Author Topic: Christian Bands (Read 14604 times)

Minister Polarius · « **on:** July 19, 2009, 04:24:41 PM »

Ok, there have been people throwing out names of "good" Christian bands a lot lately. On this thread, I want you to post a Christian band you think is objectively good (not to be confused with bands you like) and then say why you think it is good. I have a few to do, but I'll let someone else start.

bmc25 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2009, 04:46:47 PM »

here is a list of some good Christian bands and artists. Highlighted are the best in the biz
-Hillsong united-Great lyrics, musicians, singers, and they have a great variety since they have been around for a while.
-NewWorldSon- itz kind of different not your average Christian Band. Good musicians, great lead singer!
-Third day-a very well rounded group, good lead singer, good musicians, solid lrics imo not as good as Hillsong
-Lincoln Brewster-Best guitarist playing in Christian music! also he has a good voice.
-Phil Wickham-best male vocals and lyrics in Christian music. i.e. True Love, cannons
-Casting crowns-solid vocals and lyrics
-Fee-good lyrics and vocals, musicians but not great.
-Danyew-up and coming, his voice is almost on par with wickham's but his lyrics arnt at that level...YET

some people who have at least one amazing song
-addison road
-rush of fools
-starfield

jtay · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2009, 05:41:37 PM »

I look forward to seeing what people post here. I hope to see some posts with some bands who have good music as well as lyrics. Most of the Christian music that I hear people praise tends to fall too much into the worship, or sing-along, category (not that I have anything against worship music), and not enough in the listen-to category.

The closest thing to a good band I can come up with (I'm a picky listener) is probably Demon Hunter. Their songs are dense with lyrics that, when heard from a Christian perspective, contain powerful and inspirational meanings. Their lead vocalist is very effective in both clean vocals and, um, un-clean vocals. (I'm not sure if what he does qualifies as "growling.") They're also capable of writing comfortably heavy riffs and some pretty fun breakdowns.

My only complaints: they're metalcore, so they can be a little grating on the ears from time to time. And there's not enough guitar for my liking; the guitarists don't very often venture away from the main riffs into solos or fills or play anything very technical. What makes up for that in part is their amazing drummer. Any drummer who can play syncopated double-bass lines (which is not where syncopation is usually found) gets my approval.

P. S. If someone points me to a Christian progressive death metal band that, in addition to actually existing, is really good, you will be my friend forever.

Paladin · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2009, 05:44:51 PM »

Casting Crowns and Lifehouse are epic.

XeroSplash · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2009, 06:13:10 PM »

Musically, I think that most Christian bands have gone downhill a little bit. But there is a Christian band for every type of genre. No matter if you like bluegrass, country, rock, rap, punk, ska, screamo, alternative, pop, contemporary, classical, hymns, electronica, or everything in between, there is a Christian band or 15 in that type of genre.

But your question is objectively good music, which is probably one of the most subjective topics. Myself, I can't stand country. I don't like any of it and think none of the music is good. Now, don't get me wrong, there are plenty of talented country music singers/groups. They can play an instrument and I can't. However, I just don't think any of it is good. But that's my opinion. Music is all about opinions. I know a lot of people that seriously think anything with a beat more than hymns and some contemporary Christian songs like hymns is from the devil. That is what they believe and no one can tell them otherwise. I personally do not believe that, but they are entitled to their opinion. Just like you. You can say what you think is good or need a professor of music to tell whether certain music is "objectively" good.

I could go on and on about this, because what you think is good, I can think is terrible and vice versa. However, here are some bands that I currently think are very good, with varying genres:

Thousand Foot Krutch
Project 86
Sanctus Real
Superchick
Fireflight
Barlow Girl
Anberlin
Cool Hand Luke
Ill Harmonics
John Reuben
Pillar
Relient K
Switchfoot
Skillet
Demon Hunter

As far as looking for Christian death metal, there are lots of different types. I'm not quite sure how metal/rock you're looking for, so check out Project 86, Demon Hunter, Zao, Underoath, and Blindside for a start. I know of some others, just can't think of their names right now.

