Top 10 Best Christian Metal Bands
Christian metal bands exist in all the metal subgenres. What is the best band?
Demon Hunter is an American Christian metal band from Seattle, Washington, started in 2000 by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. Although the brothers created the band together, only Ryan remains, since Don left the band to take care of his family. Hands down, this is the greatest Christian metal band of all time. Been a fan since The Triptych record, which was one of my favorites. I've listened to many bands like August Burns Red, Impending Doom, Skillet, Living Sacrifice, Becoming the Archetype, Fit For A King. and they are all amazing! but I still think Demon Hunter should be at the top of the list. With Patrick Judge's mind blowing guitar solos, and how Ryan Clark can switch from angry growling to a beautiful melodic chorus, and of course Yogi Watts on drums. This band has talent. My two favorite songs have got to be Collapsing, and Undying. I also don't understand why Living Sacrifice is not even in the top 5. Demon Hunter is a great band and deserve to be recognized.
I think when you look at albums like Storm the Gates of Hell, True Defiance, and Extremist it becomes clear that these guys make some of the best songs in metal. The gripes most people have is unoriginality or a lack of experimentation. My response is that these guys simply know what their sound is and aren't trying to be everything to all people. Demon Hunter is Demon Hunter and Demon Hunter delivers incredible lyricism and catchy as hell, while still having balls, metal in spades.
Sometimes their songs don't make sense at first. But I looked up the meaning of the words (and some Bible searching), and there is a TON of really deep theology in their songs! It blew me away, and helped deepen my faith! Plus, Ryan Clark has a REALLY nice voice and can scream understandable words! Really love this band!
I love metal because it calms me down. I find myself concentrating on all the different parts of the song other than the wailing and squawking. 'Collapsing' is definitely my favourite Demon Hunter and Metal song of all time. The only problem I face is trying to explain to my, non-metal fan, friends, their album covers.
August Burns Red is an American metalcore band from Manheim, Pennsylvania. Formed in 2003, the group began their first performances while a majority of the members were attending their senior year of high school, and soon began playing shows around Lancaster, before being signed to CI Records. Afterwards, ...read more. If your truly honest, if you seriously analyze these guys entire body of work, if you really do love metal than you know just how close to perfect these guys are. Since Thrillseeker, ABR has done nothing that could be considered mediocre or unoriginal and with each new release has only raised bars that only they could set.
All 5 of these guys are expert craftsmen continually striving for remarkable and freshness; gifted among men. And what's inspiring is their talents are almost always directed towards God or godly principles. Unassuming in appearance, there is no other band that embodies Christian metal or metalcore period than ABR.
Living legends...
The best metal band that I've ever heard... Their vocals have great range and clarity, their guitarists are very talented, and their drummer is probably the most skilled I have heard. On top of that, their lyrics are the most moving of any metal band. All those who agree with me, help bring ABR to the top of this list.
This band has a great faith. But faith alone does not make a great band. It takes talent, too. These guys combine faith and talent and become giants. That's why they are the best Christian metal band of our time!
Amazing riffs! Epic screaming! Drummer just ROCKS! And they have some songs that aren't just neutral, but also Christian! Defender, Whitewashed, and Redemption to name a few.
For Today is an American Christian metalcore band from Sioux City, Iowa, formed in 2005. They are currently signed to Nuclear Blast Records. As a Christian, I absolutely love this band because of their out in the open love and passion for Jesus Christ. They don't beat around the beat, or sugarcoat anything. They are very upfront. Disregarding the lyrics though, it's hard not to be impressed with the amazing unclean vocalist that is Mattie Montgomery. One of the few that you can really feel emotion and power through his voice. The energy these guys give off at their concerts is absolutely intense. Sad to hear they are breaking up, but extremely happy that I have and will continue to call them my favorite musical act.
Literally one of the only bands that actually shows God in their lyrics. They're so blunt and proud when it comes to our King. While other bands speak of God so hiddenly and rarely. Plus, this band has amazing hardcore music that fills you up with that passion! This band along with Sleeping Giant and The Great Commission should definitely be at the top. The ones that are on the top kinda suck.
For Today should definitely be #1. Their music is amazingly brutal, and they are one of the most talented bands out their. Besides that they never fail to praise God in their songs. Have you ever been to one of their concerts? It is an unforgettable experience. The music is rocking but you can tell that God is in the building whenever these guys plug in. For Today definitely deserves the #1 spot.
So raw with their lyrics and music! Never heard a better Christian metal band, from the second I heard them I was hooked! I can listen to them day in and out and never get tired of them! They are such a huge inspiration to me! Their music is so brutal and just out of this world literally! Mattie is so inspiring live too!
