The Loudest Sound Ever Heard
The Loudest Sound Ever Heard is the 14th studio release, and 13th full-length studio album, by Christian alternative rock band the Choir, released on May 15, 2012, although prior to that date, a rough mix of "The Forest" was made available to those who pre-ordered the album via the band's official website. As with "Shadow Weaver", the band released a companion CD with band commentary for each track, as well as a DVD of mix stems for listeners to create their own remixes that the Choir would later feature on their Facebook  page. In addition, the song "Shadow of the Cross" was recorded after the main studio sessions on July 22, 2012, and later released on August 8, 2012 as a digital single. To publicize their "Circle Slide" 25th Anniversary Tour in 2015, the Choir briefly offered "The Loudest Sound Ever Heard" as a free download via NoiseTrade. Critical reception. Critical reception for "The Loudest Sound Ever Heard" was mostly favorable. John Wilson from "Christianity Today" praised the album for recalling "the dark, Euro six-string vibe of latter '80s underground rock [...] a very good thing made even better by hooky melodies , crackling musicianship, and Steve Hindalong's better-than-ever lyrics." The editorial review from Apple Music was also highly positive, saying that the Choir "delves into matters of faith, friendship, and mortality with clear-eyed compassion," and "displays an honesty and humanity in its music that makes cosmic-scale themes seem like personal confessions." Tincan Caldwell at Jesus Freak Hideout called "The Loudest Sound Ever Heard" "a thinking-person's pop album. Psychedelia for the spirit, pop-angst, a twelve-step inspired sighing of the spirit with a little rambunctiousness on the side." At the same time, Caldwell pointed out  that the album was "a more introspective experience than the [...] title might suggest. As a matter of fact, it's not 'til half-way through the project [...] that we get to hear more typical pop tempos and hooks." This aspect of the album fueled the more critical review from Josh Hamm at Indie Vision Music, where he wrote that "the album never really takes off. While every song is solid, there are none which truly take the album to the next level." Bert Saraco's otherwise positive review at The Phantom Tollbooth included a similar caveat: "Taken as the third  piece of an excellent series of recent albums, "The Loudest Sound Ever Heard" is a masterful third movement of theme and subject matter, with music that reflects the somber thoughts laid out. It is, perhaps, not the place to start for new listeners." However, Jono Davies from Louder Than The Music, who admitted being new to the band's music, still praised the album, particularly the final track, "After All": "the sheer simplicity of the orchestral work and the guitars overlaid with the brilliant vocals make this one song you must get." Tim Goodall at Cross Rhythms agreed, calling "After  All" "gloriously haunting," and added that Derri Daugherty "has found his perfect partner in Leigh Nash." Track listing. All lyrics by Steve Hindalong. All music by Derri Daugherty and Steve Hindalong, unless otherwise specified. Musicians. The Choir Additional musicians Production