WHAT KILLED CHRISTIAN-CORE?? Tooth & Nail, Underoath, Sleeping Giant

What killed Christian metal, hardcore and metalcore? From its humble roots in the early 90s (thanks to Tooth & Nail Records), Christian bands like Underoath, Memphis May Fire and Blessthefall were hitting the Billboard top 10 within a decade. But these days overtly Christian bands are far less common in heavy music than they were just a few years ago... what happened??
A few of the things I touch on:
- Early Christian metal and hardcore bands I discovered via Tooth & Nail such as Unashamed, Focal Point, Strongarm, Believer, Living Sacrifice, Zao and Embodyment
- The Christian hardcore/Facedown Records bands I loved like xDeathstarx, Sleeping Giant, and Seventh Star and their metalcore peers like As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red, and The Devil Wears Prada
- Why IMO bands like For Today and Memphis May Fire's Matty Mullins were part of the genre's decline
- Order Of Elijah statement: bit.ly/2D6zgIP
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[@ThePunkRockMBA]

Follow me on Instagram if you enjoy my dumb videos: instagram.com/finnmckenty

[@macjbd1149]

I wonder when you will get a show on Vice. That would be sick

[@daltonbedore8396]

dang man you work really hard on these. respect

[@Ben-qb4lj]

Or, interestingly, you could get to know actual Christians that like music. Some of us are intelligent.

[@ellisdtrails420]

What happened to Nardcore?!

[@CloudWithoutASky]

thanks to your list of retro christian metalcore, I got like, 5 new albums to junk on. thanks

[@alypiusloft]

Gotta say, as a Christian, I deeply appreciate the approach you took in this video. You were very respectful toward all these bands that I have loved, and you were also fair in your judgment of the preachy arrogance some of the bands adopted toward the end of that era. It’s good to hear see that movement acknowledged in this way, and calling attention to the unhealthy idea of “Christian music” versus “secular music.” Music doesn’t belong to anyone-we’re all sharing in something that is human, regardless of our beliefs.

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

Well said- thanks for watching!

[@EsharpGflat]

I think you are so right when you mentioned that a label as a “Christian band” is so hard to be sustainable. Even if you’re a Christian we all mess up, and when all that scrutiny is put on you because it’s part of your brand, it’s so unhealthy. I grew up in the church, and I thought this was a cool video. Probably some things I’d say differently, but most of it is very well said. It’s such a touchy subject and really is just a label.

[@kristpuncher8511]

As someone with a brain. God is not real and if he is ill punch him right in the mouth for giving me cancer.

[@EsharpGflat]

Brent Jenner The debate isn’t about the reality of God, rather labels associated with Christianity in the music scene. I said I grew up in a church, aka as a kid, when you go where your parents take you. I’ve got a brain. One that can see that we are all entitled to our own opinions, and respects alternate views of the world. And one that can understand your anger since you’ve been dealt such a shitty situation. Cancer sucks, and I sincerely wish you the best with wherever you are in the process. I know I’m just a rando on the internet, but kick it’s ass if you haven’t already! Stay strong dude!

[@MrBogantilla540]

Well said. As an atheist, I back bands like The Chariot, Norma Jean, and Zao pretty hard. Just can’t deny a banger when it’s a banger.

[@brianmoritz2283]

I'm a Christian who loves heavy metal, and I gotta say I really appreciate your respectful and insightful take on this.

[@silentandcliche]

I just now saw this and was about to comment the same thing. Glad it's the favorited and top comment.

[@straightfire6390]

"If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them."

[@Cleman-02220]

As a Christian I approve

[@drugsmcsnortington]

@@straightfire6390 as it should be damn heathens...

[@straightfire6390]

​@@drugsmcsnortington mask off hood on-moment

[@gabym6441]

I grew up in the Christian hardcore/metalcore era, I can definitely say that it had a positive impact on my life. It provided me with a sense of community and stability. I made great friends and enjoyed my Friday and Saturday nights at shows, while others that I knew in different scenes were getting involved with drugs and negative things. It has had a lasting impact on me to this day; even though it wasn't perfect I look back fondly on those days.

[@samuelstephens9921]

As someone who is a Christian and was in a Christian band during this era, You really did nail this. I honestly remember quite vividly when faith came into style and when it came out of style. I do think in that there were some people that were sincere, but most changed with the seasons and just went on to something else. I learned firsthand that being in a "christian band" was very problematic. Nowadays, I'm definitely a Christian in a band, but I don't make the distinction with my music. I'll let my music and my messages speak for themselves. I personally get super grossed out by preaching bands from any perspective (stray from the path, for today being solid examples). I found that being what you are about in your personal life says a lot more than what you say on the stage in front of people.

[@joshkaseward]

what's your band name?

[@samuelstephens9921]

@@joshkaseward the band I'm referencing was A Body Divided. I'm in a black metal band now, but we are still in the writing phase and have yet to release material.

[@xxxxxxxxxxxx254]

If you're a "christian in a band" why *wouldn't* you evangelize? Other than not wanting to "gross out" non-believers? Jesus commanded us to evangelize.

[@samuelstephens9921]

@@xxxxxxxxxxxx254 That's a great question. It all comes down to how you define evangelize. I learned the quote "preach the gospel, and use words when necessary" when I was in Bible college, and it really stuck with me. The way that you interact with and ultimately treat the people around you says a lot more about your faith than quoting some Bible verses between songs on stage. The non-believer in the crowd doesn't care about your Bible verses and probably doesn't want to hear your testimony. They will however notice when you treat people with kindness. They'll notice when you offer to help other bands load and unload their stuff (which I was really bad at). They'll notice when you are respectful of the venue and promoter. they'll notice when you take time out of your night to hang out with the weird kid at the show that no one else wants to talk to. Anybody can tell anybody that they are a Christian. But ultimately walking the walk typically doesn't need a verbal explanation.

[@xxxxxxxxxxxx254]

@@samuelstephens9921 also, are you in a black metal band or an unblack metal band?

[@iviaverick52]

One definite positive about the Christian metalcore craze, was the amount of positivity it injected into the scene. Even with many of the bands reconsidering their faith, their positive messages made everyone feel welcome and tried to put out a positive message, which I think was the major criticism most heavy music received for years.

[@mauricemotors8207]

August burns red does that a bit

[@millennial_falcon2240]

Cam I remember first getting into hardcore/metal music and having to ignore the negative lyrics and just focus on how the music sounded, which takes away from half the point of listening. When these bands came into the mix it was like a positive breath of fresh air

[@millennial_falcon2240]

Nissand21 guy Angry Music for Happy People!!

[@newthrash1221]

millennial_falcon You clearly know nothing about hardcore and what it represents and don’t belong in our scene. Ignoring hardcore lyrics is literally ignoring half of what hardcore is.

[@millennial_falcon2240]

newthrash1221 you clearly just wanted to make yourself feel better at the expense of someone who isn’t as well versed in the genre as you. I’d argue people like you don’t belong in any scene.

[@TheHorrorExperiment]

The 2000's was a great decade for metal in general, there was something for everyone at that time.

