As we near the end of 2024, I love looking back and seeing what the Lord has done in the Christian rock and metal scenes. We saw the return of legendary bands like Pillar, who performed a couple of dates, including Alive Music Festival, and the return of metalcore band Haste The Day at Furnace Fest with a new song (see below).
Some record labels and groups have found new bands to sign, such as Facedown Records, which is signing one of the heaviest bands yet—Cultist. The alternative-focused group Small Step Records signed Last Chance Marie, rounding out their talented roster. It was fantastic to see so many tours and bands playing at festivals across the U.S. (and to think that no one was out touring a few years ago).
But one of the saddest things to happen was the untimely death of the band Meadows' bassist Brandon Dabbs, a talented and kind man who is missed dearly in the scene. May we continue to honor him through great new music to encourage and reach people, such as some of these new songs I want to share with you.
Haste The Day - "Burn"
It's a triumphant return for metalcore band Haste The Day. After nine years, the band returns by playing a set at Furnace Fest and performing their new song, "Burn." The newly released song carries a powerful message for listeners: the more we try to tear others down, the more we destroy ourselves. This timeless truth hits hard as I watch the music video released with the new song. There is even a biblical background to it regarding Matthew 5:45 during the lyric: "But the rain falls on us all/the broken and the whole/if we need to carry on/oh God the system has to fall."This is a fantastic return for this renowned band.
Bloke - "Gouge"
I love highlighting talented, new bands for you to check out. This post-hardcore band is bringing some serious heat somewhere between a mix of older music from veteran metal bands Underoath and As Cities Burn. Check out the band Bloke's debut single, "Gouge." This radical song roars the truths of Scripture, claiming, "There's only one man/He can advocate your station/his burden is light/lifts you out of isolation." There's true talent behind this song. It has such a deep and challenging lyric. What an impactful song. I'm excited to hear more.
Cultist - "Pray For Me"
One of the heaviest bands on Facedown Records currently is Cultist, and there is no doubt about it. Their newest song, "Pray For Me," proves it. This song is a bombardment of all things deathcore--extreme blast beats, nasty breakdowns, and brutal vocals all wrapped up tightly. The lyrics are a plea for salvation, for prayer, calling out, "Will you pray for me/if I lost my way/I pray the Lord my soul to take." I hope an entire album accompanies this song in the future.
