Convictions is a Christian metalcore band based out of Fremont, Ohio. The band describes themselves as "aggressive worship music," employing an emotional mix of spirit-filled hardcore and ambiance. Citing contemporaries like Underoath and Bring Me the Horizon as influences, the group debuted in 2012 with the independently released I Am Nothing, leading to a deal with InVogue Records, which issued the band's sophomore effort, I Will Become, in 2016.
Around 2019, the band fulfilled their contract, went independent, and never looked back. The support from fans has been overwhelming and they have seen success in releasing new music. An EP titled I Won't Survive was released in 2021 and was met with positive reception all around. Now, five years later, The Fear of God is unleashed and the band is stronger than ever. I was honored to speak with lead singer Michael "Mike" Felker about the band, his vocals, and new music. I hope you enjoy learning more about the band and consider supporting them on their journey.
Convictions has had an explosion of activity in the last few years. From music, tours, and line-up changes. For those just learning about the band, can you explain how the band started and the band's current line up?
Convictions has been active since 2009. They originally had a different lead singer, Dan Gardner, but only until around 2011. In 2012, I joined, and have been with them ever since. We've been fortunate to experience it all after a decade--[we've] travelled across the world, released a handful of records, and have gone from a label to independent. After being locked down by the pandemic, we've gone back into full swing, and even brought some good friends on recent tours and will continue to.
One of my favorite aspects about the new music from Convictions is the excellent music and lyric videos. Who's involved in making them?
One of the bigger changes for our band was our former singer John Fleischmann leaving after five years due to health problems. But he's since become influential in our band in other ways. He now helps direct our music videos. We've almost exclusively worked with him in the last couple of years. Since he was in our band, he knows us well, so the videos come out great and it's like he's still a member of the band.
Speaking of music videos, your dad was involved in the one for "The Coastal Glow." Tell me about that.
I love my dad. He's been a huge influence on me, and even got me listening to some of the bands that got me started in the rock and metal scene. He later encouraged me to pursue Convictions. But there have been times where I've had awkward conversations with him about whether or not this is a "real enough" job financially and such. Even though the video is a little humorous, it does reflect these conversations and feelings we have had together.
Let's talk vocals. You have been offering vocal lessons in recent times--for screaming. How has that been? Your vocals have noticeably improved on the new record.
Thank you so much. After touring and singing for August Burns Red (which was amazing), I wanted to push myself further. Even though I am mostly self taught with what few resources were available to me early on--such as Zen of Screaming--I knew I could do more. And it's been really cool with these lessons with other singers, because it helps me just as much as it helps them. So, recently, I've been leaning more into the death core influences I have and finding a melodic approach to it.
One aspect of Convictions that fans are proud of is the upfront songwriting, from sensitive topics to clear biblical messages and influences. What was your songwriting process like for The Fear of God? How was it different than the past?
One thing that's different are the producers. We previously worked with Andrew Wade, which was great. Working with him helped shape how I view songwriting going forward. Now, I'm on a journey of empathy, which many noticed with the EP I Won't Survive, where I interviewed people about their struggles and put it as raw as I could onto paper. With that approach, we did get some backlash from the more legalist Christian fans who thought we were going away from faith.
Somewhat to prove our faith and stance, we released the single "Stigmata" which was very bold and straightforward. With the new record, we tried to be inclusive of themes and songs that everyone could listen to and enjoy, while not bashing people over their heads with our beliefs but still making it evident. I feel like our faith is present in each song, but some more than others. For example, the song "Four Horses" is much more faith-driven, but "Swansong" is a continuation of the previous record's emotional song called "The Price of Grace."
What's the most personal song on the new record for you and why?
It's hard to pick one--they all feel personal to me. One that stands out is "Sleeping Lotus." The song is about an inner struggle of questioning yourself in moments of complacency and feeling stagnant in life but you believe there is more to offer and live for. This is an everyday thing for me. I work at a warehouse when I'm not touring, and it can get monotonous and even feels hopeless sometimes. As I'm working in this dark place, I keep thinking of that message and hope there's more to come.
What's next for Convictions? And anything else you want to share?
We're always working hard on new music. I myself keep very busy. I want to do more cover songs. I'm helping artists write songs, doing vocal lessons, and more. Not to mention all the work that went into releasing this new album--so many deadlines to meet and projects to do. It's great that it's all done now, but sometimes I have not quite fully realized it.
How can we be praying for you?
For anyone who wants to keep in touch more personally, we have a group chat we invite people to. I reached out there recently for prayer and I would just like to echo our desire for more opportunities and growth. We feel like we're on the verge of something special and would love some guidance on these things. Thank you so much.
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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