[@RedPlaystationController]

2010s was way better for metal.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

One of the top four decades of metal ever?

[@jimmybaratheon2350]

Fucking aye lml

[@boyman7823]

@@RedPlaystationController no

[@Wandering_Chemist]

This is a battleground!

[@ninjaphobos]

As an Arkansan and Christian metal fan, I really appreciate that you gave a shout out to Living Sacrifice. I also really appreciate that you're open-minded and accepting of those Christian bands and bands with Christians who are authentic in their message, branding, and musicianship. I pretty well agree on all points with your video. It was obviously extremely well researched and informed. Thanks!

[@woodchuckknight7820]

Living Sacrifice is still one of my favorite bands. I remember seeing them play in a very small club in New Hampshire and they put on a hell of a show.

[@thethrashpanda]

I’m from Arkansas too! 🐗

[@teds54]

This was a fantastic video. I'm sorry that I am coming to it so late. As someone who was growing up as a Christian teenager in the 1990's, this was all right in my wheelhouse. The clips of Living Sacrifice, Zao, Embodyment, and Extol (all of which I saw in concert while I was in high school) was a nice trip down memory lane. I really appreciate your reflection that the lyrics of the Christian bands at that time offered you something that you didn't find elsewhere. The positivity was beneficial to you even though you didn't ascribe to the same belief system as a whole. As a young Christian, I appreciated the same thing from the opposite viewpoint. These bands were willing to deal with the difficult aspects of being a Christian. So many of the "popular" Christian artists avoided dealing with the fact that Christians get angry, Christians get sad, Christians struggle with doubt, Christians are humans. The hardcore scene dealt with these issues openly and - mostly - honestly. Probably the most interesting concert I ever attended had five bands, three were Christian and two were outwardly hostile or "satanic" in their lyrics. The order of the night was new local Christian band, then local "satanic" band, then Society's Finest (local Christian), then another local "satanic" band, then Embodyment (local Christian). The crowd was...diverse. Anyway, thank you for your balanced examination of this genre that I still enjoy today.

[@xnofriendsx]

That was possibly the best non biased video i have ever seen on KZbin. The world needs more people like you, great job.

[@edlingja1]

Yeah, unbelievable lol I really really appreciate you mr mckenty!

[@Aldairion]

Funny thing is that when I was getting into metalcore, I never realized just how many bands I enjoyed were indeed "Christian" - I liked the music, and the lyrics were all about confidence, empowerment, being your best self, overcoming obstacles and adversity, etc. It was easy to relate to in a general sense and it was accompanied by some badass riffs and vocals, and I was/am all here for it!

[@laurenricketts8820]

I'm late to this, but I agree. A lot of people didn't realize these bands were Christian bands. I would be listening to these bands with people, and I'd tell them "You know they're Christian right?" Then I'd get a "WHAT?!?!" or a "Are you serious?!?" Very well said comment.

[@bamafencer12]

Had no clue Underoath was Christian.

[@golfer435]

That is a lot of what Christianity teaches, just that it teaches mainly from a perspective of that being achieved through a relationship with a higher power.

[@bramblecino]

Nothing more bad asss than being badass for the lord!!!!

[@porkfriedrice1530]

I just learned so many bands I grew up with were Christian lmao. I have no idea why I didn’t know that.

[@patrickmccrary3005]

As a Christian who grew up in that scene, thank you so much for you portrayal and opinion on this sub genre. I found this real and refreshing

[@Raptorking18]

Honestly I’m a Nu Metal kid, so bands like POD, 38th Parallel, Jonah33, Project 86, Justifide, Flyleaf, Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch, Pivitplex, and Red also had their own mini scene going on for them.

[@Johnsrocknvinyl77]

You're Speaking my language Beauty of the Unknown by Justifide is amazing. I liked all the christian rock scenes.

[@mikeisaiah768]

P86 is one of the most underrated bands to never hit it big, Schwab is a lyrical genius - Drawing Black Lines is one of the best Christian metal albums of all time and I'd put it up against nearly any NuMetal album of the time.

[@kennykessler2827]

Literally have never met someone who’s heard of 38th Parallel😩

[@hqsports4793]

38th P and justifide 🤘🤘🤘

[@niicopanda]

@@mikeisaiah768 I'm digging this up 5 months later because... How is P86 not one of the most well remembered and referenced Christian bands from back in the day?! I remember them being an absolute force when I was a teen and now ... nothing. Boggles the mind.

[@ItsAsparageese]

It's so rare to find another person who identifies as atheist, but has a fundamental appreciation for Christianity and explored it with an open mind! I really appreciate your sense of nuance.

[@blessedskateboarder]

So true.

[@nathansciarone5627]

Yes, there is a reason for that...

[@AlexJewellAlex]

It’s very interesting for me. I think a lot of atheists CAME from religion, and many of those from Christianity. To be entirely honest, as an atheist who grew up in the church, it’s hard for me to have much appreciation for Christianity at all. That isn’t to say there aren’t Christians I find to be wonderful people - my parents, for example, who are genuinely good people. However, overall, I’ve seen too much to have a lot of respect for it.

[@TIMRAT1]

Emerald Atheism maybe rare in your brainwashed Christian country mate. There is a whole world out there! Pretty stupid ignorant comment. 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

[@AndrewChristian-bg6vr]

TIMRAT1 I think you misread the comment ya dummy.

[@NicholasGreenwood]

I played in Overcome in 2010-2011, when it felt like metalcore (and particularly Christian metalcore) was at its height. [A lot of younger scene kids at that time hated us because we didn't play breakdowns, haha...] We played shows with secular bands, it wasn't a problem for us at all, and I'm grateful for that. We played shows with "Christian" bands, or at "Christian" venues with "Christian" audiences, and sometimes those interactions did get weird. Bands that are labeled "Christian" have to deal with a unique set of expectations from their fanbase, kids' parents and youth pastors, [potentially] their record label, other bands, media people, promoters, venue staff, etc., not to mention among their own bandmates. That kind of mix can cause any young person with ANY set of beliefs go through an identity crisis. Some bands can safely navigate that territory. Others want nothing to do with that kind of weird pressure and check out. And still others, well, we've seen where they take advantage of those expectations for their own gain. As for Overcome, we were all Christians, and one of my biggest takeaways from my time with them is the memory of us praying for about thirty seconds at the start of each practice, usually to the effect of, "Thank you, Lord, for giving us the opportunity to turn our amps up and be stupid loud. Help us get through these songs we're working on. We hope You find our noise pleasing." It was never about money, or trying to save people, or trying to change the world. Years later, I'm still praying that same thing.

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

Oh cool, small world! Thanks for watching- Overcome were/are sick!

[@bryanmartin8336]

Always got a kick out of Jason thanking us for liking Overcome even though there weren't any breakdowns. I think he mentioned it in the liner notes for Indwelling too.

[@kevinparsley6806]

my first comment for this video was a shout out to overcome. when beauty dies dope record.

