Playlist for an Apologist

A good song can go a long way into brightening your day. Don’t believe me? Just ask King Saul about the songs David would play and how they caused an evil spirit to depart from him. In fact, even God loves Himself a good melody. Psalm 150:3-6 mentions the many musical ways we can praise Him.

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

As a musician and self-proclaimed music snob, I can attest to how great I feel when I listen to an artist who seems to speak right to me through their composition and lyrics. Not only do I feel like I have found music which I don’t feel guilty listening to but I am refreshed by the fact that I am not alone in how I think. It is to this end I want to devote this article and highlight three different musical artists who seem to sing and play to the apologetic aesthetic. I will cover artists in three different musical genres; therefore, if an artist doesn’t strike your fancy genre wise, hopefully one of the other artists can appeal to you.

1. (Knowda)Verbs

Verbs also known as Knowdaverbs is a Christian hip hop artist who sadly hasn’t gained enough attention in the genre. However, he has gained some positive critical reception due to his beats and intelligent lyrics. Verbs’ lyrics are grounded in the Word and cover many issues from ministry to spiritual warfare to the power of God. He does not talk down to his audience which is something any apologist should be able to appreciate. So, for any apologist who loves hip hop, I would definitely recommend a listen to Verbs. Musical highlights include the songs: Syllabus, God is Big, Plane Scared, and Giant Slayers.

2. Becoming the Archetype

From the world of hip hop to a very different musical world is the metal band, Becoming the Archetype, whose name is a reference to the fact that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Archetype of humanity and we should strive to be like Him. Becoming the Archetype (BTA) is the ultimate academic Christian metal band with lyrics about the futility of atheistic thought like:

Initially they rationalized with futile speculations
Which brought about their ultimately fatal calculations
They sewed their own eyes shut
To protect them from the light
Closed the doorway of their minds
Barred and sealed it tight

In addition to lyrics that just ooze apologetic assertions, the musical composition of BTA is some of the best in the business. The guitars ring, the drums destroy with their machine gun sound, and the bass thumps. Metal might not be your cup of tea, but I definitely hope that doesn’t stop you from experiencing some of the most sincere and intelligent Christian musicians out there today. Musical highlights include: Dichotomy, Ex Nihilo, The Magnetic Sky, and How Great Thou Art (yes, this is a metal cover of the hymn).

3. Joy Electric

Okay, so hip hop and metal aren’t your thing musically. Well, what about electronica? Electronica is the realm of Joy Electric , who can be described as a Christian synthpop artist. Joy Electric, or Ronnie Martin, has written numerous songs covering many different topics including: believer exhortation, scientific inquiry, literary legends, and history. In light of most electronic music which can be loud and bombastic, Martin employs a mainly subdued and simple style adding accessibility to his music. In addition, Joy Electric’s writing exhibits an intelligence above similar artists’ lyrics, and one can see the type of research he places into his subject matter. This can be appreciated by individuals in the field of apologetics who themselves place emphasis on research in both the Word and science. Musical highlights include: The Heritage Bough, Nikola Tesla, The Otherly Opus, and Disloyalist Party.

The Fall of Tim Lambesis and the Lessons We Can Learn

Some disturbing news came out a week ago about the front man of one of my favorite bands: Tim Lambesis from As I lay Dying and Austrian Death Machine was caught soliciting an undercover detective into killing his wife. While, I understand that, in the US, one is innocent until proven guilty, the evidence seems very staggering in this case. I have been reading various message boards and blogs about this particular event and I feel like I want to chime in on something that might go down as one of the biggest scandals in Christian music history.

Before we continue, I would like to mention a couple of things. Like I’ve said before in other articles, I am a Christian who loves metal music and, thus, I am not going to take a prude’s approach to Christian metal or metal music as a whole. In addition, I am not in any way shape or form going to question Lambesis’ salvation as has been discussed ad nauseum on different message boards. That is all between God and him. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s take a look at what lesson we can learn from this whole mess as Christians
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When it comes to circumstances such as these, I am a person who likes to look at the whole picture and looking at the events leading up to the eventual arrest, one can see a perfect example of the spiritual battle of God versus the devil and how the devil can overpower us if we’re not careful. Let’s begin our study in the Word with 1 Peter 5:8 which states, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” The devil is always looking to destroy us and how does he do it, but by watching our habits and knowing what can get to us.

