Saying hello

Number of posts: 42 Age: 30 Registration date: 2010-11-29

Long time metal head here- been a big Metallica fan most of my life and in the last year, God has really revealed himself to me through ministries such as The Ramp. I love Christian Rock/Metal, but it seems like the genre is lacking. My favorite secular bands were Metallica, Disturbed, Pantera, Sevendust, Finger Eleven, Mudvayne, and the older Linkin Park.

So far, the better Christian rock/metal bands I've discovered are This Fire's Embrace, Pillar, Kutless, Fireflight, Skillet, Demon Hunter, Seventh Day Slumber, and some Day of Fire. Are there any bands that may ring closer to home in their music to the above secular bands than just the ones I've listed here? There isn't a definitive 'home' for Christian Metal online it seems and I've just happened upon this forum. Any suggestions?

Subject: Re: Saying hello Mon Nov 29, 2010 12:25 pm

Definitely check out Deliverance and Ultimatum.

You can go to the Christian Metal Realm and chat with a lot of Metal heads there. Quite a few bands members post there as well.

Subject: Re: Saying hello Mon Nov 29, 2010 12:25 pm

First of all, welcome to the board theoriginalironman! Like you, I'm a big fan of the Ramp! The Christian Metal genre has actually grown a lot over the past couple decades. I'm sure we might be able to help you find what you are looking for. For starters, here's some bands you may be interested in:

The Showdown
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster
Disciple
Fades Away
Hope Kills Fear
Judah First
Nailpoint
POD
Project 86
Seventh seal
Seven System
Wolves at the Gate
Black Pajent
Blessed by a Broken Heart
Blindside
Brian Welch
Day of Fire
War of Ages
We Came as Romans
Tourniquet
Haste the Day
The Devil Wears Prada
August Burns Red
As I Lay Dying

I'm sure the other guys on the board can probably contribute quite a bit as well.

Number of posts: 42 Age: 30 Registration date: 2010-11-29

Ah, thanks guys. Will definitely be checking those out.

I realize now that I neglected to mention my worship project, tentatively entitled Jasper Stone- you can check it out at http://www.myspace.com/jasperstoneworship

Number of posts: 42 Age: 30 Registration date: 2010-11-29

It certainly seems like the majority of Christian metal is either afraid to put Jesus ahead of their own 'pseudo-macho-tough-guy' image, with their skulls and all black themes, or they're pushing Christian-themed post-hair metal. Where is the sincerity and passion for Him in these bands?

It is very possible to rock a mean, chunky sound and still praise Him and show Him in all that you do. I see a lot of bands tho that are in danger of falling in love with the greatest idol of all- self. We need to show Christ in more than a cross around our neck and more than just aggressive, barking of our 'Christian spin' of things we all deal with.

I guess the small things that bother me are bands who push this type of merch ...

When with a twist, its just as awesome of a phrase, but actually means something and shows your faith ...

FRONT

BACK

I certainly have nothing against these bands, I just would love to see more Christ in their message.

Subject: Re: Saying hello Mon Nov 29, 2010 2:28 pm

Howdy OrigIronMan, welcome to the board.

I too would like to see more bands push their faith to the front of their message/image....but sadly that doesn't seem to be the trend with many bands today.

Looks like Hardkore and ST gave you some bands to check out.

You also might want to look into Eternal Decision, their early word definately had a Metallica vibe.

http://www.eternaldecision.com/

_________________
"I used to be indecisive.......... Now I'm not sure."

Number of posts: 8659 Registration date: 2007-02-09

And again a welcome to theoriginalironman.

Number of posts: 42 Age: 30 Registration date: 2010-11-29

Thanks guys- Yeah, I checked out all the bands mentioned- still not whole heck of a lot of gems. I am a musician myself (guitarist) and it is my goal to start a band that manages to pull off what I consider to be the key requirements- which is a unique, broad sound, with heavier tracks alongside some slower worship music, such as Jason Upton or Rick Pino. No screaming, because I believe its a fad that long overstayed its welcome and because I believe lyrical content is very important and its something you can't exactly replay appropriately if you're just shredding your voice. I like a good pop, commercial sensibility because for me musically, its all about the hook.

Most importantly is an image that reflects you being a laid-down lover of Christ- meaning He is the star of the music and of the show. Every song doesn't have to be 'Jesus loves me', but negative and overly aggressive lyrics just don't feel right to me. I believe in prophetic words and just anthems of love, hope, and faith- and no band currently in the genre has managed to capture all of these elements, for me.

Subject: Re: Saying hello Mon Nov 29, 2010 6:32 pm

Quote:

It certainly seems like the majority of Christian metal is either afraid to put Jesus ahead of their own 'pseudo-macho-tough-guy' image, with their skulls and all black themes, or they're pushing Christian-themed post-hair metal. Where is the sincerity and passion for Him in these bands?

While I do agree that it is sad to see that putting Jesus first in both lyrics and image is sad to see, I don't necessarily agree that just because they have this "pseudo-macho-tough-guy" image doesn't mean that they don't have a sincerity and passion for God. I do agree that there are certainly a handful of bands that do fit your description. And also, I hate to say it, but it appears that Christian metal has become almost a stepping stone to get a foot into the mainstream market. I'm guessing that one of the bands you were referring to was The Showdown. As much as I like that band, I agree with you. They do seem to show a lot of signs pointing towards putting themselves first.