[@kevinparsley6806]

when beuaty dies had break downs

[@ryanharvey1002]

I say them live in Iowa in 1999 or 2000

[@spiderb3367]

I grew up in this world. Whether you think it was awesome or cringey or both, it was real and authentic. A lot have left Christianity since this time. I left and came back and became Orthodox ☦️ but this was my life and a lot of other kids. Respectful presentation 🖤

[@bobbydwyer5293]

I as a metalhead myself, I am converting to orthodoxy as well. Great to hear.

[@josefkruppenbacher9173]

I am a pastor in Payson, Arizona, and I was super hard-core into the metal scene at probably about the same time that you were. I actually got into Christian metal in 1999 with Skillet. My first exposure to Christian metal was there album “invincible.“ I did not know that such a thing as good Christian music existed until I heard their music. It wasn’t long before I got into thousand foot Krutch, Rod, Laver, embodiment, living sacrifice, spoken, and many other Christian metal artists. I remember when Underoath got really big, and embraced a more emo sound to their music. What I appreciate about your video, is, it gives me an outsider perspective as to how that genre of music affected everyone else. I also appreciate that you try to stay in the center with your review, and show respectful sides to this genre, instead of slamming everybody. Thank you. I appreciate it. :-)

[@mnikss03]

I always chuckled whenever i saw the meme Before Christian-Core: *Listens/Moshes to Metalcore* “I wish I could do this for the Lord”

[@sav-]

Hahahaha I laughed really hard at this

[@christopherbales1269]

Thanks for the tour of my gen 1 iPod nano.

[@fennellyj1]

haha late to the game but this comment couldnt be any more on point.

[@mikexxxmilly]

I am not a christian but ive always felt a deep appreciation for those churches around the country that allowed our band to tour and have amazing shows in a great atmosphere. They really stepped up and gave kids an outlet/weekly activity to stay out of trouble and find something they identified with. That 2004-2007 scene was golden.

[@toumuyu7232]

They're not really hardcore anymore but Emery will always be my favorite band. Underoath and Norma Jean are still awesome to this day. Thanks for the insightful and open-minded video.

[@Johnsrocknvinyl77]

Emery was awesome!

[@apanapandottir205]

"I'm only a man" was soooo good.

[@mikexxxmilly]

That emery album with "walls" is so damn good.

[@trashboy9517]

Came here looking for Emery mentions

[@Coreykoon]

As a Christian, I appreciate how charitable you are to them so much. You acknowledge that there are distortions of the faith, and those do not embody true belief. That is huge man. It is so frustrating to feel misrepresented by televangelists and celebrities who care more about their reputations (or who try to have their wife killed).

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

There are good and bad people in any subculture and it would be dumb to assume everybody is like the bad ones, you know?

[@dylantodd9574]

Unfortunately, it comes with the territory. I can't count the times I had conversations about the guys from Tension carrying guns and pulling them on people, or even when certain straightedge bands talking about PMA start using violence against others who drink. But if only 1 out of every 10 people ask me a question with sincerity and introspection- then it's all worth it.

[@VCCassidy]

Distortions of Faith would be a SICK name for a christcore band!

[@mattkrammmusic1401]

I second the good feelings from the way you are charitable towards faith people. Interesting that Time doubting seemed to justify his probable affair which lead to (and/or came from) his full on denial of his faith and then to trying to kill his wife. Really seems like he wasn't trying to be a christian and a murderer at the same time his denial lead to him becoming a murderer. Not to say that people aren't out there trying to look like christian politicians while also being murderers but just pointing out that the two are not compatible. "Christians" who intentionally screw people over (or hire hitmen) are probably always not Christians at all. They are atheists (sorry) who are duping people.

[@geneticemo]

@@VCCassidy do you mind if I steal this or my shitty hs band?

[@Faded_Jester]

As a Christian myself, I love the open mindedness you showed in the video, and appreciate you not bashing religion. Also, Fit For a King is probably one of the best Christian Metalcore bands still around

[@goodsoupfreesoup]

Yesss also they're not too "preachy" they are open but not overwhelming

[@thisisfyne]

I've commented about them already, but to me Oh Sleeper is the epitome of Christian metalcore. Check em out!

[@Faded_Jester]

@@thisisfyne i have, hush yael is an amazing song from them, and i love them, i just resonate more with Fit For a King

[@robertoesquivel4447]

You don't like August Burns Red bro?

[@Faded_Jester]

@@robertoesquivel4447 i absolutely love them, i just resonate with Fit For a King more

[@shanebeacham3348]

So I first discovered the Christian Metal scene back in 2011/12 after I started going to church again and rededicated my life to Christ. I was honestly blown away by how big it was and how much passion was involved with these bands. It’s something I honestly miss with bands nowadays. Unfortunately, a lot of the big bands in the scene either called it quits or ended abandoning the faith altogether. It’s a shame as I’ve always had such a huge love for the Christian Metal community. I even started a small group at my church for people who liked the same music as I do (which were only like 4 people in the whole church but it’s still pretty dope).

[@woodchuckknight7820]

I grew up in the Christian metal scene and when I described the difference between a Christian hardcore pit and a regular hardcore pit I'd say they are just as brutal except in the Christian pit if you get knocked over someone always stops to pick you back up. Living Sacrifice, Zao, Project 86, Mercury Switch, As I lay Dying. So many good bands from that era.

[@joelrolph9229]

How dare you leave POD off that list

[@woodchuckknight7820]

@@joelrolph9229 POD is great also. Hung out with them at Inside Soul Fest here in NH years and years ago.

[@joelrolph9229]

@@woodchuckknight7820 jealous. Seen them live twice

[@ericsiemens9891]

As a christian I'm glad impending doom was mentioned, they easily had one of the most balanced images that a "christian" band could have. They were boldly christian in their songwriting and lifestyle, but they also were talented, sincere, didn't spare the grit and even called out BS in the Christian community when they saw it, and it was done without being judgemental. The serpent servant, deceiver, baptized in filth, and hellhole were just a few that managed to catch the gritty, less-fun side of it all. I have massive respect for bands that are sincere in whatever it is they choose to do, even if I don't agree with them.

[@kylereichard1180]

Im mad I never got one of their "we'll scare the hell out of you" shirts

[@golfer435]

Yep, I would add Living Sacrifice and Demon Hunter to that list. Ryan Clarke does not hold back when he sees something that needs to be called out. Case in point "Cross to Bear".

[@takoshihitsamaru4675]

Demon Hunter is a very unapologetically Christian metal band. Yes, it's that "American Christian" flavour but their conviction is admirable, songs like Cross to Bear, Death and Undying are just brutal as hell with an aggressive delivery of a Christian message.

[@Kyrnyx]

"Nailed. Dead. Risen." is beyond underrated. Got me into grindcore which I originally thought sounded retarded.

[@ippo3963]

Learned about those bands in a videogame (impending doom, ffak, Demon hunter) and i gotta say as an ex atheist Impending doom drop the hardest stuff i ever heard and the lyrics make you rethink your belief without preaching

[@Leamon777]

For me, I was raised in the church and still have a strong foundation on Christianity and when I wanted to start listing to metal I looked at tooth and nail bands because my mom couldn't argue letting me listen to God based lyrics when I would show her them... Underoath absolutely changed my life! Thank you for making a great video... absolutely loved the video!