Metal heads, Christian or otherwise, like to sugar coat some bands and tendencies of the genre by saying, “Oh, that band is not really satanic, it’s just the aesthetic,” or “It’s all a joke, the Satanism expressed is meant to be ironic.” This sentiment is just utterly ridiculous. No matter how serious one’s satanic imagery is meant to be, the devil will use it just the same.  The same goes for other metal tendencies in the realm of murder, excess, violence, and sex. When someone fully immerses themselves in that world, they will never come out unscathed.

The preceding paragraph highlights many of the reasons Christian metal is so appealing to the Christian as the genre tends to eliminate many of the themes put out by metal bands. However, many of the biggest Christian metal bands have become just as popular as their secular counterparts and have enjoyed much crossover success. This success, I believe presents a problem in the long run. Gone are the days when Christian and secular bands would play different shows at different venues. Now, Christian bands will usually tour with secular and, in many cases, “satanic” bands co-headlining and what not.

I can just point to a tour like Sounds of the Underground Tour where Christian bands, As I Lay Dying and The Chariot, toured with the noted Bible burning and destroying band, Behemoth, and Gwar, whose stage show is definitely not a Billy Graham crusade. While this is but one example, you might say, this type of tour lineup has become common place in the metal world. One can’t say that eventually the metal lifestyle led by the latter two bands does not eventually rub off on Christian bands however slight the influence is. Plus, the partying lifestyle of the typical metal band lends itself to where instant gratification is the norm with booze, drugs, and women. I can’t imagine how many temptations Christian bands have to turn down each and every night.

Now, this brings us back to Lambesis and the topic at hand. What can we learn from all of this? Well, I will say the last few months have been ominous, to say the least. When As I Lay Dying’s newest album, Awakened, was released in September 2012, many fans questioned the darker tone of the album. In addition, about seven months ago, fans were contemplating what the lyrics to “A Greater Foundation” could mean coming from a Christian band and Lambesis came out with an extremely vague and questionable response on his personal tumblr. This caused many fans to question his Christianity. I, on the other hand, can relate to many things he said on the tumblr, but still I am puzzled by its ambiguity and dancing around the subject.

Another warning sign came through his death metal project, Pyrithion, as some fans went so far as to call the album “satanic.” Iwouldn’t go to that extreme as I have read the lyrics and there is no worshipping of the devil or anything of that nature. However, Rest in the Arms of a Paralyzed Beast, is a far cry from anything Lambesis wrote for As I Lay Dying as the song seems to obviously question God’s existence. The artwork on the EP’s cover left much to be desired. Allegations of an anti-Christian bent to the band became so rampant, that at the end of April, Lambesis put out a Youtube video defending himself. Again his defense was very ambiguous in terms of Christianity.

Exhibit A

All of these controversies culminated in the biggest one of them all, Lambesis’ arrest and the accusations against him. Why mention all this? As I said before, a huge lesson can be learned from these examples. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” This, I think goes double for a scene such as the metal scene.

What I see in Tim Lambesis is a Christian who got too caught up in the metal scene which eventually led to his downfall. Most likely, his intentions were pure in bringing Christianity to a place where it had rarely gone before. To that end, he succeeded in that many metal heads were reached by God and many Christians were able to have an outlet. However, run with the wolves long enough and you will get bitten.

I once heard that the difference between God and the devil is what’s best for you and what’s good for you. What does this mean? God always wants what’s best for you. His way is always the best and right way. The devil tempts you with what’s good for you. The devil will rarely blindside you with the most evil thing at the time because you would never accept it. He has to take chunks out of you with temptation as you continually give in until your fall is complete. Sadly, we got to see this fall first hand and in the case of a Christian leader such as Lambesis, he fell hard because the devil has to make an example.