If anyone can give a secular example of the type of music they like, I can give you a good Christian one or two.

Eric "good music ftw" Largent

LukeSnyder · « **Reply #5 on:** July 19, 2009, 06:17:07 PM »

Becoming the Archetype

adamfincher · « **Reply #6 on:** July 19, 2009, 06:46:01 PM »

tobyMac, DC talk, RED, Falling Up, Inhabited, TFK,
Stellar Kart, Andy Hunter, Relient K, The Becoming (my cousin's band on tooth and nail, they r gothic Christian lol), Fee, FAMILY FORCE 5, Whitecross, Skillet, Bride, Hawk Nelson, Capital Lights, The Classic Crime, Fireflight, Pillar, Underoath, This Beautiful Republic, Andy Hunter, B. Reith, KJ-52, David Crowder Band, Fee, Hillsong United, Newsboys, Petra, August Burns Red, War of Ages, Anberlin, Haste the Day, I am terrified, much, much, more i discover a new band every week lol. They are all christian, and i would encourage anyone to listen tothem. BTW u could consider underoath or War of ages, haste the day, or august burns red death metal. i have been looking for some Christian deeathmetal as well lol

The Warrior · « **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2009, 06:50:06 PM »

Quote

-Casting crowns-solid vocals and lyrics

Quote from: XeroSplash on July 19, 2009, 06:13:10 PM

Sanctus Real
Relient K

also...
Dc Talk- awesome music,awesome vocals. Fave Song(s) Jesus Freak
Kutless- legendary vocals,awesome music. Fave Songs(s)Million Dollar man, Your Touch,Beyond The Surface,Somewhere In The Sky,Shut Me Out
Petra- awesome music,awesome vocals Fave Song(s)Second Wind, Shakin' The House,Think Twice, Right place,Get On Your Knees And Fight Like A man,Adonai, You Are I am,You Are My Rock *breathes*
Casting CrownsAwesome vocals, Awesome Lyrics,Awesome music Fave Song(s) American Dream,Voice Of Truth, If We Are The Body\
Relient KLegendary music, legendary music. Fave Song(s)Be My Escape, Must Have Done Something Right,Who I Am Hates Who I've been.
add a

if u like these bands

Quote from: adamfincher on July 19, 2009, 06:46:01 PM

tobyMac, DC talk

i would talk about them too but this is getting long

Colin Michael · « **Reply #8 on:** July 19, 2009, 06:52:09 PM »

Sixpence None the Richer: Leigh Nash has an incredible voice, the instrumentation and songwriting is incredible.
Relient K: They write really great songs and combine lyrics very well. I don't care for their style much anymore, but they definitely have musical ability.
Underoath: I don't think anyone else has been as innovative as they have been in the world of metal. Their new album's Sigur Ros influence especially gives them a place up here.

In all honesty, I think it's not so much that I hate Christian artists as much as it is that all Christian artists are corporate and I hate corporate music (with some exceptions). Since the world of indie isn't labeled Christian/non-Christian, by liking almost exclusively indie music after about '95, I am thereby hating Christian music.

Also, Jack White, Ricky Skaggs, Bono, Bob Dylan, Kanye West MC Hammer, R Kelley, Elvis Presley, Run DMC, Alice Cooper, Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, and many other artists are all Christians.

Quote from: adamfincher on July 19, 2009, 06:46:01 PM

The Becoming (my cousin's band on tooth and nail, they r gothic Christian lol),

They're from Nashville, I know some of the guys. Which one is your cousin?

Another great band of Christians would be Kings of Leon. Their dad is a pastor.

Sean · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2009, 08:12:30 PM »

My favorites right now are Leeland and NEEDTOBREATHE mainly because of their unique sound combined with good lyrics.

Colin Michael · « **Reply #10 on:** July 19, 2009, 08:32:42 PM »

Quote from: Sean on July 19, 2009, 08:12:30 PM

My favorites right now are Leeland and NEEDTOBREATHE mainly because of their unique sound combined with good lyrics.

