Is 2024 the year of independent Christian rock and metal? It's undoubtedly one of the strongest contenders for that title in the last few years. So many great indie artists and bands are releasing great music that one can hardly keep up with them all.
One of the most common criticisms of this scene is that everything sounds the same, but I hope these recaps highlight that this notion is false. There's so much outside the booming metalcore scene.
You have to dig deeper to find all the more unique and different styles because most of them are independent bands and artists. They get to experiment with other genres and have the freedom to be as open about their faith as they want. When they do it well, it's a great testament to the legacy of Christian rock and metal. Here are some of the newest and best.
Disciple - "If You Say So"
Most readers already know who Disciple is, but you might not have caught their recent surprise song, "If You Say So." I want to ensure you know this song because it is killer. It's got a relaxed, old-school vibe, yet does not compromise the band's heart, proclaiming that we'll follow wherever the Lord tells us to go: "Here I am, send me!" Let's hope there's more like this soon.
No Treaty - "Forget"
One of the new kids on the block is No Treaty, a metalcore band from North Carolina. These guys are bringing a gritty, hardcore style to the metal world. Their debut single, "Monolith," featured the lead singer of Convictions, which was excellent. They're back with single #2, "Forget." This ferocious single is partnered with Transparent Media and BloodBlast Distribution to bring you a headbanging song that centers around the forgiveness of God.
Enduring Revery - Staring Into Light
Hard rock up-and-comer Enduring Revery packs so much into one project that it's mind-blowing. It's a one-person army. Heath Gibson is the mastermind behind it. This one-person project makes grungy, sludgy metal music exceedingly heavy and experimental. There are so many great sounds and styles mixed in a cohesive package of doom metal that if I had to put a genre on it, which I can't, I wouldn't. Check out the new record, Staring Into Light, for a peculiar metal listening experience filled with biblical influence.
