Eowyn

If the BarlowGirl sisters ever went solo, I imagine the music produced would sound very similar to indie artist, Eowyn. Hailing from Nashville, Eowyn blends heavy drums, guitar and unique vocals to create her sophomore album, Identity.

With a sound similar to Evanescence - and maybe even Alanis Morissette - each song on the album expresses the help that Jesus gives in rough times. With songs like "Helpless," "Remedy," and "Without You," Eowyn affirms that we are nothing without Christ and He is the only one we need to live life to the fullest.

"Locked Away" comes in at track number three. The sound and lyrics make it obvious as to why this song was the most added single to Christian rock radio three weeks in a row. With a screaming guitar, Eowyn reminds listeners that we can chain ourselves up and shut ourselves out, but Jesus is the one we need to truly find ourselves.

One of my favorites on the album is the song "Time." In this track Eowyn slows things down a bit, giving way to a stunning ballad to Jesus. Fans get a taste of what Eowyn is all about, with the powerful lyric, "When all the world was waged against me, You took the time to show me that You loved me." In another favorite, "Hold Me," Eowyn uses a hypnotizing tune to describe to listeners that "When everyone’s fears become their stones" Jesus is there for strength to carry us out. She pleads with Jesus that "even when I try with all my might but I’m still broken down, Jesus hold me."

Concluding the album perfectly is the song, "You Saw Me." It quickens the pace to end the album with a powerful jolt while explaining the omniscience of God, and how He "always saw the best of me…saw right through me."

Eowyn has proven herself one of the hardest working independent artists in the CCM industry. With intense touring and high rising singles, she continues to create must-have albums. Identity is no different. With powerful drums and guitars, Eowyn’s voice brings it all together to create an incredible album.

For more information on Eowyn and to hear song clips, visit EowynMusic.com.
- CCMBUZZ.com (Catherine Mitchell)

written by: Kim Jones April 2006

After meeting her and spending a lot of time with her and Russell, (her husband/manager) during GMA Week, I can honestly say that Eowyn is one independent artist you won't soon forget! She's got the total package ... the music, the talent, the personality - and above all - the drive and passion to honor God in everything that she does.
In the coming days, you'll be seeing a feature called Bands To Watch for 2006 here on About and here's a hint ... this talented lady is going to be high on that list!

- ChristianMusicAbout.com

By Mita Pogue, 09/21/05

ARAGORN: “What do you fear, lady?”
EOWYN: “A cage. To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recalls or desire…”

(J.R.R. Tolkien “Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King, Book Five)

Her name is pronounced “A-o-win”, and yes, she IS named for the bold and beautiful character in the Lord of The Rings trilogy. Like the books character, Eowyn is no less beautiful, bold and inspirational with her second musical offering, "Shattered Illusions." Ethereal with edge, this wonderfully provocative album will leave your heart ripe with the desire to do great exploits.

Eowyn’s spirited vocals slice through any illusions of timidity. While she is without a doubt Christian, her audience is “everyman”… and she’s not the least bit shy about using the ”J” word. Challenging and uplifting lyrics both display the vulnerability of an open heart and urge the soul straight towards the fray of the spiritual warfare that wages around us daily.

While Indie in nature, her music would seem quite at home in the mainstream rock world. Shades of Led Zepplin and other greats seep easily into the instrumentation and meld together with Eowyn’s vocal strength not only to make an album that rocks, but that proclaims the name of Jesus loudly, clearly and without shame.

They say that beauty is only skin deep, but one can occasionally come across something that defies that stereotype. This album is one of those that defies it, and loudly.
- Grassrootsmusic.com

Written by: Kevan Breitinger (June 2006)

My recent conversation with indie artist Eowyn was more than just another interview. As I took in her passion and her wisdom, I realized it was more of a “God-thing.”
We kept missing emails until Eowyn wisely took the bull by the horns and just called, catching me at a moment when the thing I needed most was to hear a sista speak words of faith. A God-thing, you know?
Because yes, Eowyn is a gifted musician, a talented lyricist, and an intense performer. But she is above all of that, a woman who knows well the God of whom she sings so passionately. And she is honest enough to admit that she struggles with moments of discouragement and weariness just like the rest of us, for in the course of our chat she mentioned a tough review she had gotten for her most recent (and wonderful) album, “Identity.” (Click here for my review)