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #1

1. Petra


HM Magazine once did a list of the 100 greatest Christian rock albums of all time. Petra’s Back to the Street was unceremoniously placed at number 67 behind such Christian rock giants as U2, Creed, and Owl City. While, I am not going to question anyone’s love of Christian rock and its history, I will point out the egregious misunderstanding of how important Petra is to modern Christian music in general. Just look at some of the firsts, Petra has accomplished. First Christian rock band to be inducted into the Hard Rock Café. First Christian rock band inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. First Christian rock band to play Farm Aid.

Larry Norman is often credited with being the “Father of Christian Rock” and if Petra can’t lay claim to the title; then, I would like to call them the “Big Brother of Christian Rock.” Petra is the big brother who went through all the picketing at concerts, bashing by fundamentalists, and discrediting by mainstream Christian culture so that others could reap the benefits of acceptance within the Church. Sure, Petra wasn’t the only band who experienced this. There were no lack of Christian rock bands in the late seventies/early eighties; however most bands either did not last or crossed over into more mainstream endeavors. Petra was the band that the genre needed. They stayed pretty much exclusively in the Christian market and fought it from the inside. All the while, they attracted thousands to their shows with stage production and bombast rivaling any secular counterpart.

The sure greatness of Petra is that they were able to stay relevant and popular even through all the negative press from both sides. The members of Petra would even bring prominent Church leaders backstage and show them people getting saved and still these leaders riled against Petra and Christian rock. This history alone should make them the greatest Christian rock but it is only one half of the equation. Musically, Petra is the greatest outright rock band period, in my humble opinion.

I will admit, I am definitely a Pethead. So, yes, I don’t mind anyone accusing me of being a homer. However, I implore you not to discredit the sheer mastery of music Petra has displayed and continues to display. Bob Hartman’s guitar playing should rate up there with the best of them. Just listen to songs like Judas’ Kiss or Sight Unseen and you can hear his wonderful riffs. Through two eras of Petra, they brought us some great lead singers: Greg X. Volz and John Schlitt. Both of these men deserve to be listed among the best rock vocalists. Petra also puts out a great live show. I have been fortunate to see Petra with both men fronting the band and each show was a joy. One of the highlights of the Classic Petra show I saw not too long ago was watching John Lawry and Bob Hartman lead battle with a keytar and guitar. I have never seen a band do that before.

Favorite Songs: Counsel of the Holy, Midnight Oil, Sight Unseen, Beat the System, Grave Robber, and It is Finished

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #2

2. Project 86

I know what you’re thinking, “Project 86 at number two?” Ah, yes, Project 86 is number two and they most certainly belong here. Out of all the bands on this list, I believe Project 86’s life as a band would probably make the best band biopic. Loads of controversy seeming tame by today’s standards: check. Dramatic screw you to the big wig record company: check. The in and out of a number of band members: check. Rise back to relevance: check. How could this not make a good movie?

One of the youngest bands on this list, Project 86 came to prominence with their album, Drawing Black Lines, in 2000. Atlantic gained interest and signed them to a multi-album deal. However, Truthless Heroes, sounded quite different than its predecessor and couple that with controversy surrounding the album and less than expected album sales, Atlantic dropped the band. I came into the Project 86 fold during this era of the band and I literally destroyed Truthless Heroes by listening to the album too much. Their story wasn’t over, however, and Project 86 made a comeback independently and on Tooth & Nail with multiple successful follow ups.

One of the reasons Project 86 is so high on the list is that they march to beat of their own drummer. Many of the albums have different musical vibes; but, they all seem to retain what I would call the Project 86 sound. Drawing Black Lines is very much a Nu-metal album and Rival Factions has a New Wave/Goth rock sound, but each of these albums sounds distinctly Project 86. Also, Andrew Schwab, the front man, might be the greatest song writer in Christian rock if not rock music in general. He has a mastery of metaphor and analogy with a certain subtlety to his writing. What’s amazing to me is that even with all the tricks of the English language he uses, one can always understand what exactly he’s talking about.   

Another point I would like to make is that you don’t become number two on this list without being influential and many bands have named Project 86 as a huge influence in their music. A big influence on me, personally, would be their former bassist, Steven Dail, mentioned before in the Brothers Martin entry. Project 86 is a very bass heavy band and his playing just always seems to be the right groove at the right time.

