Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter – Saved! (Red Vinyl)

Released on October 20, 2023, “Saved!” by Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter serves as a sonic exploration of faith, healing, and the complexities of religious experience. It marks a significant departure from Hayter’s previous work under the moniker Lingua Ignota, trading the harrowing intensity for a more introspective and hopeful tone.

The album delves into Hayter’s personal journey towards seeking solace and redemption through the tenets of Pentecostal-Holiness Christianity. This theme manifests in both the lyrical content and the musical choices. Hayter reinterprets classic gospel hymns alongside her own original compositions, weaving a tapestry of sonic textures that range from ethereal beauty to moments of stark dissonance.

“Saved!” is not merely a celebration of newfound faith; it grapples with the contradictions and challenges inherent in any spiritual pursuit. Hayter’s voice, raw and emotive, carries the weight of both doubt and conviction, creating a deeply affecting listening experience. The album’s unconventional production techniques, incorporating tape manipulation and distorted instrumentation, further enhance the atmosphere of introspection and vulnerability.