This pandemic season is rough for everyone—both fans and artists (I wrote about this topic here). Yet, many artists are using this newfound time to make new music, as well as dig into their passions.
Seeing all the interaction between fans and artists in this environment is encouraging. It excites me, even more, when we get to see our favorite bands and artists in person (that's very difficult at the moment, unfortunately). From online live streams to new music, creativity is blooming. Here are some recent highlights and happenings in Christian rock and metal music.
New Music: Sight Received
Sight Received is a hard rock band from Washington, US. The four-piece band is very passionate about sharing messages of hope and stories of life through their metalcore-infused rock music. In July 2020, the band independently released their first full-length album, Worthless Gold.On the record, check out the songs "Sacrifice," "Adeline," and "The Tormented."
The band shares: "We are here to tell our story, connect with people, and capture emotion in music. To create soundscapes that are just as melodic as they are crushing; done through love and the power of heavy music. We hope you find something to connect to in our new album, Worthless Gold, where this story is told and these emotions are examined. Respect and love each other in these polarizing times, and thank you for checking us out."
New Online Shows: Switchfoot and Anberlin
There are a few consistent rock-related online concerts and tours I want to share with you. First, the surfing dudes in Switchfoot are on their online tour, The Fantastic Traveling Music Show." They have had two online concerts of this type previously, plus their annual Bro-Am was hosted online. Their third show is coming on September 26, 2020. The third concert is the 20th celebration of their Learning To Breathealbum. The band will perform each song from the album live. You can buy tickets per show or a season pass here.
Second, the band I never thought would return from their hiatus has become a consistent show-giver online. Alternative rock band Anberlin is doing something special with their live streams. They're playing an album front-to-back starting from their debut album, presumably to the present. They're very interactive and improving with each show. They will be playing their breakout albumCitiesin mid-September. You can buy tickets and merchandise here.
News Headline: "FeaturedX" Website
If you, or someone you know, are in a band who wants to collaborate with leading vocalists of other rock or metal bands, you can connect with them online. FeaturedX will do this service for you. The website features many great vocalists from both mainstream and Christian bands. The costs range from a few hundred dollars up to around two thousand (cost can be calculated upon request). For our Christian fanbase, I've collected a list of vocalists from Christian-based rock and metal bands that are available.
The Christian-based metal band Oh, Sleeper has been an influential force in the metalcore scene for a few reasons: their lyrical depth, skillful conceptual writing, and intense riffs. Not to mention that Shane Blay and Micah Kinard's vocals feature some of the best pairings of screams and singing you've ever heard.
Their 11-year-old sophomore album, Son of the Morning, is still a go-to record for metalcore fans—both Christian and not. The album's story is about the devil's war against God and how the two kingdoms clash. Listening from front to back, this album's storytelling is superb and has laid the foundation for the band's two excellent follow-up albums, Children of Fire and Bloodied/Unbowed. Check out this incredible metal album that has stood the test of time.
Songs to listen to: "Son of the Morning," "Banquet for Traitors," and "The Finisher."
Song Devotional: The Midnight Wedding, "I Swear"
Keep an eye on Christian rock band, The Midnight Wedding. They have gathered the support of many prominent people in the Christian rock industry—and for good reason. Their first single from their upcoming album, Anthem of the Outcast (due early 2021) is called "I Swear." The song features Andrew Stanton from Disciple and I Am Empire. The band has also released a great music video to accompany the single's empowering lyrics.
The chorus proclaims, "I swear someday I'll get this right/I swear that I'll stop telling lies/Like an addict to the drug/I chose the high before your love." We all have a struggle, an addiction, a behavior that we know needs to be confronted. Sometimes, we just need the right song to give us the push we need. So, let this song be your encouragement to swear to yourself, loved ones, and God, that you will begin to fight to overcome your battle.
Ryan Adams lives in Ohio but grew up in Boise, Idaho. He graduated Boise Bible College in 2018. He fell in love with the heavy music scene through a best friend and enjoys sharing his love for it through NRT.
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