Many of today's bands are finding new and creative ways to share and create music–from live streams to online collaboration. Here are eight bands that I would love to hear new music from. Chime in on any I missed here.
For Today
Many Christian metal fans know For Today. Lead singer Mattie Montgomery's unforgettable vocals and his gospel-fueled lyrics have influenced many of today's artists and bands. Each band member in For Today has had their chance to shine on each album–whether it be the hardcore-influenced Ekklesia, the modern metalcore sounding Breaker, or their final album, Wake.
After seven years and six studio albums, For Today disbanded when Mattie chose to pursue his pastoral dreams. The other band members formed a new band, Nothing Left. It's easy to say that Mattie and the crew could bring back a powerful and bold voice in the Christian metal scene if they were to release a new record.
Sleeping Giant
Sleeping Giant boasted fantastic metal music with in-your-face, preachy lyrics. Some fans called the band's music "preachcore." Fans use Sleeping Giant's music as a measure for other bands of similar nature to see if they deserve the same term. Tommy Green, the band's frontman, is one of the most passionate and heartfelt men in Christian metal.
Sleeping Giant's 2018 record, I Am, is a fitting farewell for an awesome band. But, I believe if they came back with new music, their fans would welcome their convicting, yet challenging songs.
Attalus
One of the most beautiful rock concept albums came from Attalus in 2015. They have made some other music over the years, including a great hymn cover album, Into The Sea. This release is one of the most memorable rock albums I've ever listened to. It's a concept record themed around a shipwreck: the shipwreck of our lives when we meet Christ and the struggle with our old selves.
There are intense, rock moments, as well as captivating, melodic ones. The 75-minute album is a little longer than some prefer in length, but the depth of lyrical and musical content is unmatched.
We As Human
I would love to have We As Human's lead singer Justin Cordle return to making music. We As Human released a self-titled EP that caught the attention of Skillet's lead singer John Cooper. Their 2013 full-length studio album stands as one of the best Christian rock albums to this day.
We As Human's self-titled album charted on multiple Billboard music charts. It featured metal queen Lacey Sturm and Skillet's John Cooper. The band didn't have the cleanest breakup. But, I would welcome a return from Justin for some awesome rock music any day.
Haste The Day
When I say I want a reunion from Haste the Day, I'm perfectly okay with either lead singer. The first three albums, one independent, featured Jimmy Ryan who had a grittier and mostly unclean vocal range. The last three releases featured Stephen Keech's more melodic vocals. Their 2015 album, Coward, was fan-funded on Kickstarter. It featured both vocalists. Their album Attack of The Wolf King will be remembered as one of metalcore's greatest concept albums.
There are few bands who pull off the range of metalcore that Haste the Day did. New music from them would be fantastic for the metalcore scene. They had many mainstream music fans as well.
XXI
Up and coming Christian metal band A Feast For Kings released an independent EP, Hell On Earth, in 2014. But, sadly, shortly after, lead singer Eric Gentry died at age 21. The band reformed under a new name, XXI, to commemorate his age of death. And, in 2015, they released the melodic hard rock album, Inside Out.
The album had some great highlights. Though not entirely a standout record, it showed so much potential. I'd love to see new music that grows from the talent exemplified on Inside Out.
Pillar
Pillar's 2015 album, One Love Revolution, proved the veteran band can take an extended break and come back with a powerful record. I hope this remains true for future albums. That record had a six-year gap from the previous one. And, it just so happens that it's been six years since One Love Revolution. A new release from Pillar would be exemplary to others in the scene of what Christian rock can do in the modern rock age.
Day of Fire
Day of Fire was a passionate American rock band. They once said, "We have something to say. It's about love. We all go through dark times, but we can go through them together--that's what rock and roll is about to us." Lead vocalist Josh Brown has a long history in the music industry. This time and experience have helped him connect to great people who helped him write great songs. Josh Brown has a powerful testimony: he turned away from his rock star lifestyle after surviving a heroin overdose and he surrendered his life to God while in rehabilitation.