I met that guy (Leeland) at Michael W. Smith's house once. Pretty cool dude.

Kingsman08 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:27:35 PM »

if u like metal the devil wears prada is a really good band

i also like hawk nelson, red, relient k, demon hunter, family force 5, lecrae is a good christian rapper, and jeremy camp is a very good guitarist and singer

adamfincher · « **Reply #12 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:28:02 PM »

Quote from: Colin Michael on July 19, 2009, 06:52:09 PM

Sixpence None the Richer: Leigh Nash has an incredible voice, the instrumentation and songwriting is incredible.
Relient K: They write really great songs and combine lyrics very well. I don't care for their style much anymore, but they definitely have musical ability.
Underoath: I don't think anyone else has been as innovative as they have been in the world of metal. Their new album's Sigur Ros influence especially gives them a place up here.

In all honesty, I think it's not so much that I hate Christian artists as much as it is that all Christian artists are corporate and I hate corporate music (with some exceptions). Since the world of indie isn't labeled Christian/non-Christian, by liking almost exclusively indie music after about '95, I am thereby hating Christian music.

Also, Jack White, Ricky Skaggs, Bono, Bob Dylan, Kanye West MC Hammer, R Kelley, Elvis Presley, Run DMC, Alice Cooper, Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, and many other artists are all Christians.

Quote from: adamfincher on July 19, 2009, 06:46:01 PM
The Becoming (my cousin's band on tooth and nail, they r gothic Christian lol),
They're from Nashville, I know some of the guys. Which one is your cousin?

Another great band of Christians would be Kings of Leon. Their dad is a pastor.

caleb owens. yup.

adamfincher · « **Reply #13 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:29:23 PM »

Quote from: Kingsman08 on July 19, 2009, 09:27:35 PM

if u like metal the devil wears prada is a really good band

i also like hawk nelson, red, relient k, demon hunter, family force 5, lecrae is a good christian rapper, and jeremy camp is a very good guitarist and singer

u stole my post lol

jtay · « **Reply #14 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:41:34 PM »

I appreciate that all the Christian metal bands that everyone's been posting. I've already checked out some of their stuff on YouTube. But why is it that so many Christian metal bands fall into the metalcore genre? Demon Hunter, The Devil Wears Prada, Underoath, August Burns Red, Haste the Day, War of Ages, and Zao are all metalcore. I really do get tired of all the screaming...

I will go check out Becoming the Archetype, though...

Colin Michael · « **Reply #15 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:44:08 PM »

Quote from: adamfincher on July 19, 2009, 09:28:02 PM

Quote from: Colin Michael on July 19, 2009, 06:52:09 PM
Sixpence None the Richer: Leigh Nash has an incredible voice, the instrumentation and songwriting is incredible.
Relient K: They write really great songs and combine lyrics very well. I don't care for their style much anymore, but they definitely have musical ability.
Underoath: I don't think anyone else has been as innovative as they have been in the world of metal. Their new album's Sigur Ros influence especially gives them a place up here.

In all honesty, I think it's not so much that I hate Christian artists as much as it is that all Christian artists are corporate and I hate corporate music (with some exceptions). Since the world of indie isn't labeled Christian/non-Christian, by liking almost exclusively indie music after about '95, I am thereby hating Christian music.

Also, Jack White, Ricky Skaggs, Bono, Bob Dylan, Kanye West MC Hammer, R Kelley, Elvis Presley, Run DMC, Alice Cooper, Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, and many other artists are all Christians.

Quote from: adamfincher on July 19, 2009, 06:46:01 PM
The Becoming (my cousin's band on tooth and nail, they r gothic Christian lol),
They're from Nashville, I know some of the guys. Which one is your cousin?

Another great band of Christians would be Kings of Leon. Their dad is a pastor.

caleb owens. yup.

I'm not sure if I know him. I know Patrick and one of the other guys who's name I can't remember.