[@bonedragon5077]

I remember growing up in the church and also growing up in the punk/hardcore scene as a teenager. Being a christian was an absolute battle to hold onto my beliefs while still enjoying the music and lifestyle. They both felt right to me; speaking out against the ills of the world in a way that speaks in the angry and rough manner that I felt in my heart, but still holding strong to my convictions. When I first started looking into Christian Metal there were a LOT of Hair Metal horse crap that really turned me off to the idea. Then, one of my church friends told me about Project 86. While their sound was a bit more mainstream than what I was looking for, it still gave me hope that there was more out there, I just had to look for it. So, I did. I found stuff like Underoath, Seventh Angel, Mortification, Crashdog, you know... Wow... I suddenly didn't feel like I was being ripped in half anymore. I felt like I could be a Christian and Punk/Hardcore at the same time. I felt... complete. If nothing, the christian-core movement strengthened me as a person, but I also noticed that metal and punk started to take on more of a positive tone from thereon. Even if it wasn't a christian band, I was noticing that bands were starting to take on more empowering and self-affirming lyrics and tones. So, I think that christian-core kinda opened people's eyes to the need for a bit more positivity in the genre, whether they be christian bands or not.

[@succducc9886]

I never paid attention to people in my church who said that metal is inherently satanic when I was a kid. As an adult, I've grown in my faith and I'm really happy that there are christian metal bands who's music teaches lessons that no other genre can. Bands like Wolves at The Gate and Rival Choir do a fantastic job at teaching about the brokenness of humanity and the effects of sin. That's why they're two of my favorite bands.

[@joshuadavid7522]

I'm a Christian, I loved this video. You are right on. Just remember that humans are the ones who make those mistakes, not the God they try to worship. Whether you believe in God or not, we should love everyone with nothing expected in return.

[@thorgefalk3575]

amen

[@ishoa5018]

tegu tantrums ZAO!!!

[@joshuadavid7522]

@@ishoa5018 point of recognition

[@DakotaWaddellMusic]

I have to constantly remind myself that sometimes you just have to separate Christ from Christians.

[@crooked-halo]

@Nick Trybull - I'm proudly and happily a sheep. Thanks for the compliment!

[@nathanbranson9149]

This guy has a balanced view of Christians even though he doesn't (or did not previously) consider himself a Christian (anymore). He says he is a Christian ally and is able to see all the positive things that it did for him. Great job with this video. It is common to see people who are no longer Christians who become bitter about Christianity to a fault. This guy is clearly not in that category.

[@nickg5156]

Oh man, Norma Jean brings me back. One of my old bands used to jam Memphis Will be Laid to Waste before every show. In fact, we were told that they had recorded their entire album as a complete ensemble in one take so we recorded out first album the same way. It's was actually a pretty cool experience. I don't recommend it for everyone, but it really forces you to focus on your musicianship which I think brings an interesting dynamic to the record.

[@joshferguson9703]

I don’t understand why bands like Unashamed and Overcome never get the respect they deserve even in the spirit filled hardcore scene they seem to go unnoticed

[@doc4bid]

Shout out to Demon Hunter

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

Ex-Focal Point 😎

[@Brian-jb1db]

@@ThePunkRockMBA And Training for Utopia! The Clark brothers are Christian metal royalty

[@MottaBrothersGarage]

100%

[@flinchfu]

@IRONHILLdwarf * Right?

[@robertbrown368]

i think demon hunters new stuff has more depth. for sure it isnt fast and heavy like the first album, but still love it. i especially love how they and living sacrifice have stuck to their beliefs instead of giving in to societal pressure.

[@WrathChild-NZ]

I'm still jamming August Burns Red, Norma Jean, Fit for a King

[@kfdjkdjjdjfjdjfjdjfj]

Silent planet , Wolves at the gates, Phinehas

[@3TheALife3]

@@kfdjkdjjdjfjdjfjdjfj For All Eternity

[@kfdjkdjjdjfjdjfjdjfj]

@@3TheALife3 Hallelujah You are my King, hallelujah to You I will sing.

[@sam4thewin]

You going to FF2020?

[@gisellerobles2779]

xIAMDAVEx hell yeah

[@jadonwilliams9194]

Absolutely loved this video man, I know I'm a year late but as a christian, hearing you say you're an atheist, but a Christian ally, gives me mad respect for you. The bands have been listening to a whole lot recently have been fit for a king, sleeping giant, saving grace, August burns red, and demon hunter.

[@benjamin.kelley]

Man, the fact that music could bring people together and change lives, whether fans knew it or not, is just amazing.

[@kennyhutchison5013]

I enjoyed the video and as a Christian, I agreed with a lot of what you say and hate the hypocrisy of some Christians. I'm a 43 tear old Scottish guy who loves his Punk and I grew up with a lot of the punk being anti-christian but that was OK as I couldn't relate to the tele-evangelists and preachy people. In my faith in Jesus, I look at him as a great example of punk . He challenged authority when they were wrong, stood up for the poor and looked out for the weak in society. Keep the videos coming.

[@maxk.6230]

Kenny Hutchison well said!

[@awsmdrummer62]

Kenny Hutchison always loved the irony in Jesus basically being a leftist, while all his supporters are on the right. obviously this is where punk has a big issue with the idea of religion, despite the irony of who he was

[@aerialpunk]

Nice, I also was big into the punk scene for a while. I still think that punk and Christianity go together really well. Nice to see that others do too!

[@geneticemo]

@@awsmdrummer62 I'm a leftist Christian, we exist

[@jacobbaker141]

Haha, Kenny your so right! I never thought about Jesus like that, but he was a punk.

[@CardiacCowboys]

Shout out to Disciple!! The band that got me into this genre as a young Christian Kid. Just recently my band opened up for them, they are still around and as relevant as ever. They’ve always been preachy but I think people have respected them for not changing their message literally since the 90s. And they’re just a killer band

[@joshlawrence8405]

I still listen to them a lot

[@theunpredictableroad3745]

Seriously can’t believe he mentioned disciple. Meaning the “real” hardcore disciple. Xdisciplex ad. They were fkn awesome

[@niicopanda]

I'm not the biggest fan of Disciple post "Scars Remain", but I still love that "This Might Sting a Little" was the first CD I ever bought!

[@nathanielvann5524]

This video is literally my youth. From POD to Zao to Norma Jean and onward. Excellent and fair analysis of the scene that is so close to my heart.

[@TheReTurnersFlips]

I'm late to the party, but I really appreciated this video. I'm a Christian. I got I to Christian hardcore in the mid 90s with early Tooth and Nail bands and feel the same way you did about them having something to say. I also feel the same way you did about some of the more "bash them over the head with a Bible" bands of the 20teens as being fake and not really needed with the way they went about things. Its really refreshing to listen to a non Christian talk about what was going on with the Christian scene and being open to the bands and being able to take something away even if they didn't agree with the beliefs.

