A tribute to a selection of the greatest Christian metal bands and artists, both past and present.
(For a more comprehensive list you should visit https://www.angelicwarlord.com)
Starting off with...
W.A.S.P.
W.A.S.P. was one of the most controversial metal bands in the decade of the 80s.
But all this is in the past. In 2009 things completely changed, and they now
deliver a strong evangelical message, along with the classic W.A.S.P. sound!
HB
HB (short for Holy Bible) was a Christian symphonic metal band, founded in 2002, from Finland. Their sound is symphonic and gothic metal with a Christian message. The songs are layered with atmospheric keyboards and thick guitars. There are also plenty of orchestral parts with strings and choirs. HB's style is similar to groups like Within Temptation and Nightwish.
P.O.D. (Payable On Death)
P.O.D. exploded to the stratosphere with the extraordinary album "SATELLITE" in 2001. The band mix rock, rap and metal in a brilliant way, with positive lyrics that display the band's Christian faith.
DEMON HUNTER
Demon Hunter is a Christian metalcore band from Seattle, Washington, started by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. With singles like "Infected", "Not ready to die", and "My heartstrings come undone the have become one of the premier names in Christian hardcore. "My heartstrings...." is also part of the soundtrack for the movie "Resident Evil: Apocalypse".
BLOODGOOD
American heavy metal band Bloodgood released their first album in 1986. The lead singer, Les Carlsen" has a "nasally" voice that can't be compared to anyone I've ever heard. Their latest studio album was recorded in 2013 and in late 2019 they released a full-length documentary called "Trenches of rock". In 2022 founder of the band, Michael Bloodgood, tragically died due to complications of a hemorrhagic stroke.
BRIDE
Bride is a Christian heavy metal/hard rock band formed in the 80s, by brothers Dale and Troy Thompson. Despite being criticized for their abrupt changes in style, the band has remained largely popular around the world. Lead singer Dale Thompson's screaming vocals is combined with pure metal and crystal clear evangelical lyrics.
MORTIFICATION
Mortification is probably the most famous Christian death-metal band around. The band members are from Tasmania and belong to the Pentecost church. Vocalist Steve Rowe has one of the rawest voices in the genre.
ONE BAD PIG
One Bad Pig is a punk band which released their first album in 1989. Their big breakthrough came a year later though, with the album "Swine Flew". On their third album "I scream Sunday", they even managed to bring in country music superstar Johnny Cash, to sing on their cover of "Man In Black". In 2016 they took their fans by surprise, by releasing their first full-length album since 1991!
STRYPER
The most successful Christian metal band ever, Stryper, was a pioneer in Christian music. Their first album, "The Yellow And Black Attack" which was released in 1984, was one of the very first Christian metal albums. Almost 40 years later, Stryper is still going strong! Their latest album, The final battle, was released in 2022.
NARNIA
Narnia is a Swedish melodic metal band, with its roots undeniably in Malmsteen territory. Founded by guitarist Carl Johan Grimmark and singer Christian Liljegren in Sweden in 1996.
ALICE COOPER
Alice Cooper is well known for his stage shows that were designed to shock, featuring electric chairs, fake blood and snakes. In the 1970s Cooper became addicted to drugs and alcohol. He always said his music was about choosing good over evil. In the end Cooper made that decision for himself and became a born again Christian.