Articles
November 29, 2024
Elgibbor began as a solo project of Jarek (AKA “Fire,” also of Fire Throne) from Poland in 1999. Other band members have come and gone, and Jarek has since relocated to the United States. The outfit is incredibly prolific, having released 15 full-length albums since its inception, not to mention singles, EPs and other releases. The band’s name is taken from a Hebrew name for God, meaning “God Almighty.”
An interesting approach is taken by the band in that each album features a slightly different take on the black metal genre.… Continued →
November 27, 2024
Song of the Day: Heart Like War - What We Do
This pop punk band is from LA. Their latest EP released back in January and proved that this band still has their chops intact. This catchy SOTD features Fire Iron’s Frenzy Leanor aka Jeff the Girl. Check it out and their discography of 44 songs.
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November 25, 2024
Song of the Day: Terminal Generation - Body Bag vs Suck You Down
So here is another rarity band that I have pulled from the archives. The Terminal Generation considered themselves the world’s scariest band. Based out of California, they melded distorted guitars & vocals. Most would know them if they followed 90s Christian industrial movement when R.E.X. records released an industrial compilation called Electro Shock Therapy in 1995, but they actually got their start in LA in 1989.
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November 22, 2024
Song of the Day: Innermeans - Casualty of Me
I wasn’t sure what to make of this band the first time I heard them. It was heavy, metallic hardcore, created in the era just before full-blown metalcore had become a thing. And the vocals were unlike anything I’d ever heard in hardcore before.
The band hailed from Riverside, CA and were only active for a couple of years in the late 90s. They released a pair of demos, before releasing a devastating 4-song EP for fledgling Solid State Records, then-brand new sub-label of Tooth & Nail focusing exclusively on hardcore and metal.… Continued →
November 20, 2024
Song of the Day: Benjamin - Don't Tell Him You Love Him
Benjamin is the only son of Christian music legends Bill & Gloria Gaither. I have always liked this song & The Narrow Road. Rain Down a Fire was big on CCM radio also. I love the lyrics to the chorus of this song.
Don’t tell Him you love Him, Don’t tell Him you need Him til you’re ready to fall down on your knees & ready to serve Him. Don’t tell Him you’re sorry, Don’t tell Him what you’re never going to do until you let Him stand & follow through.… Continued →
November 18, 2024
Song of the Day: Severn - Inside
This is one of those rarities I had tried to find information on for many years. One of my friends was able to track them down & appears they were from Oklahoma & released one EP called Victory Over Death. Here is the song that I remember hearing all them many years ago.
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November 15, 2024
Song of the Day: Lost Dogs - No Ship Coming In
This folk/alternative/roots supergroup emerged in the early 90s as prominent members of four huge Christian bands came together in a new way altogether. Michael Roe of the Seventy Sevens, Terry Scott Taylor of Daniel Amos, Gene Eugene of Adam Again, and Derri Daugherty of the Choir joined their songwriting, playing, and singing skills and released the brilliant debut Scenic Routes in 1992. The album was an amalgamation of all things Americana: folk, country, gospel, bluegrass, blues, and rock and roll all coming together with an alternative tinge.… Continued →
November 13, 2024
Song of the Day: Zach Williams - There Was Jesus vs Old Church Choir
I admit I stopped listening to radio in the late 90s. Most of it was due to the point that Christian radio changed formats. It just seems to have the same exact basic gospel message to every song. We were dead in sin, but God brings us to Him & so we praise Him for that. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but there is more to Christian music than just the same idea. Here is an artist who has been through a lot & sings about Jesus being there all the time.… Continued →
November 11, 2024
Song of the Day: For Pete's Sake- Logic
4 (For) Pete’s Sake is a ska/punk band from California. They released 2 EPs & a single called Logic which is today’s SOTD. The song is also on IVM’s Ska Lives Vol 3. Check em out.
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November 10, 2024
Song of the Day: Sword of Judgement "Consumed by Darkness"
Today's song of the day comes from Seattle, Washington's Thrash/Speed Metal act Sword of Judgement. FFO: Deliverance, Ultimatum, Disaffection, and Moshketeers
Reliance release new track "Now or Never"
Arizona's 4 piece Spirit filled skate punk release new single "Now or Never"! FFO: Pennywise, Lagwagon, and Millencolin.
November 8, 2024
Song of the Day: Imisi - God is Love (feat. Columbus Riddim)
‘Imisi is a reggae duo spearheaded by brothers David Fohe and Jubilee Fohe. They play in the pop-reggae or “lovers rock” style, but with a worshipful emphasis on the love of God. Imisi’s music was first brought to a wider audience through Mark Mohr’s (of Christafari) label Lion of Zion Entertainment, who released a pair of albums in 2003 and 2006, respectively.