[@mte06a1]

I grew up in the church scene and I think the main draw for us wasn't the lyrics or the message of the music. It was a way we could convince our parents to listen to rock music. "But mom, look it's a song about Jesus." It was a gateway to a genre that was otherwise forbidden. I wonder where bands like mewithoutYou/Thrice/Brand New fall in this discussion. Are they on the Underoath/NJ side of the equation or the Reliant K side? Great video man. Keep it up.

[@Dougger16]

Ty Elrod totally true! I couldn’t go to a concert unless there was a “Christian” band

[@andrewseier8736]

A lot of kids I grew up with were evangelicals, and their parents would only let them listen to Christian bands, and that was how I got into a lot of those bands. I could have cared less about the message, I loved the guitar work, it was heavy, it made you wanna mosh, it was totally cool with me. But my friends’ zealot parents drove me insane

[@kingchuckfinley]

I know Dustin Kensrue from thrice is super religious, but I never really got that feeling from Brand New (even with a song called Jesus Christ) and especially not from mewithoutyou. Maybe Ive just missed it or don’t know any better. I’m curious to learn more about that though.

[@joshuaread6838]

Yea Thrice isn't really Christian band but Dustin is very religious, he has a solo basically praise and worship sutff. Mewithoutyou was for a long time but they started looking into other religions and and trying out influences form several other religions. He is super awesome and humble and after shows you can talk to him and ive had several discusions with him bout all kinds of things. But haven't in a while so don't know where he stands. and Brandnew that who album was made after the girl from Eisley and him fell out and she went on to marry the guitarist from New Found Glory. It wasnt so much religious it was him in a bad place and mad at her and questioning everything.

[@SpacemanXC]

Same. I remember putting on Zao and my mom started freaking out. "If you can't understand what he's saying then you don't know if he's a christian!" So I show her the cd sleeve. "Lies!" she screams. "It sounds like satan!" To this day she still wont accept that metal can be christian. lol.

[@jordanhartmann1745]

This is, like, the most reasonable thing I've ever heard in my life.

[@cjdalton3201]

As a kid that grew up in a Christian house, finding these bands was my introduction to heavy music. And I identified with it for the same reasons you mentioned, it challenged my mindset, I saw myself in the lyrics. I’m not religious any more, but dancing barefoot at a Sleeping Giant show in 2007 was still a spiritual experience in my eyes.

[@RickyThreePumps]

I loved this. I grew up in church and I'm still a Christian, and it's actually super helpful for me to hear your perspective re: the phony jokers from the 80s, etc. I specifically recall only being allowed to listen to Christian bands, but my parents didn't think metal or hardcore or whatever could be Christian. So I wrote an essay that had a lyrical breakdown of bands like Living Sacrifice, Project 86, a ton of the Tooth and Nail and Solid State Records bands you mentioned I hadn't thought of in years. 😂 what a funny time. Thank you for the respectful way you broached this and for the trip down memory lane. I'm about to jam to some No Innocent Victim.

[@AmericanWayne]

I was a Christian for 20 years, a youth pastor for 10 years, and a pastor for 4 years. I didn't even know what hardcore music was until I heard the aforementioned Tooth & Nail bands. It opened me up to a whole new world. Right before Underoath released The Changing of Times, right at the end of their black metal days, a buddy of mine and I paid them $400 to come play a show in Shreveport, Louisiana. There was no scene here so most of the kids who showed up were expecting a sound like Third Day or maybe a little harder sounding. We made it a free show so many youth group kids came and listened to some black metal and didn't know what to think. Looking back, I bet the experience was awkward for the guys in Underoath but my friends and I were glad to be able to see them live before they hit it big. I am no longer a Christian but still appreciate this music which is still a big part of my life. Thank you for posting this.

[@WOLFW00F]

Fun story, back in high school one of my friends was wearing an underoath tour shirt, I say to him, "you know that's a Christian band right?" he kicked me on my leg and yelled "don't ever say something like that again!" I still laugh about that to this day

[@brodyarmbar5332]

i don't think a lot of people realize how many of us punk/hc/metal kids discovered the scene through going to church. i met my group of friends through a unitarian sunday school program in the mid/late 2000s, and i had multiple friends who were into metal/hardcore and also christians. i had listened to that stuff before going to church, but it was what helped me connect with others who also liked it.

[@timlucasentertainment]

Great job man. This video gave me chills. Enjoyed it a lot and grateful for you being fair. Cool to hear about your experience with early Tooth and Nail.

[@gusradke]

Grew up in the Church, and going through High School and Youth Group with all these bands was awesome. Never understood the big negative push pack to Christianity in Metal in to 80s and 90s. But hearing about the televangelists makes total sense.

[@blessedskateboarder]

That sh$t in the 80s was crazy.

[@jonathancain7243]

Vengeance...thats all Im going to say.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

I also grew up in the church, and in my HS youth group Stryper was far less popular than, say, Judas Priest, Dio, or Iron Maiden.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

I do. Organized religion should always be pushed back on.

[@giselletorres4156]

It's just a reaction to the Satanic Panic and the messed up stuff evangelical christians did in the 80s.

[@DrazenX195]

Former Christian. I first came around to hardcore/metal in roughly 2004. Bands like Atreyu, Darkest Hour, All That Remains, etc just resonated with me. Then one of my friends started showing me Christian bands in the scene. Underoath, TDWP, Haste the Day, and Still Remains for example. I had been having a really hard time dealing with PTSD and I had turned to Christianity for help. The music is what really helped me though. Still Remains has a song called Recovery that I'd listen to when I had a panic attack or when the depression got too heavy. It always helped raise my spirits. I love the Christian music scene from then. I've since grown out of it since I've realized a lot of my beliefs don't align with Christianity but I don't have animosity for the religion itself, just some of it's followers. It was a fantastic scene and I still listen to a lot of those albums I grew up with. Thanks for the video. It really took me back.

[@nathangunz2590]

For my senior trip in 2005 we went to Cornerstone. Shout-out to who remembers when that was a thing.

[@HarryToeface]

Bro cornerstone was so awesome! All of them!

[@tylerwatts2988]

For Today was very preachy, but definitely not bigots or fakes. They took their faith seriously and we're just following the command of spreading the gospel to others. And many people were touched by it, and that's why I'm a Christian today.

[@thespaniard47]

Haha my mom introduced me to Stryper because she saw me getting into heavier stuff, good mom trying to compromise and show interest

[@michaelblack9458]

Stryper is an underrated band and great musicians

[@blessedskateboarder]

@@michaelblack9458 So good!

[@datguitarplayer1656]

Same

[@misterknightowlandco]

Stryper is an awesome band musically whether you dig the lyrics or not.

[@MissLilTayy]

That’s so sweet of her, she’s a cutie lmao

[@quentinbringthenumetalchil5125]

Norma Jean is what got me into mathcore. When I first heard their sound, I got addicted to the raw aggression of their sound. Christian metal, in my opinion, is starting to develop into a favorite genre of mine.

[@summeronio9751]

Good ole Memphis will be laid to waste

[@dt-hf8vz]

man, bless the martyr was a whole ‘nother beast. that album still jams hard

[@vandalistica]

I don't think they've had a bad album yet.

