Top 10 Christian Extreme Metal Albums
Horde – “Hellig Usvart”
“Hellig Usvart” by Horde is a pioneering Christian black metal album that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Drawing influences from Norwegian black metal bands like Mayhem and Darkthrone, Horde infuses their music with intense aggression and dark atmospheres. The album’s blend of raw, blistering black metal and unapologetic Christian lyrics challenged the conventions of the genre and paved the way for other Christian black metal bands.
Paramæcium – “Exhumed of the Earth”
“Exhumed of the Earth” by Paramæcium is a doom/death metal masterpiece. With crushing riffs, atmospheric passages, and deep growling vocals, the album’s mournful and introspective sound captivates listeners. Paramæcium’s influences, such as bands like My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost, are evident in their ability to blend the brutality of death metal with the melancholic beauty of doom metal. The album’s theological and spiritual themes contribute to its significant impact on the Christian metal scene.
Who The Album Influenced:
Crowned In Sorrow
Believer – “Extraction from Mortality”
“Extraction from Mortality” by Believer is a landmark album in Christian thrash metal. Combining aggressive riffs, intricate song structures, and thought-provoking lyrics, Believer’s technical prowess shines through. Drawing influence from bands like Megadeth and Testament, Believer’s unique blend of thrash metal and progressive elements sets them apart. “Extraction from Mortality” helped establish Believer as one of the pioneering bands in the Christian metal scene.
Who The Album Influenced:
Living Sacrifice
Embodyment – “Embrace the Eternal”
“Embrace the Eternal” by Embodyment is a significant album in the early days of deathcore, known for its technicality and strong biblical lyrics. As one of the pioneers in the genre, Embodyment delivered a relentless onslaught of aggressive death metal elements. The album’s intricate musicianship, including complex guitar work and intense drumming, showcases their technical prowess. With its unyielding sound and powerful biblical themes, “Embrace the Eternal” left an indelible mark on the Christian metal scene, helping to pave the way for the development of deathcore.
Mortification – “Scrolls of the Megiloth”
“Scrolls of the Megiloth” by Mortification is a classic Christian death metal album. With its aggressive guitar riffs, blistering drumming, and growling vocals, the album showcases Mortification’s mastery of the genre. Their influences from bands like Death and Possessed are evident, but Mortification infuses their music with strong Christian messages, tackling topics like spiritual warfare and faith. “Scrolls of the Megiloth” solidified Mortification’s place as one of the premier Christian death metal bands.
Who The Album Influenced:
Afflicted Truth
Vengeance Rising – “Human Sacrifice”
“Human Sacrifice” by Vengeance Rising is a groundbreaking Christian thrash metal album. The album’s aggressive and blistering sound, characterized by rapid guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and intense vocals, solidified Vengeance Rising’s place in the metal scene. Influenced by bands like Slayer and Kreator, Vengeance Rising’s uncompromising approach to both music and faith made “Human Sacrifice” an influential release in Christian metal history.
Impending Doom – “The Serpent Servant”
“The Serpent Servant” by Impending Doom is a crushing Christian deathcore album that combines bone-crushing breakdowns, blistering guitars, and guttural vocals. The album’s dark and relentless sound, inspired by bands like Whitechapel and Behemoth, reflects Impending Doom’s uncompromising approach to both their faith and the extreme metal genre. With its heavy and aggressive nature, “The Serpent Servant” became a standout release in the Christian metal scene.
ZAO – “Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest”
“Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest” by ZAO is a landmark album in the metalcore genre with a strong Christian message. The album showcases ZAO’s ability to seamlessly blend aggressive metalcore riffs with melodic passages and emotional intensity. Influenced by bands like Converge and Norma Jean, ZAO’s raw and cathartic sound, combined with introspective and spiritually-charged lyrics, made “Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest” a standout release in both the Christian and metalcore scenes.
Living Sacrifice – “Inhabit”
“Inhabit” by Living Sacrifice is a seminal Christian death/thrash metal album that showcases the band’s technicality and intensity. With its blistering guitar solos, aggressive drumming, and dynamic song structures, the album exemplifies Living Sacrifice’s ability to deliver a relentless sonic assault. Drawing influence from bands like Sepultura and Slayer, Living Sacrifice’s commitment to their faith shines through in their powerful lyrics. “Inhabit” solidified Living Sacrifice’s status as one of the leading bands in the Christian metal scene.
Who The Album Influenced:
Hope Deffered
Embodyment
Extol – “Burial”
“Burial” by Extol is an innovative Christian extreme metal album that defies genre boundaries. With its blend of death metal, black metal, and progressive elements, Extol created a unique and captivating sound. The album’s intricate musicianship, atmospheric passages, and powerful vocals set it apart. “Burial” is a testament to Extol’s ability to push the boundaries of extreme metal while incorporating their faith into their music.
Who The Album Influenced:
Monothiest
Lamentations
Diatheke
Has any of these albums influenced you as a musician? Leave a comment