As much as I love seeing metal bands that put Christ first in their lyrics (ex. War of Ages), I understand why some bands aren't as up front with their lyrics. From a Christian perspective, I wish all bands had an in your face Christian message. But coming from a from a sinner's perspective, there are a lot of people who are automatically turned off by such an in your face message. I've heard of a lot of bands that say they don't do this because they want to reach out to those outside the Christian circle. Even if their lyrics don't scream Jesus at you, they aren't negative (uplifting, in fact), but when doing interviews, live shows, social media, etc. they don't shy away from their Christian faith.

Everyone else may have a different opinion on this idea than me, but I think there are 3 types of bands in the Christian market: The gateway bands that have a similar sound to secular bands but sing positive and uplifting messages that are universal to all (unfortunately it appears that we have an excess of these kinds of bands and a shortage on the third group), bands who seem to be singing to what could be God but leave it a little open so it doesn't sound "preachy", and bands who make it explicitly clear that they are Christians, target a Christian audience, and whose purpose for singing is to worship and/or to encourage spiritual growth. Keep in mind, this is all opinionated and in no way meant to sound like I am saying all bands fit into one of these 3 sub-groups.

While we may or may not agree with any of these sub-groups, I think each is important as they each target different audiences. I think if all Christian bands fit the third group, I believe we wouldn't see as large of a growth in new souls won to Christ, simply because sinners would think Christian music as a whole is too preachy and that they couldn't really relate to it. If all bands fit either the first or second groups, while we would see a tremendous growth in fans of Christian music, I don't think much spiritual growth would come from it.

Again, feel free to disagree with me, this is just kind of how I view Christian music in a nutshell. This is in no way targeted at anybody or meant to be attack on anybody's opinions.

Subject: Re: Saying hello Mon Nov 29, 2010 6:53 pm

Quote:

I believe in prophetic words and just anthems of love, hope, and faith- and no band currently in the genre has managed to capture all of these elements, for me.

I forgot to mention these bands earlier, but I think the lyrical content will suit your liking much more: For Today and Oh Sleeper.

I love Sleeping Giant and For Today specifically because of how prophetic their lyrics are. I also believe that I remember hearing of For Today endorsing the Ramp specifically. When I went to the Ichthus Festival in Wilmore, Ky this past year, both of these bands had their main set during the day, but later that night they each had an acoustic worship set as well as an altar call.

Subject: Re: Saying hello Mon Nov 29, 2010 7:34 pm

Welcome to CHM! If you like Metallica you might want to check out Chained, a metal/thrash band from Sweden: http://www.myspace.com/chainedmetal

Chained leaves little doubt as to where they are coming from lyrically. I would also consider the first two Deliverance albums (self titled from 1989 and "Weapons Of Our Warfare from 1990).

Also, I run a website that focuses on the metal and hard rock scene from a Christian perspective at: http://www.angelicwarlord.com/

Perhaps you might find something that interests you there.

Number of posts: 42 Age: 30 Registration date: 2010-11-29

Thanks guys- will be sure to check these out in the coming days.

Subject: Re: Saying hello Mon Nov 29, 2010 8:51 pm

Hey theoriginalironman, sorry I meant to write Sleeping Giant instead of Oh Sleeper. While Oh Sleeper is definitely a great metal band with some interestingly deep lyrics, I think Sleeping Giant would be more of what you're looking for.

Number of posts: 963 Age: 44 Registration date: 2007-05-17

When looking at Disciple, check out the early stuff, too. The later albums aren't bad, but the early stuff is where the fire and the boldness is, IMO.

Theocracy is another band to add to the list.

And welcome!

Number of posts: 42 Age: 30 Registration date: 2010-11-29

Thanks, guys- I feel very welcomed here.

Subject: Re: Saying hello Mon Dec 06, 2010 12:54 am

Narnia, Demon Hunter, and Becoming the Archetype are all worth a look as well ...
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http://powerofprog.com/profile/SUPERNALENDGAME

Subject: Re: Saying hello Mon Dec 06, 2010 6:55 am

Quote:

I too would like to see more bands push their faith to the front of their message/image....but sadly that doesn't seem to be the trend with many bands today.

I would change your statement, Gary, to this:

I, too, would like to see more CHRISTIANS push their faith to the front of their lives, but sadly that doesn't seem to be the trend with many BELIEVERS today.

It's not just the bands--it's the body of Christ in much of the world today.

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I might have decided, or maybe not, that I should or shouldn't, depending on the issue or non-issue, to possibly share or not share, any thoughts, opinions, or facts (that might not be deemed factual by some), due to possible fear of any misinterpretation or retribution.

Number of posts: 8659 Registration date: 2007-02-09

You mean that you would like to see more bold lyrics from Christian bands about what they believe?

I think you'll like "Glory To My King".

Precisely by writing songs about who Jesus is distinguishing itself from the Christian music from secular music.

Subject: Re: Saying hello Mon Dec 06, 2010 2:18 pm

alldatndensum wrote:

Quote:

I too would like to see more bands push their faith to the front of their message/image....but sadly that doesn't seem to be the trend with many bands today.

I would change your statement, Gary, to this:

I, too, would like to see more CHRISTIANS push their faith to the front of their lives, but sadly that doesn't seem to be the trend with many BELIEVERS today.

It's not just the bands--it's the body of Christ in much of the world today.

Yes, very true. I agree.

_________________
"I used to be indecisive.......... Now I'm not sure."

Number of posts: 42 Age: 30 Registration date: 2010-11-29

Aw man, Sleeping Giant is killer! I'm also about to check out a few more bands- Theocracy, For Today, Glory To My King, Narnia, and Becoming the Archetype.

BTW, my favorite Christian metal band is This Fire's Embrace- if u haven't checked them out, do so.