[@brianarnaud3424]

@@vandalistica yea they do... Meridional was not good. Wrongdoers was good, and polar similar was excellent but meridional was trash.

[@joshuaread6838]

Finally someone who knows what mathcore is.....THANK YOU

[@Sometimeslifeiscrazy]

I played in a metal band Called this or the apocalypse and had the chance to tour with many of these bands. Thanks for this video. It was awesome to reminisce a major part of my life.

[@Jasonmakesvideo]

I played in a Christian metal band and y’all was who I wanted to tour with the most and I may or may not have used haunt what’s left as a guidebook when I was writing for them.

[@geoffjenkins4633]

We're you on the tour with Inhale Exhale?

[@isaacphillips9844]

Super, fair, open-minded, and honest approach. I feel like you definitely hit some nails on the head (I speak as a Christian who grew up almost solely on much of this music). “Christian bands” and “Christians in a band” are definitively two distinct things and I feel one of them works over the other. One of them has a better focus. Hands down, my favorite to this day is still Living Sacrifice and those dudes are STILL rocking after 35 years (like they just played Furnace Fest like a couple weeks ago). Thanks for the video - sorry I was two years late.

[@msmith8141]

Loved this video Finn. I've thought the same thing as you when listening to Christian Hardcore bands regarding lyrics. It's one of the things that kept me listening to them because they weren't taking the "life is hard so I'm going to bitch about it" approach but rather a "life is hard so I'm going to power through it and be a better person because of it" approach. That really resonated with me. I loved the positivity versus wallowing in sadness.

[@LieLikesMusic]

Great video! Seems like you know a ton about this type of music. Nice to see a blend of facts and personal experience.

[@oddiodiscoursemusicchannel6112]

So cool both of my recent fave music you tubers know each other

[@crazziemonkke]

yeah he doesn’t just read wikipedia

[@Powerslave226]

I know that I'm a little late to this video, but your story about how you grew up being told that Christianity was a horrible thing by everyone and then something helped you gravitate towards learning about it more really resonated with me. I grew up with the same surroundings, but actually dated the Reverend's daughter for a couple of years and had an amazing time as many of the lessons that Christianity teaches and heavily values are things that we should just live our lives by. Ultimately, I do now identify as an atheist, but until you go spend time in an amazing community of people that a lot of these churches have, you really do not get to feel how awesome they are. I am sad that I held those negative views for so long, but so thankful my eyes were opened into acceptance of it.

[@MidWestRiverRat]

This was very interesting. I grew up in the church and homeschooled. So Christian music, metal specifically, was very important to me. Later once my mom couldn't tell the difference anymore I would end up listening to band and then finding out later that they were Christian. I have not been to church in many years but I have never let go of my faith. I have been through and done many bad things in my youth but I believe that God has gotten me through it all. It is hard for me to see some of my favorite bands denounce their faith because of the horrible way that the old church generation treated us youth. I made it though all that shit without losing faith in God. I pray that these guys can find their way back to God in a healthier way.

[@Homeslice130]

The Christian bands were the real punks. The rock culture didn’t like them and the church condemned them, but the still did their thing.

[@TopsideCrisis346]

A true rebel is hated by all, and apologetic to none. 😎

[@parkergreen2510]

A true punk doesn’t follow the rules of any man but follows that of a higher power or their own accord 🙏🏻🤘🏻

[@makeupbakeuptheshowwherewe650]

AGREEEEEEED!!!!

[@cyclone927]

Homeslice130 I always saw them that way, the same thing with christian rap.

[@JohnVanus]

As a former Christian from a past Christian metal band (Seven System), I can say that I agree with you comments. If the music is solid it will hold up. If it is not, it will be forgotten. Dont use religion as the driving force behind the music, let the music stand on its own.

[@thecheat1955]

Wow really cool critique of the whole Christian metal genre. You dont hear to often someone who isn't a Christian be respectfully critical. Keep it up!!!

[@TheCryptCrawler]

Christian Metal is a term, not a genre. smh.

[@patrickreichert1442]

Love your objective view on a divisive genre. As a Christian I appreciate how you did this. Seriously, you are in my prayers brother.

[@davidwhitaker2211]

You are definitely one of the best people in the scene in YT as far as doing reviews and explaining how and why the alt scenes have changed and evolved over time. Thanks for your awesome content!

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

Thank you!

[@CASSIUSATBESTWV]

Zao strictly toured on churches for a long time, but the band kept getting shit for the style of their music being "demonic." It's easy to see why they got frustrated.

[@z0phi3l]

Demon Hunter got it worse for having the word Demon in their name, I remember just laughing at the ignorant religious zealots spewing hate on great bands just because they chose to dislike the music

[@niicopanda]

I remember the time I was in a local Christian bookstore and asked the owner if she had any Tourniquet albums. She looked left, looked right, and pulled three different Tourniquet CDs out and just gave them to me. Apparently some woman had yelled at her the week prior about the evilness of the band. It was one of the best/saddest days I have had in regards to music and the Church.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

CASSIUS AT BEST absolutely loved Zao man they absolutely throwed down live!! Living Sacrifice was also my first love for Christian Hardcore Metal!!

[@JK-uy8yi]

If churches practiced what they preached, the christian metal scene would probably rival most just from churches being willing to be venues for them. They only have theirselves to blame for so many of them turning away from Christianity.

[@jackrainwater7966]

Basically a byproduct of being around mentally lazy people. Undoubtedly a result of having all of life's answers in a book.

[@jonathanbosworth2652]

I am a Jesus follower and i spend my teens twenties, and thirties growing up with and listening to all of these bands. I appreciate how well this was put together and outlined. Living Sacrifice, Extol, Focused, The Blamed, just to name a few changed how my faith grew. Props for creating this video. Kudos for keeping it on the level.

[@leightonstarks2328]

Love that you added Silent Planet video at the end. I grew up in the church as a pastors kid. LOVED these bands growing up. To back up what this guys saying I've been listening to Shane Told's Podcast from Silverstein's "Lead Singer Syndrome" and its amazing to be able to hear the interviews with "Christian" bands learning about their faith and where it went.

[@Jasonmakesvideo]

Silent planet is the best thing to come out of it all imo

[@JustinBekkerCanada]

Great video, and I'm stoked to read a lot of really positive comments. Big thumbs up

[@zachcarson6377]

"I'm still an atheist, but I have learned a lot from Christianity." Amen brother, it's refreshing to hear someone with such an open mind. Rock on. Thanks for the solid content.

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

Thanks for watching!

[@TreCoolMZFK]

Just a shout out to Demon Hunter. Besides the great mixture of metalcore and alternative metal, their vocalist Ryan Clark did a packaging and design for many bands inside/outside the scene. Thanks for the video Finn!

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

He is an amazing designer!

[@jdavidson091]

Yeah actually know a guy who grew up in like rural Iowa and Demon Hunter was huuuuuuge for him, like the only heavy music he was able to get his hands onto and relate to and they opened up the scene to him. Good stuff

[@garylee8938]

And let's not forget Training For Utopia pre Demon Hunter... I spotted the 'Two Hands' video... Plastic Soul Impalement is still one of my favourite albums all these years later, and I'm not a Christian but the purity (and intensity) of their delivery hit home so much.

