fredag 6 Maj 2011, 23:59
As more people ask me to suggest bands that they might like in Christian metal, I find that these are ones that many people don't know about, but are very good. Sometimes underground, sometimes not widely distributed, they deserve more support than they get. I am creating this playlist to spread the love and to hopefully share some awesome bands. Each track has a link to last.fm and also to YouTube so you can check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYAiCMZjfLs
The Australian band Fearscape blends a mix of death, thrash, and black metal in a way that seems flawless. Melodic interludes combine with catchy, intense guitar riffs and numerous clean vocals to give the band a creative and listenable edge. Some parts are raw, some parts are melodic, and some parts are heavy. Check out this band if you are a fan of bands such as Mortification, Antestor, or Crimson Moonlight, or if you just love sick guitar shredding. The featured track is from their debut album Sleeping in Light.
http://starvetheflesh.com/images/dvd/Lement_through_the_reflection_SE.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y6nO53zu40
Lament hails from Mexico, and really is the best death metal band that I know from the region. Due to their somewhat underground status, not too many people have heard of them. They are truly unique in their frequent incorporation of prominent bass lines. Their songs are often catchy and always intense. In their second album, Through the Reflection, they take on hardcore influences as well. Fans of old-school Mortification, Extol, and Indwelling will no doubt love this. The featured track is from their second album Through the Reflection.
3. The Prophet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQZrdsrI8O0
Before There Was Rosalyn is an up-and-coming hardcore band that puts genuine emotion into every song they write. Soaring clean vocals often accompany the gutturals, and breakdowns aren't overused and accompany enjoyable guitar riffs. The thing that I like most about this band is the atmosphere they provide - it seems obvious that they mean business about the lyrics that they write. Only don't ask me where they got the band name. Fans of Sleeping Giant, I Am Alpha and Omega, and Overcome might find something to like. The featured track is from their debut album The Fuhrer (it's a cool concept album too).
4. Vietnamese "Two Step" Viper
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4G-2cYZufQA/TZqHdp4WkdI/AAAAAAAAES0/AdQ_aW2BC1g/s400/99af8142137e.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efWjBqkKycY
Blood of the Martyrs is a new deathcore band that just released their debut album. Like all bands in its genre, it's certainly brutal. They also seem to have a fresh take on the genre, adding some electronic and symphonic elements. Plus the recording quality is perfect. They seem to have nonsense song names in the vein of The Devil Wears Prada, but don't let that deter you. These boys breathe Jesus. Recommended for fans of Impending Doom, In the Midst of Lions, and Second Thief. The featured track is from their debut album Once More, With Feeling.
5. The Last Lament of the Prophet Habbukuk
http://www.one21music.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/divide-the-sea-man.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO82ANSy57g
Divide the Sea play metal with a southern flair. I recently saw these guys live, and they were pretty awesome, and I got to chat with the band members and they are some cool guys. Southern images abound with straight-up praise to God on their debut album entitled simply "Man." Fans of Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Remove the Veil, and The Showdown might want to give these guys a listen. The featured track is from their debut album Man.
6. Fallen
http://untombed.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/orphancover300x300.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pHE9RgINWE
Orphan Project plays progressive metal with tangible rock influences. Soaring harmonies and catchy choruses are a trademark of this band. The guitar work and drumming is excellent as well. I didn't really know what to think upon hearing them for the first time, other than this is different but really good. For those of you who predominantly listen to the heavier side of metal, this band deserves just as much attention and you might find something you like. I would recommend it for fans of Skillet, Red, and Darkwater. The featured track is from their Spooning Out the Sea album.
7. Salvation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVJWblGYFVY
Sinbreed is an up-and-coming power metal that knows how to shred and create a melody. They feature fast, up-beat tempo songs with great choruses. The singer is Herbie from Seventh Avenue, although in my opinion he far outshines anything that he ever did in that band. Sinbreed has quickly became one of my favorite power metal bands. And if you're one of those who don't listen to power metal because of the "cheesy" vocals, well then this band should get you interested. The vocal style has often been compared to Metallica. For fans of Seventh Avenue, Rob Rock, and Narnia. The featured track is from their debut album When Worlds Collide.
8. Lorica
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L7esoHutF8
Last Rites is a one man thrash metal project that has flown under the radar. No one has ever heard of them, it seems. I myself am quite impressed that one guy could produce such an enjoyable, solid record. It's thrash metal with some melodic elements; solid crunchy riffs are the highlight of this band. Check it out if you are a fan of Tourniquet, Deliverance, or Vengeance Rising. The featured track is from the debut album Dark Night of the Soul.
http://www.louderthanthemusic.com/thumb.php?width=400&url=images/doc/fallstarreconcilerrefin.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sP-JmQVwzo
Fallstar is a pretty cool post-hardcore band that just recently came on the scene. I found them through the Come & Live website, and have been hearing good things about them since. They put energy into their songs, and don't really fit into the generic mold of their genre. They even incorporate some low growls in songs. And of course they are quite catchy. Recommend for fans of I Am Alpha and Omega, Cry of the Afflicted, and Burden of a Day. The featured track is from their album Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter.
10. Immortality
http://starvetheflesh.com/images/dvd/Ecthirion_Apocalyptic_Visions.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1y2N0P1MDE
Ecthirion is an orchestral black metal band. And they are EPIC. I know the mixing of genres might sound strange at first, but check them out. They are in my top ten favorite bands. They weave beautiful melodies, full orchestral pieces, awesome guitar riffs and solos, and raw black metal brutality together in one breathtaking package. So far they've released an EP, and I simply cannot wait for their debut album coming some time this year. For fans of In Grief, Illuminandi, and Antestor (it's really hard to suggest similar bands because I don't really listen to anything like them ^^). The featured track is from their debut EP Apocalyptic Visions.
Well, there you have it. Ten awesome bands that most people have never heard of. Spread it around or congratulate yourself on having been a fan of some of these bands for a long time. Let me know if you find something that you like. God Bless!
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Looking for more Christian Metal resources on Last.fm? Try these:
The Top 100 Christian Metal Albums of All Time
Comprehensive List of Christian Metal and Rock Bands
An AWESOME Christian Metal Playlist