The History of Christian Metal
The provided information has been compiled by both the Christian Metal Facebook group members and our dedicated admin team. Our goal is to create a comprehensive website that consolidates all aspects of Christian Metal, making it easily accessible for exploration. If you come across any inaccuracies, we encourage you to report them to the Facebook group admins for swift correction. Thank you for your contribution to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of our Christian Metal community hub.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe (born Rosetta Nubin, March 20, 1915 – October 9, 1973) was an American singer and guitarist. She gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s with her gospel recordings, characterized by a unique mixture of spiritual lyrics and electric guitar. She was the first great recording star of gospel music, and was among the first gospel musicians to appeal to rhythm and blues and rock and roll audiences, later being referred to as "the original soul sister" and "the Godmother of rock and roll".
Established in 1961, The Pilgrims emerged as pioneers in Christian Rock 'n Roll, or what was colloquially referred to as a "rock group" during that era. While they only unveiled a single in 1963 and refrained from releasing full-length albums in their active years, the band did engage in studio recordings. In 2004, these historical recordings underwent a meticulous remastering process in Florida, culminating in a CD release that showcases 21 of their original tracks.
More info here: http://www.derrickphillips.co.uk/Pilgrims/
In 1969 Norman returned to Capitol Records, now headed by Mike Curb, to honor his original 1966 contract with the understanding that he would have complete artistic control. Believing that "Kids just don't want to listen to God's empty songs anymore", in December 1969 Capitol released Norman's first solo rock album, Upon This Rock, "the first major label record to marry rock music with the gospel". "the Sergeant Pepper of Christianity", widely regarded as "the album that first recruited rock in the service of salvation", later cited as being "one of the roots of the current Contemporary Christian Music"; and now considered to be the first full-blown Christian rock album".
Mind Garage was an American psychedelic rock and roll band from Morgantown, West Virginia, and a progenitor of Christian rock music. Their "Electric Liturgy" performed in 1968 was the first documented Christian rock worship service, and their 1969 eponymous debut RCA album was one of the earliest Christian rock albums released.
Discover the hidden gem of the music world – Agape, a band that may be obscure but has garnered attention from dedicated record collectors, largely due to their rarity. Hailing from the hippie-era, Agape was a psychedelic hard rock act that took the spirit of youth rebellion and channeled it into spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The story begins with Fred Caban, a young guitarist from Azusa, CA, who underwent a profound transformation, embracing Christianity shortly after graduating from high school in 1968. Eager to share his newfound faith with his peers, Caban teamed up with bassist John Peckhart and drummer Mike Jungkman to form Agape. In the late 1960s, they stood out as one of the earliest Christian rock bands, navigating a time when the genre faced skepticism and rejection from established churches. Even the few churches they approached for concerts were resistant to their loud music, despite the uplifting message they carried.
Undeterred, Agape took their music to unconventional venues, playing on beaches, in schools, and in parks, determined to reach audiences with their unique blend of gospel and hard rock. Their debut album, "Gospel Hard Rock," released in 1971, encapsulates their sound – a blues-based hard rock reminiscent of the era, drawing parallels to the likes of Cream. However, Agape's garage band-level skills added a raw, unpolished charm to their music, perfectly complementing the genuine sincerity of their lyrics. Agape may be a footnote in the annals of music history, but their story is a testament to the power of music as a vehicle for spreading faith and connecting with audiences in unexpected places.
Glass Harp is a progressive rock band with roots in Youngstown, Ohio, that formed in the late 1960s. The band is known for its virtuoso musicianship and a unique blend of rock, blues, and classical elements. The core members are Phil Keaggy (guitar and vocals), John Sferra (drums), and Daniel Pecchio (bass). Glass Harp gained recognition for their dynamic live performances and intricate compositions, showcasing Keaggy's exceptional guitar skills and distinctive voice.
Phil Keaggy, in particular, is celebrated for his innovative guitar techniques and has been influential in the Christian music scene. The band released several albums in the early 1970s, including their self-titled debut and "Synergy," before temporarily disbanding. Keaggy went on to have a successful solo career, while Glass Harp reunited for occasional performances over the years. Their contributions to the progressive rock genre, coupled with Keaggy's impact on contemporary Christian music, solidify Glass Harp's legacy as a respected and influential band in the history of rock music.
Resurrection Band, also known as Rez Band or REZ, was a Christian rock band formed in 1972. They were part of the Jesus People USA Christian community in Chicago and most of its members have continued in that community to this day. Known for their blend of blues-rock and hard rock, Resurrection Band is credited as one of the forerunners of the Christian metal genre.
Petra stands as an influential American music group, recognized as a trailblazer in the realms of Christian rock and contemporary Christian music. For many years, they held the title of the "world's most popular Christian rock band." Formed in 1972 and drawing inspiration from the Greek word for "rock," Petra's impact on the Christian music scene remains enduring.
Initially channeling the spirit of The Eagles and Lynyrd Skynyrd, Petra's sonic journey transformed in the early 1980s, embracing a more dynamic and driving rock sound reminiscent of Foreigner, Styx, and Journey. Throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, Petra soared as one of the world's most beloved Christian rock bands, with each album during that era selling hundreds of thousands of copies. Their arena-filling performances and consistent chart-topping on Christian radio established them as stalwarts of the genre.
Petra's influence extended beyond their music, reaching into the fabric of Christian rock during a time when the genre faced resistance from conservative pastors and churches. Through their lyrics, music, and distinct style, Petra became a guiding force, inspiring countless other artists. Their resilience in the face of opposition contributed significantly to the evolution and acceptance of Christian rock, leaving an indelible mark on the genre's history.