Red is an American christian alternative rock/alternative metal band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2002 by brothers guitarist Anthony Armstrong and bassist Randy Armstrong, with lead vocalist Michael Barnes. Awesome band... and excellent sound, up until "Until We Have Faces". But to be honest, they're not a metal band (you've got Let Go and a few harder songs) but they're pretty much hard rock. Don't confuse the two... but for their effort and unique sound, I think they should go up on this list!
P.S. Their BEST sound was on their first two albums -- they've gotten too pop-like from there in my humble opinion. I hope the 2015 one cleans that up and restores their classic sound.
One of my favourite bands ever. Their musical creativity knows no borders and their lyrics touch me every time. And yes, they ARE a Metal band. It is Alternative Metal/Nu Metal with influences from Rock music and a lot of symphonic and electronic elements.
Just hear to them and you will realise. It should be at least top 3. Definitely a more deserving band. They have the most emotive and dark sound ever heard. Yet melodious. A great combo of anger and melody. Hear lost, let go and fight inside and you will understand.
As I much as I love RED, I'm not quite sure if they're metal or not, as apposed to hard rock. Just about all the rest of the bands on this list are metalcore groups, and RED is definitely not that. Not sure though.
The Devil Wears Prada is an American metalcore band from Dayton, Ohio, formed in 2005. It consists of members Mike Hranica, Jeremy DePoyster, Andy Trick, and Daniel Williams. These guys are absolutely amazing! Some people complain about their name, but it does nothing to hamper their superior sound. Of every true metal band I've head of (Christian or not), no one has blown me away quite like these guys.
Just to clarify, Skillet is NOT a metal band, (but they're a great ROCK band.) Same goes for Disciple, who did play something resembling metal at some points in their career, are largely a ROCK band. TFK and P.O.D. aren't really metal bands either.
P.S. the Showdown is way back on this list at like 50 or something. In my opinion, they should at least be in the top ten. If you don't vote of The Devil Wears Prada, then vote for the Showdown!
They describe my entire philosophy in their songs. Amazing band! Most underrated because of their sound. Their message is amazing, but not EVERYBODY can tolerate the screaming. I love the passion though!
I love The Devil Wears Prada! And for me they're the best (melodic) metal band. I love how they play, Mike's screams, guitar riffs, EVERYTHING. This band fits my soul.
Love these guys! Great musicians and props because they are from Dayton, Ohio!
Living Sacrifice is an American Christian metal band formed in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1989. Over the years, their music has evolved to encompass various styles, including thrash metal, death metal, and metalcore. They are considered pioneers in the Christian metal genre, known for their unflinching lyrics and complex compositions. Living Sacrifice has been influential not only in religious circles but also in the broader metal community. The very first Christian thrash/death metal band to emerge in the early 90's. The first self titled album is amazing. I wish DJ would come back if only do diversify vocals with Bruce. Don't get me wrong, Bruce is incredible, but that "slayerish" feel left with DJ.
Epic times ten. Tourniquet, living sacrifice, and strong arm before a dirtbike race. Real metal that gets you pumped and lets you feel the power of god with there lyrics and sound.
Living Sacrifice is Stellar! Been listening to them since they first hit the scene.
Iconic! Look at all these bands are from 90's. LS formed since 89. Senority and innovation within Christian music scene. For me should be on 1st position.
Tourniquet to me is a clear #1, I've owned all their albums, and Microscopic View of a Teleskopic Realm is one of my favorite albums of all time. There are so many good songs going back to the Ark of Suffering days. If you are into Christian Metal and haven't gone down the Tourniquet rabbit hole, you are missing out!
Just listen to songs like "Ark of Suffering", "Swarming Spirits", "Ready or Not", and "Broken Chromosomes". Then you might consider them as good as the big four. I'd probably say Ark of Suffering would rank up to songs like "Master of Puppets", and "Symphony of Destruction". Swarming Spirits is a good song, and my personal favorite by them, even though one of their riffs sounds like Metallica's "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)". "Ready or Not", is basically the "PAINKILLER" or Christian Metal, and they were both released the same year. "Broken Chromosomes" was also really good.
A good Christian band that proves that you can be a Jesus Follower and still Rock Out!
Tourniquet has it all, especially in their second incarnation, with Luke Easter and Aaron Guerra. Check out Microscopic view of a telescopic realm. Fantastic, topped by Erratic palpitations of the human spirit, which has everything you could imagine in a song. It's my second favorite Christian themed song after Believe by Savatage ( best song lyrics ever).
