on stage we want
people to experience intimacy in their worship." Chad echoes
his sentiments: "The band's lyrics and music, especially
on this album, are really relevant to the culture we live in.
We want to encourage Believers to enter a place of intimate worship
with a holy God. In other words, it's all about God and magnifying
who He is so that 'He may become greater as we become less' (John
3:30)."
The spirit does indeed move within Among Thorns, especially
recognizable in their concert settings. The group fills an evening
of worship with intense energy, mellow and intimate moments,
and more than anything, a focus on vertical praises to God.
"We want to invite the body of Christ to enter into a
new place of worship, a place where they can truly experience
the heart of God," explains Matt. "When God is lifted
up, He draws men to Himself. It's hard to imagine being out there
worshipping and having God show up in the room and people not
be changed."
 The versatility and spiritually transparent
nature of Among Thorns touches a broad fan base that continues
to expand. Audiences young and old will find genuine lyrics and
music to connect with, from a band that realizes the vital importance
of remaining spiritually rooted. When travelling, the group consistently
studies Scripture and bows together in prayer. Every summer they
lead worship for high school students at Wild Week camps throughout
the US. They are also devoted to their local church communities,
helping guide area youth and leading worship in their regular
church services. It's this dedication and priority that keeps
them grounded and continually seeing new growth.
"After six years together we're like family. God has
broken and refined us and brought us to a point in our lives
where we know that music is just a vehicle. It's a small thing
that God can use in us," Darin confesses. "We have
come together and our vision as a band has solidified us and
given our ministry a real and immovable focus."
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