Favorite songs: Hollow Again, Molotov, Me Against Me, and Spy Hunter

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #3

3. Earthsuit

A lot of you newly initiated into the Christian rock sphere will probably inquire of Earthsuit with a resounding, “Who?!” Don’t worry, that’s the usual response I receive when bringing up the band; and, if that’s the case, then why are they number three on the list of 15 greatest Christian rock bands? Well, every so often, we are blessed with a group of artists so great and talented with their art that what is produced by these artists is, for lack of a better word, amazing. Many times this work of art is not appreciated in its time. This is where I would place the band, Earthsuit.

Earthsuit had one of the most unique sounds of any band I have ever heard. They combined reggae, hard rock, electronica, soul, and hip hop into a very enjoyable cohesive whole. A problem arose though, because of their hard rock and hip hop elements, they were compared to Linkin Park and POD. This comparison hurt them in the end because Sparrow Records ended up dropping them because Earthsuit would not be just another rap rock/Nu-metal band. In the end, it was probably a blessing in a musical sense because their independently released album, The Rise of Modern Simulation, is, in my opinion, a masterpiece of hybrid music.

The band also had a very strong Christian message which made it amazing that a Christian band would be so off the rails musically. This showed me that a Christian band can produce music any way they want and should not be bound by the “normal” Christian rock sound. While I say this about Earthsuit, I think this rule applies to all the bands on this list.

Favorite songs: Wheel, Osmosis Land, Bloodshot Fanatical, and Foreign

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #4

4. dc Talk


Just missing generation X, I was not privy to the Public Enemy/Anthrax collaboration, Bring the Noise, or RunDMC/Aerosmith’s Walk This Way. No, the first time I had ever heard rap and rock mixed together was through dc Talk’s Jesus Freak and what a heck of an introduction to the genre. Definitely one of the most influential and popular Christian rock bands of all time, dc Talk belongs on any top five list of greatest bands of the genre. I have already covered Jesus Freak in Top 10 Christian Songs but I don’t mind repeating that the song was one of the turning points in Christian music.

At the time, dc Talk sounded like hardly anybody. Rap rock/Nu metal was still a ways off, in terms of popularity, at the time of the albums Jesus Freak and Supernatural. Thus, I have no problem saying that those two albums were ahead of their time. Additionally because of Jesus Freak, dc Talk was one of the first bands to have constant crossover success. Their albums and singles not only peaked well on Christian charts but also on mainstream charts.

DC Talk has quite a legacy and after going on indefinite hiatus in 2000, each member pursued successful solo careers. Toby Mac is one of the most successful Christian artists of all time. Michael Tait and Kevin Max now front bands from, ironically, two of the big four of the nineties: NewsBoys and Audio Adrenaline respectively. Numerous fans still hold out hope for a reunion tour; however, with all that has transpired recently with each member, a reunion seems less and less likely. I wouldn’t be unhappy, though, if they decided to reunite.

Favorite songs: Jesus Freak, My Friend (So Long), and Dive

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #5

5. Third Day

I rarely listen to Christian radio anymore or any music radio for that matter; however, sometimes I get curious to see how Christian rock sounds nowadays. The one thing I always seem to think when I do tune into modern Christian radio is, “Boy does that band sound like Third Day.” The music business is a copycat business and I have come to realize that Third Day has become so successful that their music is the template for popular Christian rock and praise music. It’s funny to think that at one time Third Day was just another Christian rock band with a Southern rock style. I have mentioned what I call the big four of nineties Christian rock. Well, Third Day always seemed to be right on the periphery.

Let’s explore how Third Day became the trend setter of 2000s Christian rock. First of all, I think their music is very accessible to just about every demographic. They are not too abrasive or hard, but had a Southern rock edge which is very popular. Most importantly, they really embraced the burgeoning praise movement and made it their own. Also, as the ska, rap rock, and alternative rock trends died down, Third Day was the band left standing.

