One of the most exciting things about getting signed onto a record label or company is the amount of support you gain with promotion, producing, and more. There are plenty of independent bands who are doing a great job and making music that they love all on their own. But I wanted to take some time to share with you some of the record labels that are supporting some of the most overlooked music genres out there: Christian rock and metal.
For some people, they would never have gotten into the Christian rock world if they had not heard Underoath's They're Only Chasing Safety album, distributed through Tooth and Nail Records. Jeremy Camp might not be where he is today if that same label had not supported him in his earlier years (his rock era). Some of Christian metal's legends grew up on Facedown Records, like Demon Hunter and Extol. And there are more record labels in 2024 that might be helping out the next big bands that are up and coming. Below is a list of some of the best labels supporting Christian rock and metal this year.
Facedown Records
One of the most impactful and oldest labels that support the Christian rock and metal scenes is none other than Facedown Records. Founded by the drummer of hardcore band No Innocent Victim, Jason Dunn, in 1997, the label has been continuously supporting the scene with passion. The hardcore band Comeback Kid's Turn It Around album brought a lot of attention to them moving forward since 2003. Nowadays, you can find a wide variety of rock and metal genres supported, more so on the metal side. Modern Christian giants like War of Ages and Impending Doom are some of their most famous signs. They remain an independent and influential support for these bands and artists, as one of my favorite labels.
Rockfest Records
Stemming from the enthusiastic heart of Joseph Rojas, lead singer of Seventh Day Slumber, Rockfest Records blasted onto the scene in 2018. Joseph's watchful eye on the Christian rock world brought dedicated support for known bands like Fireflight and Seventh Day Slumber. Various other Christian rockers later found a home with Rockfest Records, such as The Letter Black, Amongst The Giants, and Relent. They keep a tight-knit group, currently supporting eight bands, both lesser and widely known.
Rottweiler Records
Hailing from Dallas, Texas, (where everything is bigger) comes a record label with a big heart for the Christian metal world. Rottweiler Records focuses primarily on punk and the heavier side of metal, including death metal. Some of the bigger names that they have helped support include Pantokrator, Abated Mass of Flesh, and Immortal Souls. They are a fiercely driven and highly active label, constantl signing talented and passionate bands focused on biblical messages. Some of my newer favorites include Brotality, Desolate Tomb, and (Un)Worthy. You can expect great and biblical messages from almost all their signees--all with the most brutal blast beats and guttural goodness.
The Charon Collective
When some of the most brutal Christian death metal songs were being released over the last couple of years, it made me wonder if anyone else was paying attention to it. It turns out that The Charon Collective, a record label company, was paying attention and supporting these releases. Bands like Inborn Tendency, Mangled Carpenter, and To Die Elsewher have signed to their label, as well as Pipe Bomb--the one-man juggernaut in Christian hardcore and metalcore. If you love independent Christian metal, you need to watch what The Charon Collective is doing.
Resurrection Records
Offering more than just the hardcore scene, Resurrection Records is supporting the Christian rock and hip-hop scenes. Some of the bands they have on the roster also create music with a blend of both, like the band Tricord who is working on a full release for 2024. 3 Days Under is a rising Christian rock band on the label, along with Crimson Overtone. Fans of hip hop and rap will also appreciate Damac and B-Wide who are bringing the heat.
As an artist himself, label founder Aaron Michaels knows firsthand how impactful ministry-minded music can be. "I have been inspired to start this label by listening to other artists' testimonies," he explains. "I know how they have reached me. I wanted to help get their testimonies out there so they can change other people's lives and help turn the lost to Christ." They recieved a big welcome at Audiofeed Music Festival with many of the label's bands performing this year.
XOVR Records
The newest label to earn my attention is XOVR Records. This group is founded by Brian "Head" Welch, of Love and Death, Korn, and more. Many know of Brian's outstanding faith in Christ and his faith leads the songwriting of Love and Death and his previous solo music. In 2024, we saw him launch XOVR Records in a big way, leading with the release of Christian metal band Spoken's newest album, Reflection. Brian led interviews with Matt Baird of Spoken, helped promote and produce the album, and more. If Brian is going to continue to support the Christian metal world, he has my full support and I hope yours, too.
Tooth and Nail Records
The Branden Ebel Company Recordings, or BEC Recordings, is a major music label that has been an influential group since 1993. They are an imprint of the rock-focused group Tooth And Nail Records. Their support of the Christian rock scene is seen with MxPx, The O.C. Supertones, and Underoath benefitting from their support. They have helped create 11 albums that have been certified RIAA gold (500,000 sold)--from Jeremy Camp, Underoath, Kutless, and more. Today, they have a wide range of artists that cover various rock genres and faith and mainstream. Check out Idle Threat and My Epic for some current Christian-based talent.
Ryan Adams lives in Las Vegas with his family and spoiled rotten dog. He is an avid supporter of the Christian rock and metal scenes.
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