Review: Plead the Widow’s Cause – Silver Glass Stare
By Jimmy Lamar Sorrells
From the heart of South Jersey’s hardcore scene, Plead the Widow’s Cause delivers Silver Glass Stare, an album that feels both raw and refined. Their debut Pain Split introduced a sound rooted in conviction and emotion, but this new record pushes further with greater focus and weight. Recorded at Nada Recording Studio with producer John Naclerio, the production brings clarity to the chaos, making every scream and strike of the drum kit feel intentional.
The deluxe vinyl edition from Resuscitation Records is a collector’s dream. Pressed on emerald green 180-gram wax and limited to 250 copies, it holds the kind of care and purpose that defines this band. The color choice feels symbolic, reflecting the heart behind the track “Emerald Eyes.” The artwork is simple and meaningful. The back of the lyric booklet shows the band sitting on sand dunes beside a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien that reads, “The journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.” It is a statement that frames the record perfectly, offering hope beyond the storm.
“Marah” opens with purpose. Ian’s shifts in vocal tone keep the intensity alive, setting the tone for everything that follows. “Jet Black Heart” mixes clean vocals with raw grit. The harmony and gang vocals on “I’m so overwhelmed” are chilling, creating one of the most memorable moments on the record. “Grey” carries a strong punk energy that moves the record forward with pace and attitude. “Clip the Wings” features solid chugging guitars and a personal cry of release with the line “I will forgive you.” The emotion feels authentic, like it came from deep within. “Emerald Eyes” captures loss and grief with sincerity, reflecting on the pain of someone gone too soon. The balance of melody and heaviness gives it emotional weight.
“Sunset” flows with ease and rhythm, ending with a slowdown that makes for a perfect transition when flipping the record. “Life Moves in a Circle” brings some of the album’s best breakdowns. The repeated line “I feel sick. I feel sick. Look at my heart” lands hard, and the guest vocals from G of Unwithered add extra grit. Ian’s voice climbs higher near the end and fits perfectly. “Burn Bright, Burn Out” delivers straightforward hardcore energy and ends with a powerful call to action: “Wake up, it’s not too late.” “Paper Cranes” is a personal favorite. The lyrics tell a vivid story of a man suffering radiation poisoning from corporate negligence, describing “a plague that’s gripping the skin,” “skin is falling off,” and “organs are failing from damage sustained.” It is raw and visual, showing the band’s ability to paint pictures through heavy music. “Trapped Within” grabs attention immediately with its opening scream. The layering of clean and harsh vocals is done masterfully. The lyrics strike straight to the heart: “Let your flesh be crushed to dust. You cannot save yourself… watch sin dissolve in blood.” “Spitting Venom” ends the record with speed and conviction. The line “Don’t you remember who He died for, the sick” captures the mission of the band in one breath. The slower ending allows the message to sink in: “Blood covered dirty works, yet there is fire on your tongue. No compassion for the lost. Forgetting where He saved you from.”
Hearing Silver Glass Stare on vinyl gives the record a new life. The 180-gram pressing adds warmth and depth, letting the guitars and vocals breathe. The emerald green wax looks beautiful under light and feels symbolic of renewal and hope. The 12-page lyric booklet is a standout. It includes color photos of the band performing and full lyrics that pull you into their world. Many modern records skip details like this, but this one gets it right. The quality of the layout and printing shows intention and respect for the listener. It makes you feel connected to the music and the people behind it. The mastering is well done, keeping the low-end punch strong while preserving the clarity of the highs. It’s a release made for those who love the ritual of dropping a needle and feeling each note through the speakers.
Silver Glass Stare captures the heart of spirit-filled hardcore. It is intense, heartfelt, and built on faith that does not waver. The themes of forgiveness, loss, redemption, and surrender all circle back to one truth: everything points to Jesus Christ. This is not a lukewarm record. It stands firm in truth and conviction, offering both strength and honesty. The vinyl edition brings the experience to life with thoughtful design and powerful sound. Limited to 250 copies, it is worth grabbing quickly before it disappears into collectors’ shelves. The journey this album takes you on is heavy yet hopeful, grounded in the message that through pain and chaos, there is still grace and light.
Official Links:
https://pleadthewidowscause.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/pleadthewidowscause
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3TeoEMz8LEzB5t0hUcZYm8
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