All of this, of course, wouldn’t be possible without a great band behind the success. Back in the day, I listened the heck out of the albums: Conspiracy No 5 and Time. Both albums contained a good mix of hard rock and acoustic ballads with the occasional praise song. In addition, Third Day really knows how to mix acoustic with fuzzy electric guitars for a great sound. However, like a few other bands on this list, I stopped listening after Time in my want for harder music.

Favorite song: Consuming Fire 

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #6

6. The Brothers Martin

I will admit the next band on the list is kind of a cheat. You might be asking, “How does an electronic rock project with one CD belong on a list of greatest Christian rock bands?” It has everything to do with Christian rock when the two brothers Martin in question are Ronnie and Jason Martin of Joy Electric and Starflyer 59 respectively. Both bands have been around in the Christian rock scene for a very long time and deserve to be listed among the greats.

Starting in the early nineties with Dance House Children, Ronnie and Jason Martin put out electronic music with a synth-pop sound. After the end of Dance House Children, Ronnie Martin continued on in the electronic vein and Jason Martin started Starflyer 59 playing mostly alternative rock.

Starflyer 59 is definitely a rock band who has its own unique sound. Jason Martin’s vocals are somewhat low key and it really helps to bring out the backing music which is very enjoyable to listen to. Jason has also collaborated with many top names in Christian rock and Contemporary Christian music with either himself or with Starflyer 59. The current lineup even includes bassist Steven Dail from Project 86, but more on them later.

Joy Electric is an entirely different animal than the band of his brother. Ronnie Martin stuck with the synth-pop sound but with a minimalistic quality in most cases. As a fan of electronic music where most artists want to put everything and the kitchen sink into compositions, it is refreshing to hear an artist who knows how to hold back.

Favorite songs: Joy Electric: Nikola Tesla; Starflyer 59: A Housewife Love Song 

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #7

7. NewsBoys

One of the highlights of my younger self and music was watching Newsboys on television playing a show at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I couldn’t help but realize that as a genre, Christian rock had turned a corner. No longer relegated to Christian clubs and churches, here was a Christian band playing in the same building where Elvis and the Beatles were enshrined. Whether consciously of not, the Newsboys were making a statement that, yes, they do belong in the same building as the greats and I whole heartedly believe that they do.

The first thing to know about the Newsboys is that they are a very prolific band and have put out many albums with many memorable songs. Name Breakfast, Shine, Love Liberty Disco, or any other song from their discography and it is probably a huge Christian radio hit. They continued to score hit after hit even through many different lineup changes and three different front men: John James, Peter Furler, and Michael Tait of dc Talk.

Forming in 1985, the NewsBoys sound has always been a mix of rock, pop, and electronic music. Even more important than their hybridization of music is the fact that the bands writes very catchy songs and even years after not listening much to NewsBoys, I can still remember many of their songs off the top of my head.

Favorite song: Truth Be Known (Everybody Gets a Shot) 

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #8

8. Five Iron Frenzy

A point could be made that the skateboarding Christian youth culture of late nineties would not have been the same if it wasn’t for two bands: MxPx and Five Iron Frenzy (FIF). When I was a young teenager in the aforementioned culture, FIF seemed to come up in conversation quite a bit. There were many Christian ska bands back in the day but none of them were FIF. Their talent was not the only factor which set the band apart. FIF’s front man Reese Roper wrote some interesting lyrics which weren’t about the typical Christian rock issues. In addition to solid Christian songs, he wrote about history, the problems with consumerism, and geeky endeavors.

Five Iron Frenzy also set themselves apart with their humor and a lot of their songs almost approach Weird Al levels in goofiness. Take the song, Pre-Ex-Girlfriend. The whole song is about how a girl is too good for the narrator; therefore, he will only be rejected. I can’t think of another Christian band who would write such a song but this was par for the course for FIF. Even funnier is the fact that the following song on the album is Far, Far Away, a very serious Christian song about how we have all been sinners and we have hope in Christ.

The musical content and talent put out by FIF was probably the best in ska music. What set them apart was the fact that they were much harder than most bands in the genre. Thus, they exhibited more of a punk/ska vibe than just a straight up ska sound. Five Iron Frenzy is a band you do not find on most Christian rock lists, but, I do believe that they are one of the most important Christian rock bands in the genre’s history. FIF showed us a Christian band does not have to follow the road most travelled while influencing countless bands in the process.

