With an album and an EP behind them, The Classic Crime firm up their artistic gains on 2008’s The Silver Cord. Churning, emotionally convulsive rock with Christian overtones remains the Seattle combo’s stock in trade. The emo ambiance that clung to their earlier releases is still pungently present. With palpable desperation, lead singer Matt McDonald strains to reach a higher power as he flails about in pools of fear and self-disgust. His band’s songs move from the pits of despair (“The End”) towards glimmers of redemption (“Closer Than We Think”) and ultimate triumph (“The Beginning (A Simple Seed)”). Along the way are lacerating yet tuneful rockers like “Just a Man” and “Medisin,” punctuated by McDonald’s commanding bellow. “5805” offers a rueful glance back at the singer’s past, while “Salt In the Snow” frames an urgent plea to God. Guitarists Justin DuQue and Robbie Negrin tear into tracks like “Abracadavers” with serrated riffs, easing up to add shimmering lines to “The Ascent.” The Classic Crime shows signs of transcending their frustrations on this well-paced album but there’s still enough unbridled teeth-gnashing and hair-tearing here to satisfy those with an appetite for angst.