[@Willhart33]

I grew up Catholic, but friends go me involved in the Protestant churches around age 18. Basically, Tooth and Nail records defined my life at that time in 1995. I have seen those friends of mine try different segments of the faith or leave the faith entirely(including myself a couple times). You did a good job at being impartial here(which seems rare these days). Yes, some of those bands were very good from a musical standpoint, and good people, too. I remember meeting POD at a music festival back in 1998 before they went on MTV and became big shots. Another band to mention was 6 Feet Deep(1994 -1996).Within the scene itself, I knew a lot of people, between Philadelphia and Illinois. At most suburban churches, though, there were a lot of judgmental pricks with a double standard that didn't think the bands were "Christian enough". That ended up pushing me away from the church in the early 2000s. In 2005, I was rocking out to "Jesus of Suburbia" by Green Day LOL. I think judgmental people that had a good place within their little church community were what really killed the scene.

[@elliottjones2401]

This video is amazing. I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, was only allowed to listen to Christian music as a kid and so I found stuff I liked. I’ve shared the stage with Extol, Demon Hunter, been in bands with members that were in Zao and Embodyment. I vividly remember hanging out with Tim from As I Lay Dying in parking lots after shows. I would just move the dates a little earlier, like the Christian hardcore scene really started slapping I’d say more 2000 rather than 2005. But I was in the scene at the time so my estimates might be a bit earlier. Love this video though, gonna be sharing it with some old friends for sure.

[@elus89]

I think he's right about the 2005 era. Christian bands started showing up in videogames left right and centre. Guitar Hero and MX vs ATV (Pillar) is where I learned about a few of them personally. But I'm also in the boat where Demon Hunter , P.O.D., Emery and Thousand Foot Krutch were already cool (though I was late to Living Sacrifice and Overcome - was a bit young, Canadian and tech impaired I think when they were big). Realize some of my notes here aren't hardcore, but just trying to let you know I was into the Christian scene more generally.

[@ryuko098]

As a guy who came of age in the church, in the 90’s, discovering T&N, and then as an adult moving away from my roots, thanks for this video. Great summary. A lot of us are like that: grew up churchy, moved away, but still enjoy the positive or philosophic lyrics and just plain musical genius of many of these bands. It’s been amazing as a father to be able to turn my kids toward actually good music with a positive message, when that option really didn’t exist growing up. What’s so fucking cool today is seeing teens at my son’s HS “discovering” some of these bands, like it’s some cool new thing - and not giving a shit what religion the band identifies as.

[@alexnicastro9255]

If u never spinkicked a kid in the head at The Attic in Dayton, can u even say u MOSHED 4 CHRIST

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

Lol!!! Saw winds of plague there

[@chosenxone7]

That venue lived and died by this genre lol.

[@alexnicastro9255]

@@chosenxone7 RIP to the Underground in Cincinnati too.

[@chosenxone7]

@@alexnicastro9255 Southwest Ohio was a breeding ground for metalcore in this era. Sucks that it's completely deteriorated now. It was truly up there with Socal and Florida with pumping out bands and dope shows.

[@TheCampbell254bme]

Alex Nicastro saw as i lay dying at the attic once. Went to see RED almost every time they played there too. The scream the prayer stuff was cool too with the two stage setups

[@fearlv1rattata]

This was so well done. Thank you for not just taking the low hanging fruit and bashing Christians. You really do have a true open skeptical mind. I've been binging your videos like crazy.

[@joeypaul4699]

I can’t stop watching your videos man. So much info. I love it!! Tganks

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

Thank you!

[@dorcia]

I have been an atheist for as long as I can remember, but GOD DAMN I loved me some TnN bands in the 90's....Focal Point, Zao, Strongarm, Blindside, Unashamed, etc.

[@SpacemanXC]

Dude. I forgot about Blindside. I'm no teddy bear, I'm no teddy bear!

[@dorcia]

@@SpacemanXC Right?!?! They were a TnN staple for me!

[@ChaosandComics]

Same thread as you. Loved these bands pretty firmly atheist too

[@dorcia]

@@ChaosandComics Same with Sleeping Giant, total preach core, but it is still good as fuck. #atheist

[@WrapMasterLLC]

Holy smokes... You mentioned Extol...they were.........waaaaaaaay ahead of any curve. Sick.

[@Homedog_]

Yep such a great band, I got saved in '98 and it was extremely hard for me to find good heavy music that I liked in the christian scene; There weren't many bands to listen to, when there were thousands of bands in the secular scene. Extol and a few other bands definitely made the transition a bit easier for me personal. But yea the selection was very slim, just the same as now.

[@Musulll]

The're still amazing

[@memebot6490]

Their self titled is really something else considering the hiatus they went on. They came back in full force

[@jaydenrock]

As a black metal fan. Extol was pretty dope.

[@antoniobasic2779]

Extol blows any of the bands mentioned in the entire video out of the water.

[@ChaplainTappman]

Former Christian here, good music is good music. I still have my Tooth & Nails cds from the 90's.

[@DismantleDetroit1]

Me too! Just stumbled across a CD book in the basement with bands like 90 Pound Wuss, No Innocent Victim, Blindside, Zao, etc... great little trip down memory lane.

[@Mr.briteside]

I got into “core ”music when I converted to christianity. I can say becoming a Christian is what took me from listening to normie metal like SOAD and Slipknot to listening to With Blood Comes Cleansing and Impending Doom, some of the heaviest bands in my book. I’m no longer Christian but the faith and these bands taught me a lot. Mostly “Don’t be a dick.” Great video Finn!

[@boxn]

You're always welcome to come back, brother :)

[@christedge]

As someone who was a Christian during this era, and very into the scene, I think you nailed it on the head! One thing I would add is that inside the church there is this us-vs-them mentality for every aspect of life. There are Christian bookstores, Christian schools, and Christian music because it keeps those inside the church “safe” from The World. So, in my opinion, one of the downfalls with the whole Christian music industry is that people inside it realize that it is run just like the secular ones, and I think as these bands progressed in their beliefs they started seeing the hypocrisy. Also, the Christian industry tends to be behind the secular industry by about a year or two (with a few exceptions) so as this style of music fell off the map the Christian one was almost predestined to follow suit a year or two later.

[@nolynylon]

You may enjoy checking out the Exvangelical podcast. They get into a lot of those "us vs them" topics

[@SpacemanXC]

I think the fans also changed. We were both heavily into the scene, and neither of us are Christians today. And scrolling around, there's tons more of us here in the comments.

[@cpottervlog8122]

I'm not a Christian at all but I love the first two Norma Jean albums and everything that The Chariot did

[@croknok4281]

Norma Jean kills it

[@hitthegoat]

Norma Jean is still cranking out top tier stuff

[@AlexJewellAlex]

Fun fact: my first ever Facebook photo was my scene ass in a Norma Jean T-shirt

[@matthewbaker5120]

The Chariot was probably to this day, my favorite band to see live. Their live set was always crazy.