“It can be frustrating,” she confessed, “But God is always trying to remind me that it’s not about me; it’s about Him. I have to then look back and ask myself, did I do what God told me to do? And with “Identity,” I knew that I had. The lyrics were from Him, and God had directed us to just the right producer. But it’s a reminder that even if I do get discouraged, I have to go back and check myself. I remember that I only have to do what God has told me to do. And if I have, I really can’t expect anything more. I have to understand that there is a reason behind all of it. This enables me to go back and be thankful, even for that bad review.” She laughs as she adds, “But it took a little while.”

I find this level of honest openness refreshing and when I comment on it, Eowyn responds, “If I didn’t have Jesus in my life, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Growing up, I was definitely the insecure one, the girl who questioned who she was all the time. But what I didn’t question was Jesus. I knew He was the purpose of my life.”

She continues, “I’m so thankful for Him and the opportunities He’s given me. Even when I write, it’s such a release, if I’m going through something, to get before Him. I just start expressing all my feelings, so most of my lyrics are straight to Him.”

I find it exciting that a hard rocker like Eowyn brings such an empowering message to young women who struggle with these issues, and she tells me of a recent ministry moment in a Tennessee church. “There were a lot of young girls there when I shared some of my story, and I asked if any had ever felt suicidal, or alone, or discouraged, and four girls came up. We cried and prayed together,” she shares. “It is definitely my heart to reach those who have that low self-image and don’t understand what God’s call is on their lives. I want to reassure them that if they look to Jesus, they will find their identity in Him, not in the world.”

Eowyn herself is in an industry that promises a certain amount of rejection and uphill struggle, but she knows right where to turn. “I can’t take any of that personally. Even if someone turns you down or you get rejected, it’s God that has allowed that to happen so there must be a reason. It’s a constant character builder for me.” She is laughing again as she jokes, “Sometimes I tell my mom I’m mad at God again today. But He doesn’t mind when I cry to Him or get down. He just helps me to get my mind set back on Him again, to really focus on the reason behind it all.” Eowyn is a woman of faith who knows how to rock, and it’s a powerful combination.
- Suite101.com

(June 2006)
It might sound clichéd to call Eowyn the hardest-working woman in show business, but it’s the only thing clichéd about this driven indie artist & her new CD, Identity. She has managed to break through all the Christian music world barriers, creating a buzz on radio, retail and tour circuit, and she does it without compromising her vision to reach listeners across the board. Her online journal says it best: “I may be an independent artist, but I am not independent from God.”

I spent the day listening to her hard-hitting third album, “Identity,” and it made for a pleasant day indeed. Although “pleasant” is not the word that springs to mind at the thought of Eowyn; her intensity and power grab you by the gut immediately. But I like high level intensity. Thundering guitars create moody soundscapes, and through these thick walls of sound she sings her message of presence. Her lyrics are honest, unswerving, and vertical, focusing on the constancy of God: our desperate need for Him, and His relentless willingness to meet us. Her music brings Evanescence to mind, but her emotive vocals go way past that point, and at times mesmerize, when they’re not haunting, challenging, or otherwise engaging you. Again, presence. She is fully present in this music in a way that, while difficult to completely describe, is still quite particular.

Anyway…. Opener “Helpless” sets the tone quickly, a heartfelt cry to be seen by God, her haunting vocals underscoring the immediacy of her need. The brooding bass line of third track, “Locked Away,” illustrates exactly why it was the most added single to Christian rock radio three weeks in a row.

The album picks up power as it progresses, with gothic overtones spilling from songs like “Draw Me,” a commanding challenge to seek God’s preparing strength, and the electronically looming “Escape,” with Eowyn’s vocals soaring above the solid drums of Adam Jones. My favorite track is the hypnotic “Hold Me,” a passionate cry for the rescue of Christ floating through another thicket of guitars. If you like your music to grab you by the throat and reach deep into your heart, then Eowyn is your girl.
- Buddyhollywood.com