They seem to have been active up until at least 2023, releasing more albums–mostly digitally–through their websites at ReverbNation and BigCartel. “God is Love” comes from the 2013 project Riddimtion Project Vol 1 of which I can barely find any info at all.… Continued →
November 6, 2024
Song of the Day: All Star United - Let's Get Crazy vs Saviour of my Universe
I remember first hearing Ian Eskelin’s music from his rave outing called Zero. He then went by his Ian Eskelin birth name (which Wikipedia has incorrectly the album listed as his name) and then to just Ian. Then he changed musical direction entirely for this fun quirky alternative rock band called All Star United which released a slew of Christian rock radio friendly singles over the next few years. These 2 songs have always been my faves.
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November 4, 2024
Song of the Day: Scars of Eden - Fade Away
Texan metalcore Scars of Eden formed in 2009 & released 2 EPs: Resistance & The Awakening. Check out this SOTD & the song’s lyric`s.
I’ve walked away from the one who bled to take me From deaths cold embrace where flesh would surely take me Break me, Father Send me, Humbly God pour your spirit Into our hearts You will not abandon Those who call Your name I will not fall To the vices that restrain my soul We press on knowing Eternity was written on my heart Your looking at the ones who will never fade We will never fade away
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November 1, 2024
Song of the Day: AP2 - My Sympathies
AP2 was the continuation of, or the evolution of the forerunner Argyle Park. The first incarnation of the band recorded one album, Misguided, for R.E.X. Music in 1994, performed only one live performance at Cornerstone Festival in 1995, then broke up shortly after amidst a plethora of controversy in Christian music circles. The bulk of the controversy involved the band not being positive enough or evangelistic enough.
While the bands’ members were all known by pseudonymous aliases, it is fairly well-known that the creative forces behind the project were Scott Albert (AKA Dred and Deathwish) of Circle of Dust/Celldweller and childhood friend Chris Martello (AKA Buka), who at the time worked for MTV Sports and was responsible for getting lots of Christian alternative/punk/hardcore bands into MTV programming.… Continued →
October 31, 2024
The OC Supertones "Adventures of The..." Vinyl and My Reflection on That Time
So word on a vinyl pressing of “Adventures of the OC Supertones” by The O.C. Supertones has just dropped and surprisingly, the record is already up for sale in the Tooth & Nail Records store. It is shipping NOW! Those sneaky little devils at UnoriginalVinyl ;). I am going to post my thoughts and reflection on that time below this post. If you’re on Instagram/Facebook, I’ll try to get it to share but if not, just come back to our website to read the full write up by me.… Continued →
October 30, 2024
Song of the Day: Rusty Shipp - Neck Breaker
Yah! Russ T Ship is back at it again with his nautical modern rock/grunge band. The first single is from their upcoming album, ‘Cosmic Innuendo, Vol. II.’ Here is what he says about the lyrics:
“This song is a segment taken from the concept album’s larger fiction story of an evil band of pirates who sets sail on a sinister mission, dismissing the prophetic warnings of an old sailor on the pier who warns of a worse fate for them than the gallows if they keep their course.… Continued →
October 29, 2024
Breakaway release exclusive new single: "The Narrow Path"
Thumper Punk Records', Breakaway, release exclusive new track!
October 28, 2024
Song of the Day: The Moshketeers - Grease the Duck
This Christian thrash band stemmed from a heavy metal band called Rapture which is a different Rapture band than the hxc band. Anyways, this song references several passages in the Bible, but focuses on bewaring of false teachers & studying the Bible for oneself instead of just listening to sermons. The vocals also sound like Doug Van Pelt’s Lust Control to me. The Downward Spiral was remastered by Roxx in 2010 & featured Rapture tracks as well.
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October 25, 2024
Song of the Day: Barren Cross - Believe
One of Christian metal’s most prominent acts during the genre’s Golden Period (roughly 1986-1992), Barren Cross rocked a traditional heavy metal sound, managing to stay both heavy and melodic without ever succumbing to glam on the one hand, or thrash on the other. The band released 4 full-length studio albums, a live album and a handful of singles & EPs before calling it quits in the mid-90s. A pair of compilations appeared in 2007 and 2014, respectively. Members (especially vocalist Mike Lee) have been active in a number of other projects including Barebones, Michael D.R.I.V.E.,… Continued →
October 23, 2024
Song of the Day: The Underdog Conspiracy - Best Friend
Here is a punk rock praise & worship song talking about our creator who understands us & whom will always be with us til the end. Hailing from Kansas City, this band was signed to Pluto Records which is the same label Eric Shirey work with who also founded the Charon Collective.