Favorite song: Blue Mix

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #9

9. Audio Adrenaline

If I had to choose four bands who defined Christian rock of the nineties, it would have to be Jars of Clay, dc Talk, NewsBoys, and the band in question, Audio Adrenaline. These bands were the trend setters and the talk of the scene. If you turned on late night TBN, at least one of these bands would appear on each music video show. Out of these four bands, Audio Adrenaline’s music was probably the most enigmatic.

It is hard to pinpoint Audio Adrenaline’s sound. Songs like Underdog contain ska sensibilities, while Will Not Fade has a rap rock vibe, and a song like Some Kind of Zombie is a straight up alternative rock song. I think this is all part of the Audio Adrenaline charm in that there is something for any fan of rock music.

As with most of the artists on this list, Audio Adrenaline has put out a lot of music and most of their singles have been huge Christian radio hits. In addition, the band has been a great example of how a Christian band should live off stage as the band and, especially, former lead singer Mark Stuart, are known for their missionary work abroad.

Favorite song: Some Kind Of Zombie 

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #10

Now we reach the top 10 greatest Christian rock bands of all time. Some of the succeeding bands will probably be surprises, while others will be typical of other lists. Well, let’s get started…

10. POD


Payable on Death (POD) definitely belongs in the top 10 on any list pertaining to Christian rock  as they have done what no other Christian band had ever done before or has done since. Sure, bands like Jars of Clay went platinum and had some crossover success; however, POD not only went multi-platinum but they were one of the biggest bands if not the biggest band in the world at the peak of their success. Still today, POD puts out successful albums. Well, if they are as popular as I say then why aren’t they the number band on this list? Sadly, I saw them in concert and was sorely disappointed.

This list is supposed to be positive; so, let’s talk about why POD belongs in the top 10. POD is one of those bands that would fit in the category of the right band at the right time. Similar to Nirvana and grunge music, POD hit at just the right time where rap rock/nu-metal was coming into its own as a genre and the stigma of Christian rock was receding. According to Wikipedia, the song Rock the Party (Off the Hook) was the first song to hit number one on the MTV show, Total Request Live. Even from the early nineties, who could have ever predicted that a Christian band would be so popular and accepted in the mainstream? In addition, their most successful album, Satellite, was released on September 11, 2001, a time when a Christian band was sorely needed to bring us an air of positivity and hope.

The way I am talking could make you think that I am not giving POD enough credit. On the contrary, to be the right band at the right time, the band must be a talented and superb band. POD is both of these. The band writes some very catchy riffs and lyrics which is a key to their success. I can’t tell you how many of their songs I have gotten stuck in my head over the years.

Favorite song: Sleeping Awake 

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #11

11. Bride

Out of all the spots on this list, number 11 is probably the most contested. First, I had another band at this place but as I wrote their article, I decided the band belonged higher on the list. Also, I had originally contemplated putting either DeGarmo & Key or Resurrection Band here and, while each of these bands were pioneers, their influence on the market has seemed to wane. I haven’t met too many people who even know these bands let alone know any of their songs. This is why I eventually settled on Bride, a band who has a sizeable fan base today.

Bride formed in the early 1980s and was pioneer in Christian hard rock. The band had many different sounds over the years. They started as a speed metal band; however, they found their stride and success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with a hard rock sound reminiscent of bands like Guns and Roses. By the late nineties, they exhibited more of a post-grunge/alternative sound and it was during this era, I got introduced to the band; however, I will admit, I have never been a huge fan of Bride.

While I might not be a big fan, I can appreciate their influence on Christian rock. As a member of a couple small local bands in the Christian rock scene myself, I would always run into band members and the like who would name Bride as one of their influences. In addition, Bride has shown through their many style changes that Christian rock musicians do not have to limit themselves to just one sound.