Tourniquet's musical composure and aggressive thrash style surpasses all Christian metal bands. The heavy but cleaner vocals communicates the message more clearly, and the clever, metaphorical lyrics always broadens my knowledge on what the bible has to say about things. Grab a dictionary for those medical terms though; it can get pretty brutal
As I Lay Dying is an American metalcore band from San Diego, California. Founded in 2000 by vocalist Tim Lambesis, the establishment of the band's first full lineup, which included drummer Jordan Mancino, occurred in 2001. As I Lay Dying has released six albums, one split album, and two compilation albums. Just have to say that vengeance rising should not be on here. The band is now satanic. I don't care if they used to be Christian, they're not a Christian band. Skilled is not metal any way you twist it. And August Burns Red should be way up here.
AS I LAY DYING should be right at the top, but I feel that this band is best among all metalcore bands. The songs that it creates are full of Jesus's ideologies but the meanings are so deep and beautiful!
And the music quality is beyond extraordinaire!
As I Lay Dying was great and dis-appointing all in one. But one of the great quandries of Christian life. While the music is true and well intended, they are all indeed men and will ultimately fail. See the music for what it is and what it means to you, not lesser from the actions of foolish men.
Their leader hired a hitman to kill their wife. All of the members have said that they are Atheistic now. Please remove this from the list and not vote for it.
Theocracy is a Christian progressive power metal band founded in 2002 by Matt Smith of Athens, Georgia. Not only the best Christian metal band but the best band I have ever listened to, period. Mirror of Souls is an absolute masterpiece. 1000x better than the "-core" bands occupying the current top places here
I will state right up front that I can't get into metalcore because of the singing be it screamo or the deep growl singing (although certain 'growlers don't bother me I.e. Demon Hunter and Death Therapy). So that eliminates lots of these bands for me. Theocracy is a Power Metal bands with some speed metal thrown in at times. The lyrics are great but I am bummed about the drummer leaving (Shawn Benson). Check out his drumming on the Mirror of Souls or As the World Bleeds CDs. He is excellent.
Best band period in my opinion. No Christian metal band comes anywhere close to the depth of the Lyrics from Theocracy. Just listen to Mirror of Souls, I Am, or Absolution Day. Their lyrics are like poetic sermons that cut right to the heart. They don't shy away from tough subjects or talking about real battles Christians face. They're provoking, encouraging, uplifting, and they challenge me to be a better Christian.
A band comprised of very talented men especially the vocalist, Matt Smith. Some of their best works are: I Am, As The World Bleeds, Mirror of Souls and Easter
This band is amazing, some songs have brought tears to my eyes. All their songs are amazing (Their first album, Theocracy, not so much but it is understandable considering the fact that Smith did it all on his own which is absolutely incredible if you think about it). Some of my favourites are: (The best works I typed above), 30 Pieces of Silver, The Wonder of It All, Laying the Demon to Rest, Wishing Well, The Gift Of Music, Around the World and Back, and... Well basically every song they have made lol. If you can't tell, I'm a big fan
Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996 and based in the United States. Skillet is metal, nu-metal, alternative metal, and metal in itself band. However, when they deliver their music, they are trying to reach a very diverse fan base and keep their numbers up at the same time. That is pretty amazing for any band and let's not forget to add the fact that John and the rest of the Skillet crew have NEVER swayed away from their true Christian roots whether they are on stage, in the studio, and in their personal lives. They are one of the few metal bands that are as transparent as Skillet. So, in closing, I will keep praying that their music will bring peace to those in turmoil, happiness in times of sadness, and comfort in times of grief. Godbless, Master Panhead Theo
Skillet is my favorite band in the world and I admire everything that they do. They should be number one. John Cooper can wail and Jen Ledger can drum amazing for someone so young and her voice is like an angel. Korey Cooper knows how to wail on the keyboards and guitar and as for Seth Morison, you are an amazing guitarist. I love Skillet. I have everything they have ever made from the first album in 1996 Skillet to the last album Awake 2009 and am getting the new one that is coming out in April or March.
Their simply the best. Tell me how many bands has 10-15 great songs as skillet. Awake and alive. Monster. Hero. Falling inside the black. Whispers in the dark. Yours to hold. Lucy. Dead inside. Comatose. The older I get. The last night. Live free or let me die. Rebirthing. Never surrender. Its not me its you. The list never ends. Simply greatt
Skillet while not metal is one of the most influential christian bands on the rock and metal scene, they aspire to create good music for everyone (christian or not) to enjoy and then to speak Christ through that music to those who will hear.