Christian music seems to be lacking in the folk department. I suppose there's John Foreman, but I didn't think he was very good when I saw him. Also, I can't think of any Christian indie besides Deas Viel (who suck) and Leeland (who's pretty decent).

Lamborghini_diablo · « **Reply #16 on:** July 19, 2009, 10:06:49 PM »

I post these on every music thread, but I will post them again as rarely ANYONE on here has heard of them... shame really.

Theocracy. Originally a one-man band he stated the following. "when discussing the most powerful subject in the universe, you cannot back it up with weak music." So... he writes what he describes as "epic metal." Its kinda like, progressive power metal. Matt has great songwriting skills and a FANTASTIC voice. Try their new album (which actually has more than one person), Mirror of Souls. VERY good lyrics as well, especially the 20 minute title track.

Heres the heaviest and IMO the best track of this album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B24j9fnkxo4&fmt=18#

Neal Morse. This guy certianly takes a certian taste to enjoy, as he is EXTREMELY progressive, and rarely makes short songs (at least 8 of his songs are over 9 minutes long, one being 25 and another being 29). However, he has FANTASTIC lyrics, amazing songwriting, and as an added bonus, the drummer from Dream Theater has joined him on all his albums (who I consider to be the best drummer on the planet).

This song is a good mix of Neal's heavy and melodic sides.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHgrma1JM2Q&fmt=18#ws

Harmony. Basicly just a good christian power metal band. This song below is a good summary of their music. Oddly, its the only song with serious christian lyrics. The rest I'm not totally sure, but I doubt they'd go from saying Jesus died from you to something bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ium-bfjAMHc&fmt=18#

jtay · « **Reply #17 on:** July 19, 2009, 10:38:09 PM »

I've sort of heard of Theocracy. I found it once while searching around Wikipedia for Christian bands. I never really got to determine if I liked them or not, since it's hard to find their stuff on YouTube. And I looked up Harmony once, but when I read their lyrics, I couldn't decipher them to the point where I could determine if they were Christian or not. Aren't they Swedish or something?

Lamborghini_diablo · « **Reply #18 on:** July 19, 2009, 10:40:01 PM »

Somewhere in Europe yeah.

Listen to Eternity and you'll realize they're christian, or at least "positive grey" for the rest of their songs.

As far as Theocracy goes, their entire 2nd album can be found on Youtube, check it out if you want. I strongly suggest you do, as they're one of the most original Christian bands I have found.

Minister Polarius · « **Reply #19 on:** July 19, 2009, 10:51:50 PM »

I appreciate the good posts people have been putting up here. Some people are continuing to just lists bands (or of they do describe why they are good, it's with weak adjectives that could apply to ice cream flavors as easily as music) but I expected that when I started this post.

I'm just going to start with the obvious choice for me: U2. The reasons why they are a good band are innovation, energy, and lyrical talent. The Edge's innovation speaks for itself, so I'm not even going to elaborate on that. When the War CD came out, it completely revolutionized music. New Year's Day was a sound that was unheard of before, and the drum part on Sunday Bloody Sunday changed the way I thought about drumming when I first heard it. And then there was Where the Streets Have No Name. The first few minutes of the song are a vocal-free jamboree of soaring music and building energy. Bullet in a Blue Sky is one of the most dynamic songs I've ever heard, especially the live version. Beautiful Day is another instance of pure brilliance from a songwriting standpoint.

The energy is something not unique to U2, but very unusual for the kind of music. There are no heavy, grungy riffs or throbbing drum parts, but nobody can deny the sheer explosiveness of Vertigo or Gloria. Even the slower songs like October or One Tree Hill have a certain quality of power that belays the tempo.

Then there are the lyrics. "People say this is the golden age, and gold is the reason for the wars we wage." "Sleep comes like a drug in God's country." "And it's true we are immune when fact is fiction, MTV reality." There are so many other great lyrics that doing justice would take up multiple pages, so I'm just going to stop here.

