Some claim that Christian metal and hardcore are dead, that the glory days are behind us, and that those who were bold and proud of their faith are gone. I beg to differ. As we reflect on Christ's sacrifice and raising from the dead this year, I want to point us to some of the best bands and artists who continue to dedicate themselves to the Christian faith and Jesus.
Fans who enjoy this type of music often feel disconnected from traditional or contemporary Christian music. That's okay, and I'm here to relate to you. Let us reflect together on the greatest event in history, the best choice you can ever make as a person (accepting Jesus), and some of the greatest bands in the metal scene today. Remember, it’s only Good Friday because it’s not the end of the story. That means there’s hope for you and me.
"Weight of Glory" by Wolves At The Gate
Wolves At The Gate, the modern titans of Christian metalcore, released their fifth studio album, Eulogies, in 2021, followed by a Live Recordings EP in 2022. Both albums feature one of their most intense tracks, "Weight of Glory." This hard-hitting song delves deep into what it means to endure until Christ's return, thanks to his sacrifice on the cross. You can feel the passion in their screams: "Hands that I see holding on to me/They are pierced from all the suffering on that cursed tree/All this suffering momentary harbingers for a weight of glory."
"Stigmata" by Convictions
Christian metalcore band Convictions are quickly becoming a household name in the metal world. This is partially thanks to the "aggressive worship" moniker they've taken on themselves, which shows in their music. In both style and lyrical content, their music reflects some of the most honest and intense metalcore music without compromising faith. "Stigmata" is their latest single, proclaiming an unresolved surrender for Christ in memory of his sacrifice: "I won't deny my Father’s crown/So you can crucify me upside down/I'll die for my Father's crown."
"Eat" by Earth Groans
Solid State Records boasts an impressive roster of talented bands in the heavy music scene, but Earth Groans stands out as one of the most hardcore. They bring relentless aggression to their music and consistently churn out new releases, with a new EP every year. In 2021, they dropped the Eat EP, which took a more narrative approach to songwriting. One of the standout tracks on this EP is "Eat," which is also the title track and one of the most distinctive songs in their discography. An emotive, contemplative song that ends with the praise of "You wore the curse on your back to place the crown of life on our heads."
"Fall On Your Knees" by HolyName
HolyName is breathing new life into the Christian heavy music scene. Tommy Green, formerly of metalcore giants Sleeping Giant, and his friend Joe Holy have released their debut self-titled album. While the guest vocals are impressive and the band's history is deep, the concept of "violent worship" stands out the most. Unlike anything we've heard in a long time, the album is a powerful, introspective, and God-focused heavy worship record. "Fall on Your Knees" exemplifies what it means to be in awe of Jesus' sacrifice, driving us to worship.
"Wrath of the Lamb" by Chaotic Resemblance
If it weren't for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we would deserve the wrath of God. That's perspective that metalcore band Chaotic Resemblance takes on in the opening track for their newest record, Nazarites. This barnstormer of a song calls out in surrender on the day of judgment, screaming, "When Shiloh comes loud, we'll be the cry/Hide us hide us from the wrath of the Lamb." Thanks to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, those who call on him will have confidence that the wrath of the lamb will not befall us.
"It Is Finished" by Ben S Dixon
One of the greatest modern heavy worship artists is Ben S Dixon. This one-person army has created some of the most provoking and theologically-sound heavy worship in the last few years. His 2020 record, Oh, Propitiation, has a song that centers on the sacrifice of Jesus. "It Is Finished" confesses our own sin and brokenness while praising the grace and victory we are undeserving of on our own. His praise rings loud: "It is finished/The war is won/Sin has been defeated/Crushed under the foot of God."
"Hevel" by Bloodlines
Bloodlines has established a powerful presence in the Christian metal music scene, captivating audiences with their debut full-length album, Bloodlines, in 2019. Their intense metalcore sound and bold, refreshing Christ-centered songwriting earned them a spot on Facedown Records a few years later, and their new singles and EP are nothing short of fantastic. One standout track from their debut studio EP, Hevel, is the title track, which loudly rings this Easter season. The lyrics echo the amazing sacrifice of Christ, with the powerful declaration: "I can never comprehend/The sacrifice you gave/Everything you gave is grace."
"Behold the Lamb" by Deathmerits
Melodic hardcore is one of my favorite music genres but is a small subgenre in the Christian-based music scene. But quality is always more important than quantity; Deathmerits is proof. Their music channels the spirit of Christian metal legends like Life In Your Way and Close Your Eyes while bringing a fresh, new sound. "Behold The Lamb" is a standout track that caught my attention last year. This fierce yet wholeheartedly worship-filled song proclaims the truth that "No remission for the sin of man/Without the shedding of blood/The Lord’s provision of a spotless lamb." Praise God for the Lamb who takes away our sins.
Ryan Adams graduated from Boise Bible College in 2017. He lives with his family in Montana.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1236 - Brandon Heath
Transforming wounds into stories of redemption in this powerful song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT EDITORIAL
Skillet
We explores some of the band's best songs outside their hits
NEW!NRT LISTS
Jordan Merritt
A real conversation around the artist's new track, "Human"
NEW!HEARTSPEAK
Jordan Feliz
The artist's must-listen-to songs about faith, family, and redemption
NEW!AN NRT EXCLUSIVE
Rock Meets Worship
Seven gritty cover songs of popular worship music and hymns
