Review: Clear Convictions – Endure (Remixed)
Review by Jimmy Lamar Sorrells
Clear Convictions has always represented more than just another name in Christian hardcore. Emerging from Puerto Rico in the early 2000s, the band fused spiritual grit with underground authenticity, earning their place beside acts like xDisciplex A.D. and Figure Four. Over the years, their albums A Past That Attempts to Define Me and The Mystery of Iniquity became benchmarks of unfiltered conviction. After reuniting with a renewed sense of purpose, the band released Endure in 2024 as an unsigned project that carried a message of perseverance and faith. Now, through Resuscitation Records, mixer Ryan Leitru has given the album new life, and Endure (Remixed) stands as both a refinement and a reaffirmation of everything Clear Convictions has always stood for.
The improvement in sound is immediate. Ryan put a lot of effort into this mix, and it shows. Guitars cut through with precision, the drums hit hard and tight, and the vocals carry more weight without losing their raw intensity. The mastering by Rob Colwell gives the entire project depth and cohesion, bringing a clarity that reveals details once buried. It is another example of his magic touch, enhancing what was already a strong record. The limited vinyl pressing looks stunning on clear wax. It plays at 45 RPM, which means recalibrating the setup, a small but noticeable step for listeners. Once spinning, the result is worth it. The artwork, showing a tattooed man holding a cross, is simple yet reflective, inviting thought before a single note is played. The lyric booklet is large, filled with photos, and though printed in black and white, it shows care and intention. At a time when many new releases skip these details, this edition reminds fans how much presentation still matters. Limited to only 250 copies, this one is worth finding before it disappears.
From the opening track “Rise Above,” the album’s purpose is clear. The call to rise becomes a statement of faith and resilience, setting the tone for what follows. “No Man Is a Lost Cause” hits hard with lyrics that deliver the Gospel message without compromise, reminding listeners that grace is available to anyone willing to receive it. “Hope” keeps the pace driving with straight-ahead hardcore energy, while “Moving On” pushes forgiveness to the forefront, encouraging release and spiritual growth. “I Am” stands out for its crisp guitar work, and “Breaking Curses” drives home one of the strongest lyrical declarations on the record: “my past sins are not allowed to interfere on me or my future generations.” It is a powerful moment that will move the crowd in any live setting. The title track, “Endure,” feels like the heartbeat of the record. The refrain “endure, get up and finish your race” perfectly captures the mindset the band has lived out for years. “Taking It to the Streets” closes the first half with a slower instrumental that acts as a thoughtful bridge rather than a cooldown.
The second side keeps the fire burning. “It’s Settled” uses layered background vocals to build atmosphere without losing intensity, while “Down in the Potter’s Shop” mixes cleaner vocals with heavy riffs, adding an emotional dimension that balances power with reflection. “Soy Libre,” sung in Spanish, proudly connects to the band’s Puerto Rican roots and delivers one of the most forceful performances on the album. “Welcome to the Last Days” blends slower chugging riffs with the band’s trademark urgency, while “The Great Divide” finishes strong, declaring “he’s gathering a remnant of unshakable integrity.” The lyric speaks to the album’s entire theme: endurance through faith, unity, and conviction.
Inside the record’s thank-you section, the band writes, “We would like to thank God for His great salvation, His infinite grace over us, and for blessing us with the gift of music, a beautiful way to express our constant desire to please Him.” That one statement, paired with the album’s lyrical content, leaves no question about where this band stands. Clear Convictions continue to hold firm to the truth that shaped them, showing no hint of compromise.
Endure (Remixed) is a hardcore album in every sense, straightforward and unrelenting, yet filled with purpose and hope. There are no new songs here, but the improved production and attention to detail make it a completely new experience. It is proof that conviction still matters, and Clear Convictions continues to live up to their name.
For more on the band:
https://resuscitation.store/pages/clear-convictions
https://clearconvictions.bigcartel.com/
https://www.instagram.com/clearconvictionshc/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/09ng8r10xRtQCgrmgf40np
https://www.facebook.com/ClearConvictionsBand/
https://x.com/CConvictionshcx
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