Favorite song: The Worm 

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #12

12. Circle of Dust

While we’re on the subject of different Christian rock bands, we might as well honor another band who sounded nothing like most other Christian rock bands, Circle of Dust (COD). COD was a Christian industrial band in the 1990s who paved the way for a whole underground Christian genre. Before we proceed, I will say that for you Mortal fans, you can place Mortal in the same place if you like. I just never was much of a Mortal fan, but I do recognize that both bands basically created the Christian industrial genre. However, I am a huge Celldweller fan and what does Celldweller have to do with COD? Well, Klayton from Celldweller fronted the band as Scott Albert.

This choice can seem controversial for a couple of reasons. First, many would consider COD to be more on the metal side and should disqualify the band from appearing on my list. However, when it comes to industrial music, I have found that fans cannot agree on what the difference is between industrial rock and metal and thus I feel justified on including COD on a rock list. The second reason is that Scott Albert (Klayton), left the Christian music scene altogether due to criticism about lyrics not being religious enough (which I find totally bogus, check out Consequence after the jump) and other unwarranted criticisms surrounding Cornerstone festivals.

Sometimes it seems being ahead of your time can result in prejudice. Sadly, we will see this for a few more bands further ahead on the list and this is why I don’t think its improper at all to include COD as one of the greatest Christian rock bands of all time. It has always amazed me how a band like Skillet, who had an industrial sound in the late 1990s and early 2000s, could be so embraced by the Christian public; yet, COD just a few years earlier could be shunned so harshly.

Favorite songs: Consequence and Nothing Sacred

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands: #13

13. Skillet


Thinking of Skillet based on the last seven years might make you question why I would place the band on this list. Today it seems they have more in common with bands like Nickleback and Puddle of Mudd; however, as with a lot of bands on this list, Skillet has a long history. Forming in 1996, the band has gone through many musical changes over the years. With their first album, Skillet, they debuted with an alternative rock sound and progressed into an electronic oriented sound culminating in full on industrial/shock rock on the album, Alien Youth. It is to this era I was brought in to the Skillet fold. After Alien Youth, the band honed themselves in to a modern rock sound in the vein of bands like Three Days Grace which has brought about their most popular and successful time to date.

Skillet has had enormous crossover success, touring with the biggest names in secular and Christian rock alike over the years. What I have always liked about Skillet is that they have always been different and not afraid to push the boundaries of what Christian rock can be. Today, in a genre where most bands exhibit power praise styling, Skillet still puts out straight hard rock. While I might not be on board with the current sound, I can certainly respect what Skillet continues to do to promote Christian rock in general.

Favorite song: Stronger

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands:#14

14. MxPx
The 1990s saw the Christian youth culture meet extreme sports with quite a bit of success. I remember watching shows like G-Rock late night on TBN which would showcase Christian bands in the punk, ska, and hardcore genres. The songs from these bands would overlay videos of extreme athletes doing their thing. It was through one of these shows that I was first introduced to MxPx.

I firmly believe MxPx belongs on this list because they were the go to Christian alternative to bands like Green Day and Blink 182 and similar to those two bands, MxPx is still alive and kicking. Their discography is prolific with nine albums. One might be thinking, why haven’t I put a band like Relient K (more pop) or Dogwood (more punk) on the list of a Christian punk band? Well it’s simple; MxPx predates both bands and did a lot to pave the way for the Christian Punk genre in general. MxPx mixed just enough pop with their punk to appeal to punk fans of all stripes.

Favorite Song: My Mistake

The 15 Greatest Christian Rock Bands

It’s that time again! It’s time for another list. I have been scouring the internet for a definitive list on the greatest Christian rock bands and I have found myself wanting. Most lists, in my opinion, do not have an appreciation of the history of Christian rock and leave out several key bands which I think should make the cut.

Christian rock sadly has become somewhat of a stale genre of music made up of mostly power praise songs, but this was not always the case. Some Christian rock bands were true innovators in their respective areas of music. Unfortunately, many fans I have come in contact with do not have a respect for some of the bands who have allowed the music to become successful. Thus, I feel like putting together what I think is the definitive list of the greatest Christian rock bands of all time.