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Song of The Day: Capital Lights - Honey Don't Jump
Today’s Song of The Day comes from a band called “Capital Lights”, which are little heard of this day and age and whose last album released all the way back in 2012. That was 12 years ago, can you believe it? This band released 2 fantastic albums. While some people didn’t find as much enjoyment in the last album (final?), I certainly did. One of the highlights (there are plenty) for me off that record was “Honey Don’t Jump”. With lyrics about pulling someone from the brink of depression only to show them God’s love, grace, and ultimately, salvation in him.… Continued →
October 21, 2024
Song of the Day: Bella Futuro - 70 X 7
I don’t know what to categorize these types of quasi rap artists. They are harder than rock rap & some feature screaming/yelling music. Handsxfeet, Man Ov God, CRXWN, Post Quam, Listener & this project are in this pretty broad category. Bella features MeWithoutYou’s Aaron Weiss & Ray Taddeo whom I both met when MWY was first starting out.
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October 18, 2024
Song of the Day: Charity Empressa - Crush of Mountains
Charity Empressa is essentially a solo project of Eric Campuzano (The Prayer Chain, Lassie Foundation, Stranger Kings, ex-Starflyer 59, Cush) with a revolving cast of support and collaborators. While the list of those giving input is lengthy, among them are Troy Daughtery (Hoi Polloi, Duraluxe), Wayne Everett (Prayer Chain, Lassie Foundation, ex-Starflyer 59, solo), Frank Lenz (Fold Zandura, solo, ex-Starflyer 59), Andrew Prickett (Prayer Chain, My Brother’s Mother), Herb Grimaud (the violet burning, Raspberry Jam, Stranger Kings), Josh Hagquist (ex-Dogwood, The Beautiful Mistake), and many others.… Continued →
October 16, 2024
Song of the Day: Psalmistry - Drowning vs Come & Take My Hand
Tony Silcock is the brainchild behind the EDM Psalmistry. He leads a British organization called Youth Initiative. I miss the 90s & this musical genre is one of the reasons why. Bands such as the World Wide Message Tribe & Joy Electric were getting airplay & films featured EDM & industrial soundtracks. I would compare this band to mainstream The Chemical Brothers. Listening to this now, the productions seems dated, but is still worth a listen to periodically. There are 4 albums, but check out Armchair Rebellion.… Continued →
October 13, 2024
Song of the Day: Clear Convictions - New Breath vs Welcome to the Last Days
Puerto Rican hxc Clear Convictions is at it again with a brand new single that released a couple days ago. The new album Endure should be released in the next few months. Check out the band’s earlier discography & this excerpt from an early interview “‘Clear Convictions’ comes around because that’s how we see our lifestyle. As Christians, we believe by faith and that faith becomes true and alive , something that you can feel inside, it is like having an ear and true relationship with the Creator.… Continued →
October 11, 2024
Song of the Day: Subsist - Phil499
Straight-edge hardcore band Subsist came to us from central Illinois. The band contained believers, but never set out to preach. Their lyrics focused more on the straight edge lifestyle (i.e., abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and indiscriminate sex), rather than a Gospel presentation.
They released an EP (Lessons in Brokeness) for Pennsylvania-based Akeldama Records in 1998, and then a full-length (The Rhythm Method), which the band released themselves in 2000. The band showed significant growth in their songwriting and technical prowess between the two releases.… Continued →
October 9, 2024
Song of the Day: Aliens Ate My Setlist - The Difference Between OK & KO
AAMS is a post hxc band from Germany. They appeared to have disbanded in 2015 but resurfaced again recently on some compilations. I like their screamo smashup with the keys that early TDWP & With Shakings Hands do also. Anyways, Enjoy.
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October 7, 2024
Song of the Day: Tin Circus - Downtown
I love ska music so much I wrote a paper back on it in college. I think it’s because I love the bass lines & the horns make it sound so happy! Anyways, this Californian band released 1 full lengths & 2 EPs. Enjoy & maybe there will be a 5th wave!
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October 5, 2024
Song of The Day: The Hotshot Freight Train - Appalachia (Prayers and Support for Those Struggling on the East Coast)
Today’s Song of the Day post is a little bittersweet. It’s a great song but comes with unfortunate ties to a region so devastated by Hurricane Helene. The song is titled “Appalachia” and is about life living in that region of the country around the beautiful Appalachian mountains and the many towns along that path. This rings oh so true… “And for those of us who daily struggle…daily struggle with the past. The best medicine is the gospel and a whiskey glass”. I figured the song, the band, and this post were relevant due to the many struggles of the residents right now, particularly in North Carolina and Tennessee especially.… Continued →