An artist who has been firmly on our musical radar for some time, Craig Bannerman has continued his transformation from Christian metal titan to club anthem maestro with new single, ‘Hardness of Hearts’. A release that adds another bold chapter to his ongoing musical evolution, the new single establishes Craig firmly in this new musical space.
Following the atmospheric trance of ‘Rachel’s Sorrow’, this new single dives even deeper into textured soundscapes, delivering a stark and pulsing composition highlighted by pulsing house energy and scintillating synth tones. Opening with a shimmering blend of electronic tones and propulsive beats, ‘Hardness of Hearts’ draws you in, cleanly layering a central, drifting melody with slowly expanding bursts of sound. It’s an immediate immersion into the single, pulling you forward with a light, enjoyable atmosphere.
However, as with most of Craig’s work, there is a powerful message sitting just below the surface. As the song progresses, the glossy coating is slowly stripped back, and the thematic core beneath the dazzling electronic surface opens up. The track, described by Craig as “deeply personal and unlike anything I’ve written before,” is a spiritual lament in the form of Christian House. It navigates the painful landscape of love’s collapse, divorce, and spiritual disconnection, all set against a backdrop of layered, atmospheric electronic textures and the haunting vocal work of 8Dio’s Laurie.
The emotional weight of the song is beautifully amplified by its accompanying video. The visuals trace the arc from intimacy to separation, charting the journey from the joy of union through the ache of conflict to the devastating silence that follows a love grown cold. Bannerman notes that it’s “not easy to watch, but it’s truth,” and he’s right. It reinforces the song’s deeply personal nature, providing a raw and unflinching look at a relationship breaking down and the aftermath that follows.
As with all of Craig’s releases, there is a heavy scriptural element that holds it all together. For the new single, Craig has focused on Matthew 19:8 – “Because of the hardness of your hearts…” – anchoring the track’s message perfectly. While less prominent and somewhat briefer than in his earlier work, the passage is not less powerful, adding a layer of depth and reflection to the narrative, particularly the powerful closing whisper: “It was not so.”
‘Hardness of Hearts’ is a tender cry into the fracture of love, a piece “born through holy sorrow.” It reflects on the loss of love between lovers, between generations, and ultimately, between humanity and God. This isn’t just music; it’s “intercession in sound,” a poignant call to remember what was lost and a whispered hope for what could be.
For more from Craig Bannerman, find him today on Facebook and YouTube, or visit his website.