Prof Underwood · « **Reply #20 on:** July 19, 2009, 11:02:49 PM »

Quote from: Lamborghini_diablo on July 19, 2009, 10:06:49 PM

Harmony. Basicly just a good christian power metal band. This song below is a good summary of their music. Oddly, its the only song with serious christian lyrics. The rest I'm not totally sure, but I doubt they'd go from saying Jesus died from you to something bad.

Props for being the first person to post a song on this board that I actually enjoyed listening. This group seems to be able to be enjoyed by you youngins as well as old fogeys like me

Lamborghini_diablo · « **Reply #21 on:** July 19, 2009, 11:05:24 PM »

Quote from: Minister Polarius on July 19, 2009, 10:51:50 PM

And then there was Where the Streets Have No Name. The first few minutes of the song are a vocal-free jamboree of soaring music and building energy.

Sorry, I just found this kinda funny, but thats probably because I know numerous songs that at least 4 minutes for the lyrics to start... the Neal Morse song I posted is almost a perfect 4 minutes before the lyrics begin, and one Dream Theater song takes 5:30 for the lyrics to begin.

Thats the problem with getting used to 20 minute + songs, 5 minutes and under become kinda boring. Its like, "wheres the song?"

Quote from: Prof Underwood on July 19, 2009, 11:02:49 PM

Quote from: Lamborghini_diablo on July 19, 2009, 10:06:49 PM
Harmony. Basicly just a good christian power metal band. This song below is a good summary of their music. Oddly, its the only song with serious christian lyrics. The rest I'm not totally sure, but I doubt they'd go from saying Jesus died from you to something bad.
Props for being the first person to post a song on this board that I actually enjoyed listening. This group seems to be able to be enjoyed by you youngins as well as old fogeys like me

If you like that, I'm sure I got more you'd like. Theocracy is sorta power metal-ish. I just happened to post their heaviest song because I love it so much.

Arch Angel · « **Reply #22 on:** July 19, 2009, 11:12:55 PM »

I would have to say that John Reuben is objectively good, though I know a good portion of people will disagree simply because his genre is rap. I view him as a lyrical genius, personally, and his tracks line up with the words immaculately. He has a talent for switching, and keeping, tempos easily and at the right moments to string parts of verses together so that the words and the music become two halves of one whole.

Another group I would say is very good, if not great, is Flee the Seen. The vocals a great, and they are definitely one of my favorite metal bands. Their sound is unique (at least from what I've experienced) both through the vocals and the instrumentals. The videos they've done also pair with the music well, almost keeping you wondering what's happening until the whole is revealed.

Aaaand I have more, but I don't wanna tl;dr this.

TheMarti · « **Reply #23 on:** July 19, 2009, 11:15:17 PM »

I'm a huge fan of Skillet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKT5SjcrSFg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fke.nelson&feature=player_embedded#

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuyupBmHfVQ&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fke.nelson&feature=player_embedded#

These are the two new songs that have been released as singles off their new album coming out next month. The reason I like Skillet is because every song of theirs does NOT sound the same. Some bands you hear the same sounds again and again. And the lyrics are pretty awesome too. Their stuff ranges from ballads (like "The Last Night" and "A Little More") to practically screaming (like Hero and Rebirthing). It's good stuff. They're probably the highest quality Christian band I know of at the moment.

I'm also a HUGE fan of Lincoln Brewster. We use a lot of his songs at the contemporary service at my church, and I really like how awesome he is at guitar. I heard him live at Creation for the first time this year, and really liked him live. I'm a big fan of his song "Today is the Day," and "The Power of Your Name"'s chorus is underneath my profile picture on my FB page.

~Marti

drb1200 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 19, 2009, 11:17:19 PM »

Casting Crowns, Third Day, DC Talk, and Tobymac are my favourites.

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Author Topic: Christian Bands (Read 14604 times)

Lamborghini_diablo

Lamborghini_diablo

Lamborghini_diablo

TheMarti

drb1200