Christian-based rock and metal artists are coming out swinging in 2021. No doubt about it, there are some hard-working and talented artists that are releasing great heavy music early this year. You do not want to miss out on them. I'll keep bringing you the releases that you might have missed as well as the ones you might already love. I can't wait for live music to return personally, but I'll support these bands in every other way I can; I hope you will as well. Enjoy and rock on!
Bloodlines - "Colder"
One of the most promising upcoming Christian metal bands is Bloodlines. They released a couple singles between 2017-2019 until their first full-length album was released in 2019 - titled Hostile Minds. That record is what really captured my attention. It is a fantastic example of a metalcore band that is proud to sing and scream about Jesus and life's struggles. Bloodlines has also been running independent until now. Facedown Records just signed the band and released this new single, "Colder." I'm so excited to see where the label takes Bloodlines and I love the new single.
Relent - "Think You Got It"
When it comes to a captivating sound with great, mature lyrics, Relent has it covered. Relent is a nu-metal band who isn't afraid to give a voice to the often overlooked parts of life through a faith lens. Their debut album through Rockfest Records in 2020, Heart Attack, has been catching the attention of many new fans. They have already written about subjects like mental illness in "Low," endtime struggles in "Last Days," and now about hypocrisy in "Think You Got It." The music matches the heaviness of the lyrics and it will leave you wanting more.
Pantokrator - Marching Out of Babylon
Singles have been popular in 2021, just as they were in 2020, but here is a solid album to enjoy. The melodic death metal band Pantokrator, from Sweden, just released their fourth album Marching Out of Babylon. If the other two highlights are not heavy enough for you, be ready when you play this record, Pantokrator comes blasting through your speakers. Sure, the music is a little on the extreme side of heavy metal, but I love the lyrics too. They are unashamed of Christ and it is evident in every song.