Mortification is an Australian Christian extreme metal band which was formed in 1987 as a heavy metal group, Lightforce, by mainstay Steve Rowe on bass guitar and vocals. There was no Death Metal/Thrash prior to Mortification. They are to Christian Death Metal as Black Sabbath is to Metal. They invented the genre.
Their music is very sub par in recent years, but the first three Mortification albums are fantastic death metal.
Death metal from Australia that is recognized as excellent even in the secular Death Metal scene.
Stryper is an American Christian metal band from Orange County, California. The group's lineup consists of Michael Sweet, Oz Fox, Perry Richardson, and Robert Sweet. No band is more technical or progressive than stryper. I am a fan of all metal, not just christian, and these guys have blown me away since the 80's with their incredible guitar work and unbelievable vocals. Over the years they have only gotten better; the album "murder by pride" is on my top ten lists of greatest albums of all time of any music style, nudging out their previous album "reborn". Hey Stryper, thanks for SPECTACULAR music, keep rocking, I will keep listening.
The first Christian Metal band to really make it big. Without Stryper, there probably would not be anywhere near as many Christian metal bands as there are and they would not get the attention that they do.
They are the best and should be number one. no one can sing like Michael Sweet and Oz Fox is amazing on guitar. Robert Sweet has to be the best drummer in the world and Timothy Gaines is the best bass guitar player I've ever heard.
I accepted the Lord as my Savior when I was 10 years old. I have been a die-hard Stryper fan since 1985. I found that Stryper music allowed me to express myself as a Christian to my head banging friends.
Underoath is an American rock band from Tampa, Florida. Founded by Dallas Taylor and Luke Morton on November 30, 1997, in Ocala, Florida; subsequently its additional members were from Tampa. I'm sorry, this page is not accurate. I agree with the first two, seeing as As I lay Dying, Devil Wears Prada and Underoath have all been debated among many as being the best Christian metal bands out there. But Stryper, Tournaquet and Demon Hunter don't even deserve to be on this list. Sorry.
Truly the greatest Christian metal band out there! And their new album is sick! The fact they're only at number 10 is quite baffling. They deserve to be number 2 if not 1.
Underoath at 20? They should be number one. They changed the christian metal scene into what it is today.
Half these bands, or more wouldn't be on here if it wasn't for these guys.
Impending Doom is an American Christian deathcore band from Riverside, California. The group has released five full-length studio albums and are currently a five piece with vocalist Brook Reeves as one of the two original remaining members along with Manny Contreras who left the band in 2010 but returned ...read more. I dunno why this band is at least in the top 5. Seriously, what is this? Impending Doom is one of the best Christian metal bands out their! Like really, I think this band should be in at least the top five. The way they can combine death metal, and the Christian culture is just magnificent. I really respect this band, and think they are great
Are you kidding me?! Impending Doom has to be the best death metal Christian band I had ever heard. These guys deserve to be #1 on the list. 2 things you need to do while listening to this band, pray to God and head bang the crap out of yourself.
These guys are incredible! We've seen them dozens of times since their beginning and they walk the talk. Great men of God!
Greetings from Poland. This band is awesome. I like the power in their music. Style is fantastic.
Oh, Sleeper is an American Christian metalcore band from Fort Worth, Texas. Previously signed to Solid State Records they are currently operating independently. Oh sleeper destroys! Means to believe is so powerful! Wayy better than The Devil Wears Prada with their nonstop auto tune clean vocals ABR and Oh, Sleeper are the top too in my opinion and where is For Today they should replace skillet in this list and The Color Morale should replace Demon Hunter
This band is one of the best Christian bands I've listened to. The lyrics are awesome and Micah's screaming is very clear yet aggressive as Shane's clean vocals will blow you away.
Sick band! I'm a fan of both Oh Sleeper and The Devil Wears Prada and I have to say Oh Sleeper's music is way better The Devil Wears Prada. And as for vocals, Micah beats Mike!
Oh sleeper is the best love it so much. Skillet is NOT a metal band
Thousand Foot Krutch is a Canadian Christian rock band formed in 1995. They have released eight albums. They have also released two live albums and three remix albums. Awesome band! One of the best in my opinion, they have so many albums and I've listened to them all so many times.
I LOVE TFK! They're not a metal band so much as they are a hard rock/alternative rock band, but if that genre has a list, they should be at the top. AMAZING BAND!
I love them and you can understand what they are saying and it's all about GOD.
Heck, I'm listening to 'Born Again' as I'm typing this. Need I say more?
