The Almost Aaron Gillespie-lead vocals/rhythm guitar/keyboards/percussion, Dusty Redmon-lead guitar, Jay Vilardi-rhythm guitar, Jon Thompson-bass, Joe Musten-drums
The Almost is a band that has a lot of talent coming into from other sources. Their lead singer, Aaron Gillespie, comes in from Underoath, and Dusty Redmon was in the band Dead Poetic (which appears in one of my earlier posts). They've released two albums and an EP and have made quite a name for themselves. The Almost has a very catchy, fast-paced sound. Rhythm is an important part of the band's sound and helps to form the tempo of the songs. Aaron Gillespie's lyrics are in the upper middle range and are smooth and melodic. All the elements of this band comes together to form a great sound.
Monster Monster
Lonely Wheel
I'm Ok You're Ok Tyler Logan-lead vocals, Zach Logan-bass guitar, Anthony Rick-drums, Jeremy Morgan-lead guitar
This is a young band (formed in 2009) that's starting out pretty well. They have one album out thus far, "Presents..." and have played quite a few shows. They have a softer, slower sound than The Almost, but tend to be slightly more upbeat. The drums form a solid backbone for this bands sound with a strong beat. I'm Ok's sound is similar to, though not a clone of Switchfoot. It is a fairly standard alternative rock kind of sound, but the band does it well.
Stories of Redemption
Are We Alright Now?
Fono Del Currie-vocals/guitar, Andy Ridley-drums, Cindy Cate-bass guitar, Soren Engen-guitar
Fono is a band coming out of the U.K., although they've been in the U.S.A. for a while now. They've been together for a while (over ten years) and have toured with some big names, such as the Goo Goo Dolls and Audio Adrenaline. Their sound is fairly different from the other two bands. They have a lot more effects, which gives them a more developed sound. Strumming guitars are notable on several songs, with acoustics being thrown in with the electrics. The vocal style is really laid back and has a cool echoing effect to it on a lot of the tracks. Their songs as a whole are pretty chill and easy to listen to. There is a lot of talent here in Fono.
Here's a throwback post for anyone who likes old 80s-style metal. None of these bands are particularly obscure, so if you were around and listening to Christian metal twenty to thirty years ago, you probably already know them. However if you're a relative young'un (like me), or discovered Christian rock only relatively recently (like me), than you may learn something new.
Petra Greg Hough–guitar and vocals, Bob Hartman–guitar and vocals, John DeGroff–bass guitar, Bill Glover-drums
These are the original members of the band, but there were more recent line-ups, such as the reunion band, the members of which were: Greg X. Volz–vocals, Bob Hartman–guitar, Mark Kelly–bass guitar, John Lawry–keyboards, Louie Weaver–drums
Petra goes back almost as far as you can with Christian rock. Rock is their middle name. Well, actually, it's their first, middle, and last name, since "petra" means "rock" in Greek. This band formed back in 1972 and had an incredible career. They finally retired in 2006 (34 years later!) with over twenty albums released. The band even played a reunion tour recently. There's not many bands ever that can boast that kind of record. Petra was one of the earliest Christian rock bands around and paved the way for virtually everything that has come since. They've performed in a range of styles and have released both hard rock albums and worship albums. Their songs definitely draw their inspiration from the years when they were recorded: Petra isn't a group of visionaries, but they do match what was going on around them well, whether that was rock, hard rock, or alternative rock. The best parts of their music is the guitar-work and the vocals, where most of their energy was spent. One of the great things about Petra is that if you go through their range of music, you are almost certain to find something in your favorite brand of rock.
Jekyll and Hyde
It is Finished
He Came, He Saw, He Conquered
Stryper Michael Sweet-vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, Oz Fox-lead guitar, Robert Sweet-drums, Tim Gaines-bass guitar
Stryper was one of the first Christian metal bands and certainly one of the most successful. In fact, Stryper is one of those rare Christian bands that can break through and achieve popularity outside of the realm of Christian music. They have done so to an amazing extent, having gained more popularity with non-Christians than with Christians. This, as well as their glam-metal image and mainstream connections, has caused them to be condemned by some prominent Christian people and organizations. Despite this, they continue to play, after close to thirty years, and still sing with a strongly Christian message. They have been known to pass out bibles at their concerts, which should tell the critics something. Their guitars are loud and wailing and their vocals are classic, high-pitched 80s metal. Despite their decades-old sound, they are still playing and popular today. If you like metal with extravagant costumes (yellow and black stripes), big hair, and loud music, Stryper's your band.
To Hell Withe the Devil
Soldiers Under Command
Murder by Pride
Bride Dale Thompson-vocals, Troy Thompson-guitars, G.D. Watts-bass guitar, Jerry McBroom-drums
Bride is another band that is still together and operating, despite being about thirty years old. They can only do so because they have kept fans with them by playing with talent and passion, but without becoming stale. They have over a dozen albums and releases, distributed evenly across the three decades that they've been active. Their sound has changed, but they have not abandoned their roots. Bride has come from being a hard rock/metal band to a contemporary rock band, to an alternative rock band, to a blend of all of these. They have evolved, successfully, in a world that leaves many Christian bands by the wayside. Their sound has powerful guitars, which can chug, strum or wail, depending on the song. Their vocals are strong and driven and can span a appreciable range of pitches, but generally rolls in at a sort of growl. The lyrics that Bride puts out are catchy, yet have purpose to them.
