It may be easy to forget that Pillar is a Christian band if you just hear the hard rock they play, but once you actually listen to the words, there won't be a doubt in your mind that this band is playing songs with a message.

With lyrics like “If you believe it let it known ya’ll be feelin’ us/Not just the sound but the Trinity in whom we trust,” you can see what these guys are all about.

Although the members of the group have changed, vocalist and lyricist, Rob Beckley, and bassist, Mike Kalel, have been with Pillar through it all. The band now also includes Lester Estelle on drums and Noah Henson on guitar.

After self-producing 2 CDs, Pillar was picked up by the independent label, Flicker Records. Flicker released Pillar’s debut album, "Above," in September 2000. The first single, "Open Your Eyes," helped them earn over 60,000 in album sales.

The band joined MCA in 2003 and released "Fireproof." On their website, pillarmusic.com, when asked about how the band feels about moving into the mainstream with MCA, Kalel said, “Any doors that open, we’re willing to go through.”

He added, “We’re not gonna change who we are just because we’re in front of more people…People can be spoken to in different ways.”

One of the best things about Pillar is that their message is delivered without any preaching. The religious overtones found in their music are subtle.

They just play hard and hope that the message reaches those who really listen to their music. When it comes to Christian bands who have moved into the mainstream, this is usually the approach that works best.

"Fireproof" contains songs like "Indivisible," which deals with the political message of enduring American pride, and "Hindsight," which proves to be an autobiographical look at what the past held and what the future holds.

Other songs on the album include "Epidemic," "Further from Myself" and "Just to Get By."

This album is musically and lyrically strong. Pillar has learned how to combine strong vocals and rhythms with thought-provoking lyrics.

The album contains a mix of hard rock and rap with both types being performed well.

The band will be on the road with the See Spot Rock tour from March 1 until May 31. Other bands on the tour include 12 Stones, Skillet, Big Dismal and Grits. Check out www.seespotrock.com for tour dates and information.

You can find out more information about the band including their new CD that is in the works at www.pillarmusic.com.