[@burninsherman1037]

Underøath are still one of my favorite bands of all time. Since I've left the faith since first finding them, the newest album is not only fantasy, but incredibly relatable for me.

[@greensanta0666]

The intro clip immediately reminded me of Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job.

[@ReubenSmith1134]

My favorite hard band from the last 15 years must be Demon Hunter. Perhaps they don’t belong on the list because they may not be considered a hard-core or punk band but I consider them one of the most important bands in Christian hard rock for the last 15 years. Thanks for this video and for your respect and sensitive approach.

[@ZenGuru9]

Really appreciate the emphasis on openness, reflection, and change. P.O.D. was my first ever "favorite band" as a kid and Underoath is easily my favorite metalcore band. Despite being agnostic, I've always found the genre very cathartic and important to my own personal growth. Cheers, dude.

[@nathanblackmon8672]

Your channel is immaculately curated man. So happy for you. This is very well done. Spotify playlists are a nice touch too Also, long live The Chariot.

[@mattkrammmusic1401]

Hail to the Chariot!

[@ParkerRognrud]

Never forget 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@abrahamquinones6667]

Lol he didn't mention but he did show them playing *I think

[@nathanblackmon8672]

Abraham Quinones lol I saw the drum head 💀💀💀

[@JeserNoob]

long live

[@transduser]

Great video. I love your perspective and it brings back a lot of memories as I was big in the Spirt Filled hardcore scene in the 90’s

[@NHNVrhythmguitarist]

I can’t believe you made this vid 4yrs ago and I feel I’ve been binge watching your content for a while now. Even being an atheist, your research in this area (even touching on the pop-punk 2000s Christian music, as well as 80’s Christian metal, and even that time rap and rock we’re being combined with POD) is impeccable, with EVERY vid honestly. You don’t try to push a narrative or your opinions, you actually review the content/bands/music/genre whatever. Excellent content as usual. I also reflect back to these times and it brings a smile to my face. Everyone kinda accepted one another because the music was so relatable and heavy, in multiple ways. You almost didn’t care what the band’s background or beliefs were, because they didn’t push that, they pushed ya to do and be better, that you weren’t alone, and you could overcome. Amazing time in music I think

[@TheDorkKnight23]

My favorite Christian band has been and always shall be The Chariot. No band has ever had more energy or stage presence than them. They could even take on Dillinger for most chaotic shows.

[@joshfairchild]

Saw them on the Haste the Day ending tour with A Plea for Purging and Still Remains, all of that was an amazing show.

[@improvisedchaos8904]

Anything with Josh Scogin singing is gonna be a good band. Luti-Kriss, Norma Jean, The Chariot, and he is now in "68"

[@tdc9rn]

My first introduction to Josh Scogin was at PurpleDoor festival in 2004(?) with NJ. I believe the next year he was there with the Chariot and that show was crazy. Also the festival where I discovered Still Remains on a tiny side stage.

[@HA-vg1hm]

Yes! The chard idiot KILLS! Need more chariot in my life now.

[@blessedskateboarder]

Best concert I've ever seen.

[@jedi982]

I cut my teeth on Spirit Filled Hardcore in the mid-late 90's. My dad was a preacher in a small Illinois farm town but we had a lady from our church who went west and ended up working for T&N Records. She came back to visit occasionally and was basically my connection to the outside world musically. Being a PK I had it rough in that little town and always felt very isolated, so when she turned my on to Unashamed, Focal Point, Living Sacrifice (still my favorite band), Embodyment, Zao...my whole life changed. The music these bands created became like the friends I never had. I would occasionally drive far away to get a chance to see them and went to Cornerstone every year I could. Were it not for that music I don't know what I would be. I love most of the bands that came later, but I was in a regional touring Christian band from 2008-2012 that played with a number of bigger bands and I was not surprised when things began to implode. We could smell the blood in the water and frankly what happened probably needed to. But those early days man...were spiritual for me. Thank you so much for this video Finn. xSFHCx

[@froshanddink]

i was never in a touring band but if you went to and/or played cornerstone and other shows in illinois in the past 20ish years there's a good chance we've crossed paths. what was your band called? have you been to audiofeed?

[@RockCity1111]

Pk here too man..

[@pfree9016]

Yo Finn, just discovered your channel and am binging through it. This video was dope, I am a Christian but not a church goer. I grew up in this scene and you nailed it. Such good presentation. Well done on this video and all your stuff 👏

[@DanAnear]

As a former Christian who was super into this whole scene I appreciated the trip down memory lane and respectful approach to this vid. I also believe you are right that many of us grew up in the Church and as we got older shed this belief system in parallel with many of our favourite bands doing the same.

[@KingPhoey]

Oh man, all this talk about tooth and nail is bringing back my youth.

[@blessedskateboarder]

Don't listen to any of the current Tooth and Nail stuff, but ya.

[@TheLexiconDevils]

Yeah I was a big Foreigner fan too 👍 it was my favourite shower song at church camp ...

[@bramblecino]

Don’t ever bring up “church camp shower” again. U know what happened at church camp showers. Horrible horrible and hardly any arrests were made. This sickos man!!!

[@KevinStudent]

What a time that was! It seemed like most of all the biggest bands were Christian. Not only that, there weren't many bands that were openly atheist or against Christianity (except in the death metal scene). I'm not a religious person (quite the opposite), but some of the Christian bands from that era are still some of my favourites and made some amazing tunes!

[@imperialwolf7872]

I've been a devout Christian my whole life and am so happy Christian metalcore bands existed. I've always been a huge metal fan but felt somewhat conflicted when it came to my faith and taste in music, a lot of these bands showed me that these don't have to be mutually exclusive from eachother and that I can absolutely enjoy both. It's what kept my inspiration up and helped me continue to pursue music as a passion.

[@evanbahls7970]

When I was a teenager (mid 2000s) friends and I went to Sonshine Christian music festival in Minnesota like 3 or 4 years in a row specifically because they had a "heavy metal stage" in a cleared out hockey arena. Saw several of the bands you mentioned and had some of my best concert memories there, lots of great bands, great sound and awesome crowd energy, huge mosh pits and circle pits, throw-down pits. Everyone was just happy to be there and fully into the heavy music. ANYWAY, It was really cool and interesting and nostalgic listening to this video👍

[@niicopanda]

That's wild brother. I got to see Seventh Star, TOURNIQUET(!!!), and some others on that exact stage. Sonshine was great overall. Hung out with old school Disciple for a minute, saw Project 86 put on one of the best performances I've been too, saw Flyleaf before they hit the radio. Man, those were good times...

[@QQyoko]

Man, talk about a nostalgia bomb. You popped up on my youtube recommendations out of nowhere and I'm super happy with it. The pop-punk section, clips from The Chariot, Zao, etc. Thanks for the video!

[@Dougger16]

I love how open and honest you are about this whole genre and how it challenged your thought process. In the end, of course, you had to decide what is right for you.

[@brett84c]

Really great video. I've been following your Channel this past week it's all really great content. Keep up the great work.