As we delve into the intricate tapestry of Petra's journey, we discover not just a band but a catalyst for change, shaping the landscape of Christian metal and leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.
Enter the realm of Jerusalem, the trailblazing Swedish Christian rock band founded in 1975 by Ulf Christiansson. Pioneers in blending Christian lyrics with hard rock and heavy metal, Jerusalem's music aimed directly at the youth, presenting a radical yet ordinary relationship with God.
Their self-titled debut album became an instant sensation, selling an unprecedented 20,000 copies within six months in the European Christian rock scene. The journey crossed oceans, as Lamb & Lion Records released their music in the United States and Canada.
After evolving into a more melodic rock sound, marked by the album "Vi Kan Inte Stoppas" (Can't Stop Us Now), Jerusalem faced growing demands. In 1985, they pressed pause on touring and enrolled in the Word of Life Bible School.
Returning in 1987 with "Dancing on the Head of the Serpent," the album cover stirred controversy in Sweden. Some stores banned it, while others sold it discreetly. Following this provocative release, Jerusalem took a six-year hiatus, leaving an indelible mark on the Christian metal scene.
To Follow
To Follow
Messiah Prophet was a Christian metal band formed in 1983 in Nashville, Tennessee. They released their debut album, "Rock the Flock," in 1984 and signed to Regency Records. The band's sound blended traditional heavy metal with Christian lyrics to create a unique sound. Their career was short-lived, and they disbanded in the early 1990s after releasing two albums, but they remain a beloved and influential band in the Christian metal scene.
Bloodgood is a Christian metal band that emerged in the mid-1980s and made a significant impact on the Christian rock and metal scene. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1984, the band consists of vocalist Les Carlsen, guitarist Paul Jackson, bassist Michael Bloodgood, keyboardist/ guitarist David Zaffiro, and drummer Kevin Whisler. Bloodgood is renowned for their energetic and powerful performances, combining heavy metal with Christian lyrics, often addressing themes of faith, salvation, and social issues. Their debut self-titled album, released in 1986, gained widespread acclaim, showcasing their distinctive sound marked by aggressive guitar riffs, solid musicianship, and Carlsen's dynamic vocals. Throughout their career, Bloodgood has maintained a devoted fanbase and continues to be recognized as pioneers in the Christian metal genre.
Heaven's Metal Magazine is a Christian metal publication that has played a pivotal role in documenting and promoting Christian heavy metal music since its inception. Founded in 1985 by Doug Van Pelt, the magazine provides a platform for enthusiasts of Christian metal to discover new bands, explore album reviews, and stay updated on the latest developments within the genre. Heaven's Metal Magazine covers a wide spectrum of metal subgenres, including thrash, death metal, power metal, and more, all with a focus on Christian artists and their contributions to the metal scene. Over the years, the magazine has served as a valuable resource for fans seeking a unique intersection between their faith and a passion for heavy music, making it a respected and enduring publication in the Christian metal community.
Deliverance is a prominent Christian thrash metal band that originated in Los Angeles in 1985. Led by guitarist and vocalist Jimmy P. Brown II, the band has been a stalwart in the Christian metal scene. Deliverance is known for their aggressive thrash sound, socially conscious lyrics, and a commitment to integrating Christian themes into the often intense world of metal music. With a career spanning several decades, Deliverance has released numerous albums, including their influential debut, "Deliverance" (1989), solidifying their status as pioneers in the Christian thrash metal genre.
Incubus, later known as Opprobrium, is a notable metal band that originated in the late 1980s. Founded by the Howard brothers, Francis and Moyses, the group initially operated under the name Incubus. Their debut album, "Serpent Temptation" (1988), showcased a blend of death and thrash metal elements. After a hiatus, the band rebranded as Opprobrium, maintaining their intense and technically proficient approach to death metal. Hailing from New Orleans, Incubus/Opprobrium has left a lasting impact on the metal scene, with a discography that reflects their evolution while consistently delivering powerful and dynamic metal compositions.
Vengeance Rising was a groundbreaking Christian thrash metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1987. Led by vocalist Roger Martinez, the band gained recognition for their aggressive sound and uncompromising Christian lyrical content. "Human Sacrifice," their debut album released in 1988, is considered a classic in the Christian metal genre. Known for its intense music and controversial themes, Vengeance Rising left a significant impact on the intersection of faith and heavy metal. Despite lineup changes and controversies, the band's early work remains influential in the Christian metal scene.
"Hellig Usvart" is a groundbreaking black metal album by the solo project Horde, released in 1994. The brainchild of Australian musician Jayson Sherlock, Horde gained prominence for its unique approach to Christian black metal, a genre typically associated with anti-Christian sentiments. The album blends raw and aggressive black metal elements with lyrical themes centered around Christian spirituality and warfare against the forces of darkness. "Hellig Usvart" is characterized by its intense atmosphere, blast beats, and harsh vocals, challenging the conventions of black metal while delivering a potent and controversial message. It remains a noteworthy release in the history of extreme metal for its unorthodox fusion of musical and ideological elements.
Info to follow
The Metal Bible is a special Bible edition for all us that are into metal music. It contains the New Testament as well as metalheads that share their life stories and talk about what God and the Bible means to them. The Metal Bible is a special Bible edition that shows that it works fine to love both God and Metal.
The purpose of this special Bible is to break down prejudices and misconceptions that many metalheads have about the Bible and help people to realize that the Bible is not a boring book but an interesting and living book that has a lot to tell us today. My prayer is that many metalheads through the Metal Bible will realize that the Bible is a cool book and that its timeless message is something for us metalheads too.
https://metalbibleinternational.com/