Many rock and metal bands have chosen to produce and promote their music independently, and this path doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of wisdom or potential. The decision to work without a record label often allows for unprecedented creative freedoms, resulting in a remarkable payoff.
If you've yet to dive into the world of indie bands, you're missing out on some incredible sounds. To start your exploration, here are seven Christian-based rock and metal bands breaking boundaries. Their music and diverse styles are bound to captivate you, and the powerful messages they convey through their songs are indeed something to admire. I hope you discover a band whose music resonates with you and consider showing them your support.
Metal band Symphony of Heaven began in 2017 as a solo project of the frontman Pathos, creating the debut album, The Season of Death. By 2018, the solo act transformed into a fully-fledged band, notably introducing drummer Asaph, the longest-running member alongside Pathos. The band recorded and produced an EP, The Ascension of Extinction, and their sophomore album, Maniacal Entropik Discordium, premiered in 2021. As of 2023, the band premiered the re-recorded version of an early release, "In Anger’s Midst (2023)," which aligns more with the vision Pathos set out to achieve. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Pathos, drummer Asaph, bassist Turadh, and guitarist Øx.
From The Band:
"The entity of Symphony of Heaven has set out to create music that expresses our journeys as individuals and our spiritual walks. This life throws many trials toward us, and our music helps us process them. Although not every band member has been a believer in the past, we have always worked towards this goal and will persist in it. We hope this is conveyed in our music and will help others find solace in knowing they are not alone and hopefully seek our Lord Jesus Christ."
Collapse//Revive
Collapse//Revive, a metalcore band from Michigan, is one of the scene's most hard-working, consistent bands. They caught my attention in 2019 with one of their first releases, which was self-titled. Since then, they have only released singles. Some of my favorites are "Dry Bones" and the newest 2023 release, "Across The Wall." Collapse//Revive keeps biblical truths front and center while creating some heavy-hitting metalcore goodness. Here's hoping for more music from this Christian metal band, whether an EP or a full-length album.
From The Band:
“There is no king but Christ and no salvation outside of The Lamb that was slain. We are Collapse//Revive, founded in Michigan in 2017. We are what happens when a band can't decide what they want to play—Metalcore or Djent, so we do both. Currently, we are multi-state located and working on a new record, which will showcase a little more diversity in our pursuit of creating something unheard of. Let the record show without a hint of doubt that 'We' believe that Christ is the risen prophecied Messiah. May the Lamb receive the reward of His suffering.”
Symphony In Peril
It's always exciting when a disbanded band reunites for new music, and Symphony In Peril is one of them now. A former Facedown Records member, you may recall their record, The Whore's Trophy; now, they are independent and ready to hit the scene in 2024 with a promised full-length record. Symphony In Peril is coming back swinging. If you've never listened to them, you can hear the first two new singles: "Authored Confusion" and the most recent, "The Truth That Binds." It's great to hear that the band hasn't lost its edge or heart even after such a long wait.
From The Band:
"I'm Andy Capps from Symphony in Peril. We were active from 2003 to 2006 and put out a couple of CDs on Facedown Records. We came back together in 2022 and in earnest in 2023. We've put out a couple of singles and done a couple of short tours this year with some great bands and will be putting out a new full-length soon. So, if you used to listen to us back then, we're back. If this is your first time, we hope that you check out the new songs on all streaming platforms and that we hope to see all of you at a show soon."
Searching Serenity
Music artists Robert Manzone and Robert Kiser from Jacksonville, Florida, have collaborated to create a Christian Deathcore solo project called Searching Serenity. Founded in 2014, Searching Serenity has been all about making heavy music with Christ-centered lyrics. Not only is Searching Serenity impressive as a solo project, but the consistency and heaviness in new releases must be praised. Robert Manzone is already on his 8th record; if you need new deathcore music, his project is the way to go. His latest record is Retribution, which is a fantastic deathcore.
From The Band:
"My name is Robert Manzone, and I am in a solo project called Searching Serenity. Since its founding in 2014, this project has gone through phases of being both a full live-performing band and a solo studio project. My goal with the band has always been to provide the gospel of Jesus Christ through this unique means that I greatly enjoy. I’m always working on new material, and most recently, I released my eighth album, Retribution. I plan to continue using my music to reach people as much as God would want it to be so.”
Cliffside
Hailing from Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, Cliffside is a metalcore band formed in 2017. The band comprises Joel Issler (guitar/vocals), Ben Davis (bass), and Taylor Thomas (lead vocals). After releasing their fantastic debut EP, Wilderness, in 2019, the group worked hard to expand their music catalog. During the global pandemic, they returned to the studio and produced their exceptional new full-length album, Deeper Water. Our Canadian friends deserve all the support in the metal music world for the intense, emotional, and spiritually mature music they are delivering to us.
From The Band:
“We’ve been blown away by the community's response to our record Deeper Water. This album was a labor of love from start to finish, and to see it impact so many has been an absolute delight. We strive as a project to always bring authenticity, and we’re so thankful to everyone who took the time out of their busy lives to listen."
A Secret Ending
I enjoy concept albums, but few metal records have a unifying theme. But if you listen to A Secret Ending, you'll see multiple themes. This one-person Lithuanian symphonic thrash metal band (Ed Casimir) has been sending out some of the most crushing metal music while centering on biblical themes. The last two albums are my favorites. Fishers of Men focuses on the 12 Apostles, and the newest record, Hexaemeron, is dedicated to the six days of creation. It heavily uses brass instruments. Check out Ed's epic band soon.
With Blood Comes Cleansing
With Blood Comes Cleansing is a Christian deathcore band based in Georgia, U.S. In 2005, With Blood Comes Cleansing started touring to support their first six-song EP. In 2006, they released their first full-length album, Golgotha, on Blood and Ink Records. The band later signed with Victory Records in 2007. 2008 saw their second, and what we thought would be, their last record, Horror. In 2010, With Blood Comes Cleansing stopped touring to focus on their personal lives. In 2022, music label Secret Swarm Records released With Blood Comes Cleansing's Golgotha on vinyl. Since then, the band has announced they will return to play shows and write new music as their schedules permit. I'm so excited that they are making new music; the two singles released in 2023 are "Pericardial Effusion" and "Euangelion." Any fan of Deathcore needs to support them and keep watching for more new music soon.
Ryan Adams lives in Montana with his family. He works as a professional game master and loves his spoiled rotten dog.
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