One of the biggest trials we have in this life are the addictions that grip us and control our lives. Addictions are an issue whether you are a Christian or not. Addictions in our mind and heart can take many forms and affect everyone differently. Yet, we can all relate to a degree with one another in this shared struggle.
Some of the most influential people in our lives are musicians and bands. Music is a powerful instrument in our lives. It can help encourage us and strengthen us in different ways. With that in mind, here are seven songs that directly take aim at addictions.
I hope these songs bring you the encouragement you need to stand firm in your trials, just as James 1:12-15 (ESV) tells us, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
Then It Ends - "Addiction"
Hard-hitting metalcore band Then It Ends have built much momentum since arriving to the Christian music scene in 2020. Their debut record, Restored, is a great listen. One of the album's lead singles, "Addiction," really stuck out to me. The song's music video showcases the struggles of giving up an addiction.
Band frontrunner Grant Lilly is the driving force—especially vocally and lyrically—of the group. About the song, he shared with IndieVisionMusic, "This song is about giving up addictions. All of us in one way or another have addictions whether we realize it or not and need Christ to take them out of our lives. My hope is that God uses this to reach as many people as possible that need to hear it."
Nine Lashes - "Dear Self"
Nine Lashes has been one of the most prominent Christian-based rock bands of the 2010s. Their music has always embraced biblical foundations while addressing difficult struggles in life. The area of personal addiction is not a theme untouched by the band. Currently, the band is preparing to release their fifth album (they've been doing so slowly by dropping new singles here and there).
"Dear Self" is the fourth single from Nine Lashes' upcoming record. The song encapsulates so much about the band's passions and heart for their fans. This inflective song drives straight to the heart of addiction—ourselves—by proclaiming with the chorus, "Dear self/You are the weariness in my breath/For all the times you took control/And all the years of mine you stole/The day has come to let you go." A powerful declaration of moving forward is what some of us need.
Convictions - "Hurricane"
The self-proclaimed aggressive worshippers in Convictions has written extensively about personal storms in life. They are preparing for their fourth record (excluding EPs), I WON'T SURVIVE. This 2021 album is deeply personal—each song is based on real stories in people's lives (people the band know).
"Hurricane" was the first single released for the record—before it was even announced. Fans could immediately tell that this new wave of music from Convictions was to be some of the most intense, both musically and lyrically. I talked with band leader Michael Felker about their new music and this song.
He shared, "'Hurricane' was written about our good buddy, Ray, who was filling in for us. While touring with Ray, he shared a story with us about his mother's passing and the struggles of that tragic loss. He also struggled with substance abuse and finding his path with God. With the closure, we wrote this new song about these experiences."
Lacey Sturm - "State of Me"
Rocker Lacey Sturm wasn't given the nickname "Rock Princess " for fun. Fans and music critics know the impact and influence she's had on the rock scene—especially Christian rock. As a solo artist, Lacey has continued to make strides—especially with the Billboard-topping record, Life Screams. She is readying for solo record number two (she's released a couple singles so far).
Among them, "State of Me" is a message to the world around us and ourselves that we're not going to stay in the state that we're in. Addiction often feels like a trap, but every trap has a way out. Sometimes, it takes drastic changes in our lives.
Lacey shared some thoughts with Loudwire about addictions, "Choosing life is violent in that we reject every subtle form of suicide, every eternal death choice that would try to disorient, distract, and seduce us away. Eternal life starts in our soul. So look at the state of it. And if you see eternal death, be violent against it, cut off every temporary thing that would bring that into your heart and reach out and cling to eternal life, even if it costs you this temporary one."
Love and Death - "Down"
Controversial metal band Korn drummer Brian "Head" Welch is a powerful advocate for overcoming addictions. In 2005, after many years of the stereotypical "rockstar" lifestyle with Korn, Brian found Christ and surrendered everything to Him. This led him to release more openly spiritual and Christian-based music, both as a solo artist and with his band Love and Death.
The lead single for Love and Death's now-released, second studio album, Perfectly Preserved, was "Down." This song has definitely put the band back on everyone's radar, thus giving Brian new opportunities to talk about how his faith in Christ helped him overcome his addictions.
In an interview with Blabbermouth, he shares, "I feel like what our world needs most in this very unique moment in time are real stories about overcoming struggle. [Our second album has] honest songs co-written by our group of friends targeting depression and mental health, challenging relationships, trauma, loneliness, and related issues."
Wolves at The Gate - "The Cure"
The Ohio-based metalcore band Wolves At The Gate have truly been a forerunner for Christian-based metal in the 2010s. Their upfront and clearly-inspired biblical lyrics and songs have resonated with many Christians, as well as impacted many mainstream fans. In 2019, they released their fifth full-length record, Eclipse. It continues the band's consistency in quality in all areas of music. The following year, they released the acoustic-like EP Dawn, featuring several songs from Eclipse.
One of the EP's strongest singles was "The Cure." This song offers a challenge to us in our times of hurt, struggle, and addiction. Steve Cobucci, the lead singer, shares in an interview with NRT, "So often, the things that we most need are the things that we most avoid. That is where the chorus comes in with 'I can taste the misery, spitting out the remedy.'" Whether it is an addiction, a bad habit, or purposely harmful behavior, there is a remedy to each of these miseries. The cure for these struggles in our life is often a difficult decision, one that we would rather avoid."
The Midnight Wedding - "Kill Me"
The Midnight Wedding is another recent breakout band. They released their debut record, Anthem For The Outcast, in early 2021. The husband-wife led band has a lot of enthusiasm and talent for rock and contemporary music. Anthem For The Outcast combines their church worship style and love for rock music into a special package that addresses some tough issues.
Their song "Kill Me" is a warning to everyone lost in addiction. It's a track that reflects on the fact that problems left unchecked and unresolved can have deadly results—whether physically or spiritually. Brandon Trlak, the lead singer, opened up on social media about this song, sharing, "I struggle with suicidal depression. These thoughts would invade my mind that I didn’t want. I kept it hidden because I’m a Christian. And, Christians aren’t supposed to talk about this, right? And I was driving home from work one day, and I felt God speaking to my heart: 'Brandon, if you don’t talk about this, it’s going to kill you.' If you can relate, 'Kill Me' is a song for you."
Ryan Adams is the rock reporter at NRT. He loves the rock and metal community and shares his passion for Jesus and heavy music through NRT.
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