An important thing to note is that on this list, I will not always be a huge fan of some of the bands as I am taking into account influence, talent, and personal favorability. In addition, this is a strictly rock music list and while many of these artists might end up on the hard rock side of things, I am staying away from Christian metal. I love Christian metal and I will probably do a list in the future involving metal bands; however, I want to list bands which are mostly considered rock. It is also important to note that while I list each band in my personal order, you as the reader are welcome to place each of these bands in your own order.
Let’s get started with our fifteenth greatest Christian rock band: Jars of Clay.


15. Jars of Clay

Now, this choice could definitely fit on the list almost exclusively in the influential category; however, I was a somewhat big fan of Jars of Clay in the late nineties. As my passion for harder and harder music grew, my interest waned and pretty much dropped altogether right around the time If I Left the Zoo was released in 1999. What Jars of Clay did during that time frame, though, was almost unheard of. They gained mainstream success and their first two albums went platinum. I remember turning on the television one night accidently settling on Dawson’s Creek and hearing the song, Flood, in the background. This excited me quite a bit because you don’t always get to hear a Christian band on a mainstream show. The song’s music video was even on rotation at MTV.

All this talk about success and influence should not take away from the talent Jars of Clay does have within their respective genre. The band plays in an acoustic/alternative rock style reminiscent of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Tonic, or Soul Asylum popular in the mid to late nineties. Out of all these bands listed, I would enjoy listening to Jars of Clay the most. My favorite song of theirs would be Crazy Times off their second album, Much Afraid.  

On the Origin – Melchizideks Legacy

I thought I would post something a little different today. I recently recorded a demo under my Electronic Rock project, Melchizideks Legacy, about Intelligent Design vs. Evolution. The song is called On the Origin. Below is a video featuring the lyrics of the song. I hope you enjoy.

My Top 10 Christian Songs: #1

1. Grave Robber by Petra 

A very popular saying throughout history is the line, “Death, where is thy sting?” Where did the saying come from? I bet a number of people out there might think it comes from Shakespeare or somewhere similar, but it comes from 1 Corinthians 15:55, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Grave Robber takes this concept and runs with it. I my humble opinion, no other Christian song is as perfect in reference to our beliefs. The premise of Grave Robber is a song of comfort for those in the Church of God who have lost love ones; so, it pretty much applies to all of the Church of God. In comforting Christians, the song combines 1 Corinthians 15:55, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 1 Corinthians 15:26, 1 Corinthians 15:54, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

What I love about this song is that it is not just a sincere but empty, “Oh, you’re loved ones are in a better place,” kind of sentiment. Grave Robber is a cry of triumph in that our loved ones who have fallen asleep will meet us again at Christ’s Return. Christianity is a walk with God about final victory and we should not strive for instant gratification but for the rewards and crowns we will eventually receive. Grave Robber is a song which reminds us of this concept.

I could not think of any other band which deserves to have their song at the top of the list besides Petra. Bob Hartman is definitely an anointed song writer and this song is no exception. The lyrics of the chorus are a master stroke of writing:

Where is the sting?
Tell me, where is the bite?
When the Grave Robber comes as a thief in the night
Where is the victory?
Where is the prize?
When the Grave Robber comes and death finally dies

How can one not be overcome with happiness when hearing those lyrics? Another thing I have always loved about the song is calling Jesus Christ the Grave Robber. He definitely is the Grave Robber as evidenced in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18: “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

My Top 10 Christian Songs: #2

2. A Mighty Fortress by Glad 

From legends of Christian metal to a legendary Christian, A Mighty Fortress can be traced back all the way to its original writer, Martin Luther. For those of you who don’t know, Martin Luther was a great Christian man who brought the Word to the masses by defying the Catholic Church’s hold on Christianity. This, in turn, started the Protestant Reformation.

This song goes all the way back to the Protestant Reformation in 16^th century; yet, A Mighty Fortress doesn’t seem like its aged a day. The song deals with the constant spiritual battle between God and the devil in reference to the Christian’s walk. The song is remarkable in that it guides us through our Christian lives and relationships with God, Jesus Christ, and our adversary, the devil.

The song is old; therefore, many versions have been recorded and sung throughout the ages. I chose the version of the song by the band Glad because their acapella version of the song is second to none, in my opinion.