Memphis May Fire is an American metalcore band formed in Denton, Texas and currently signed to Rise Records. Memphis May Fire should be way up there on the list! They're such an amazing band and their lyrics are always showing me that God loves us. The Sinner is an amazing song talking about how were sinners but God loves us anyway. Also, it talks about God taking away our pride, and other sinful things. Their newest album is amazing too! It's called "Unconditional" great screams, great vocals, they're just awesome! Definitely check them out!
This band hits home. Their music is outstanding in all fields. Their music is quite blunt sometimes, coming from the Mullen's emotional state, but also when calling people out. I thoroughly enjoy this band. Especially the song "Not Enough" and "Sleepless Nights" on their "Unconditional" album.
OK, Memphis May Fire is the best metal band ever. Their music is amazingly blended, and the vocals are some of the best in the industry. Their message is amazing and their music is even better. These guys should definitely be in the top three, if not #1.
This is easily one of my favorite Christian metal bands. There is great vocals and great instrumentation from everyone else. Plus, Matty Mullins is really a good man of God who even last year (2014) came out with a Christian pop solo career!
Very good speed/thrash metal, one of the most important bands in the Christian metal scene.
By far the best Christian thrash band of all time and they have a new album coming out next month with the
Legends Jayson Sherlock on drums, Mike Phillips on guitar, Manny on bass and the man Jimmy.
An absolutely outstanding thrash metal band. One of the best thrash metal bands of all time. These guys were incredibly influential. The first three albums were absolute masterpiece. Each one became a little bit more Progressive and complex. Also one of the few bands that could sound as good or better live then on their CD. Stryper was always strong in this respect also.
Excellent progressive Thrash. This band is interesting because they are one of the few Christian bands to influence metal outside of the Christian metal scene. They are also the originators of the female fronted symphonic metal sound that bands like Within Temptation and Sirenia are known for.
Believer's first 3 albums are unmatched in their quality and originality combining technical thrash, classical, and opera influences.
Listen to Outlaws by disciple.. Just amazing.. And By God is their best metal song.. Followed by scars remain.
Jesus is very Happy when Disciple releases a new album. These guys are a Force for The LORD!
Best Metal Band I've ever heard!
Amazing lyrics and music to listen to
If you don't believe me just check them out they are amazing! Listen to "the ballad of st. Augustine
Gutteral screams and shouts with awesome guitar work make Disciple the best.
Flyleaf is an American rock band formed in Bell County, Texas, in 2002. The band has charted on mainstream rock, Christian pop and Christian metal genres. Best band out there not just in the Christian category, sick instrumentals, best vocalist. It deserves the number one spot here by far listen to their latest project 'between the stars'. It sold pretty well, and did well on billboard 200. not to mention how good the past albums are, just incredible.
Flyleaf should be number 2 after red Lacey Sturm is my heroin and I'm a 15 year old boy
Even after several line-up changes this band keeps pushing the limits Progressive Christian Death-metal genre. They aren't afraid to experiment with different sounds with their albums evolving in different ways every time. Most importantly, you can feel the pure fervor for God displayed in energetic, all-out musicianship.
One of the most progressive, musically talented and creative bands I've ever listened to. Their debut album "Terminate Damnation" belongs to the best albums ever produced. It's close to perfect.
Becoming the Archetype's intro to some of their songs is what sets them apart in my opinion. Listen to "Ransom", "Dichotomy", "The Epigone", "Mountain of Souls", "How Great Thou Art" and the list can go on.
This band is brutal and easily deserves to be top 5 in anyone's Christian Metal list! If they're not you're doing metal all wrong!
Much more metal than say, skillet, and better all around than most on the list in my humble opinion. Just found them and I am blown away!
I just started listening to them and I think they need to be higher on the list. #42 doesn't cut it for these guys.
WO! I can't believe this is #44! Fit for a King is one of the heaviest Christian metal bands that exist.
How are they not at least in the top 20? Their better than most of the bands in the top 10!
Extol are a progressive extreme Christian metal band from Bekkestua, Norway that was formed in 1993. The band is known for playing a variety of different styles of metal which include progressive metal, death metal, black metal and thrash metal. People, do any of you try new bands? Everyone here is claiming that the band they listen to is the best, when actually the band isn't even metal and should be in this list in the first place. Give this band a try. Also, mortification needs some votes, crimson moonlight, crimson thorn. Come on people, are you really metal fans?
Love Extol check out Of Light and Shade documentary!
You should check out their Deadweight album. SUPER heavy with some deep stuff.