Despite the trials of 2020, artists and bands—everyone from independent artists to well-established veterans—still delivered great music to their fans. Speaking of which, here are some of my favorite Christian-based rock and metal albums for this year. Listed in no specific ranking order.
I hope you find some new music that you might have missed and come to love. Or, if one of your favorites is here, share it. We have a curated playlist of more 2020 releases at New Christian Rock and Metal on Spotify and Apple Music.
1. Dens - Taming Tongues
The first of four albums released from Facedown Records this year wasTaming Tongues from the rock band Dens. Dens created an album that is incredibly rich and deep in all aspects. From the creative usage of the song titlestaken from scripture, the variety of rock sounds, the lyricism, and a lot of minor details, Taming Tongues is one of the best Christian-based rock albums released in 2020—even in the last few years. The band created a podcast to talk about each song on the album. For me, Taming Tongues will stand the test of time. And, I hope for you, too.
2. Then it Ends - Restored
In 2020, rock act Then It Ends released their debut metalcore album, Restored. This easily earns its place in my top 10 especially for the maturity in the musical sound and lyrical boldness. Then It Ends is unashamed of gospel-centred truth. The music is about truth and hope in the difficulties of life. I particularly love Grant' Lilly'svocals, passionate and great range. The band is active on social media, interacting with their fans. This independent band has brought a refreshingly solid metal album for fans. Don't miss it.
3. Fit For A King - The Path
A name that metal fans are most likely familiar with is Fit For A King. Shortly after releasing their sixth studio album this year, The Path, Fit For A King reached one million subscribers on Spotify. The Path is focused primarily on hope, victory, and encouragement, yet still tackles a few tough topics, such as suicide and politics. Overall, The Path sounds different than the band's previous efforts, yet it retains recognizable and enjoyable metalcore elements. Fit For A King may have more mixed reception to the new album for its ambitious and creative changes. I may not love everything about the album. But, overall, The Path is a great album with plenty of highlights.
4. Sight Received - Worthless Gold
The hard rockers Sight Received released their debut independent album, Worthless Gold, in 2020. The album has a solid mix of hard rock, post-hardcore, and metalcore. Unfortunately, it hasn't received much attention that I think it deserves. The messages in the songs are hope-filled and leave nothing unsaid. They have plenty of catchy choruses, heavy breakdowns, and skilled musicianship. You could say it's a hidden "gold" gem this year.
5. Ben S Dixon - Oh Propitiation
It's always encouraging to me when a band that loves heavy music does not exclude vital biblical foundations. Rocker Ben S Dixon has emerged prominently during 2020 with exactly that balance. I like to refer to his new, debut album, Oh Propitiation as theological metal. There is no shortage of prominent biblical references, sources, and messages in his songs. He has a great voice. He does everything from singing, screaming to everything else. He also covers worship songs, as well as other rock and metal music. He's pretty much a one-man army. He has music for any fan of heavy music.
6. Stryper - Even The Devil Believes
The monumentally-influential Christian metal band Stryper released their 13th studio album, Even The Devil Believes, in 2020. This is truly one of Stryper's greatest albums. Their formula does not change too much, though there are some welcome surprises. The guitar solos are satisfying and fun, the vocals are superb, and lyrically, they don't back down. This album—and my interview with Michael Sweet—is definitely a highlight of the year. It proves Stryper's musical prowess.
7. Fireflight - Who We Are: The Head and The Heart
Making a comeback in 2020, Fireflight blasted onto the Christian rock scene with their new album Who We Are: The Head and the Heart. It's technically a two-parter. But, even as a whole, it's remarkable. Lead singer Dawn Michele's vocals are the best they have ever been. The music itself reminds me of Fireflight's 2007 album, Unbreakable. The album's messages pierce the heart and penetrate the mind with vital messages. This is easily one of the best Christian rock albums this year.
8. Diamonds to Dust - Decisions EP
Admittedly, artists and bands have released more singles and EPs than albums in 2020. When I heard Diamonds to Dust's single "Corpus Christi," from the band's Decisions EP, I was instantly hooked. The single alone is one of the best Christian heavy metal/deathcore songs in years. The EP itself is fantastic. It shows a different side of Diamond to Dust's style: extreme heavy metal.
9. Ever Eden - Illumine EP
Another early release, in particular, caught my attention: Illumine by Ever Eden. This EPstands out for its excellence in its melodic side of metal. Ever Eden is introspective. They have unique songwriting that accompanies a great contrast between singing and screaming. I had a chance to talk with them earlier in the year. They retained my attention in 2020 and will continue to do so for years to come.
10. Luther's Hammer - Strength to Stand EP
Lastly, but certainly not least, is Luther's Hammer's debut EP, Strength to Stand. These four songs—plus an intro—are declarations of dedication to the Lord set to old school hardcore music. After listening to this overlooked EP, I believe Luther's Hammer has incredible potential to grow musically in the future. Strength to Stand deserves the genre "preach-core," one that few Christian-based metal bands receive due to the straight-up evident biblical lyrics. I'm looking forward to more new music from Luther's Hammer. Hope you check them out.
Honorable Mentions:
• Anchor and Braille - TENSION
• RED - Declaration
• Weathered - Everything All At Once
• Fight The Fade - In Love. In Hope. In Peace.
• American Arson - A Line In The Sand
• Unseen Faith - Evoke
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.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1296 - Mary-Clair
A candid conversation about faith, vulnerability, and finding God
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!MOVIE REVIEW Miracle
NRT reviews the new movie after attending the premiere
NEW!SERIES REVIEW
A Night At Wingfeather
We attended the show's premiere of the Angel Studios animated show
NEW!NRT LISTS
Worship Into 2026
Standout new worship releases that invite the Church to sing and reflect
NEW!THE CHH DROP
#261 - Gavin the Hotrod
What's new this week in Christian rap and hip-hop
