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	<title>Jimmy Lamar Sorells &#8211; The Christian Metal Group</title>
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	<title>Jimmy Lamar Sorells &#8211; The Christian Metal Group</title>
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<site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">228312027</site>	<item>
		<title>Stryper Delivers the Classics and Plenty More in Liberty</title>
		<link>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/stryper-delivers-the-classics-and-plenty-more-in-liberty/</link>
					<comments>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/stryper-delivers-the-classics-and-plenty-more-in-liberty/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jimmy Lamar Sorells]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:16:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Concert reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[always there for you]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[battle hymn of the republic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calling on you]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian metal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chuck w. chapman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Concert Gallery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Concert News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[in god we trust]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[liberty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[liberty sc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loud ‘n’ clear]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Metal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[michael sweet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[no more hell to pay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oz fox]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[perry richardson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pickens performing arts center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pickens sc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[roberty sweet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rock and roll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[soldiers under command]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stryper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the valley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thin lizzy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/?p=2138</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The conversations after a concert can tell you a lot about the show. Walking out of the Pickens County Performing Arts Center on Friday, October 23, I kept hearing people talk about Michael Sweet’s voice. Those high notes had made an impression, and fans were still marveling at them as they headed home. After watching Stryper that night in Liberty, South Carolina, I understood exactly why. Local rock and roll band Chuck W. Chapman opened the evening. Before Stryper’s set, two representatives from the South Carolina Entertainment &#38; Music Hall of Fame stepped out to introduce the headliners and recognize bassist Perry Richardson. A Conway native, Perry was inducted in 1995, long before joining Stryper in 2017. Their enthusiasm for welcoming him to the stage gave the evening a nice South Carolina connection. With the stage dark, a recording of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” filled the room. As it neared its end, the band members emerged one at a time and took their positions. It was a simple entrance that built anticipation before the live music began. What followed was a set with plenty of reasons for longtime fans to get excited. “Calling on You,” “Free,” “Loud ’n’ Clear,” “In God We Trust,” “Always There for You,” and “Soldiers Under Command” brought the early years into focus. Those songs remain a huge part of the appeal of seeing Stryper, and hearing them together made for a fun night. The newer material held its place alongside those favorites. “No More Hell to Pay,” “When We Were Kings,” “The Valley,” and “Yahweh” showed how much the band’s catalog has grown beyond its early successes. “The Valley” is one of my favorites, so that was an especially welcome part of the show. Michael also mentioned that they are working on new songs. For all the music on the setlist, one of my favorite moments came from something that appeared completely unplanned. Michael noticed a fan near the front wearing a Thin Lizzy shirt. He pointed it out and recalled that Stryper used to play one of their songs, although he needed a moment to remember it. The rest of the band watched while he worked it out on guitar. Then he turned toward Robert Sweet. You could see Robert nodding along, trying to catch what his brother was playing. Once he found it, he joined in on drums. Perry and Oz Fox, meanwhile, stood watching the two of them. Their expressions made the whole exchange even better. It looked like everyone was finding out about this little detour at the same time. I did not recognize the Thin Lizzy song, but the brief jam lasted about 20 seconds before Michael stopped and acknowledged that he had reached the end of what he remembered. It was a funny glimpse of the musicians enjoying themselves, and it gave the crowd a moment that went beyond simply hearing the hits. Michael’s singing was a highlight throughout the performance. The high notes were there, and judging by the comments afterward, I was far from the only person paying attention. After more than four decades with Stryper, he can still deliver the moments fans wait for in those songs. Beside him, Oz Fox impressed me with both his guitar playing and vocals. Having followed what he has been through with brain surgery, seeing him perform was particularly meaningful. He moved around less than I remembered from earlier shows, but there was still plenty to appreciate in his playing. Robert had his kit positioned sideways in his familiar arrangement, with cymbals surrounding him. It makes him easy to watch, and that is part of the experience. His drumming was as good as ever, and the setup let the audience take in more of what he was doing behind the kit. Perry brought an obvious enjoyment to the performance. I have always appreciated how humble and friendly he comes across, and he looks completely at home with this band. There is something infectious about watching a musician who clearly enjoys being onstage with the people around him. He is a great fit for Stryper. I shared the evening with my friends Eric, Wayne, Glenn, Steve, and Sally, along with my son Max. This was Max’s first time seeing the band, and he loved it. Having that mix of friends and family along made an already enjoyable show even better. “To Hell with the Devil” closed the night, putting a familiar crowd favorite at the end of a set that covered a lot of ground. Between the classics, the later material, and that unexpected Thin Lizzy moment, Stryper gave us plenty to talk about on the way out. The praise I heard around me matched my own reaction. Stryper sounded great, looked like they were having fun, and delivered exactly the kind of rock and roll night I had hoped for.]]></description>
		
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2138</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Skillet – After the Storm: Turning Pain Into Power</title>
		<link>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/skillet-after-the-storm-turning-pain-into-power/</link>
					<comments>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/skillet-after-the-storm-turning-pain-into-power/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jimmy Lamar Sorells]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2026 18:40:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[after the storm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Album Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alternative metal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Atom Splitter PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian hard rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian metal]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[david cowell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hard rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hear it loud records]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jen ledger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Cooper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[korey cooper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Metal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[monster]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rock and roll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seth Morrison]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skillet]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/?p=2134</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Artist: SkilletEP: After the StormRelease Date: October 9, 2026Record Label: Hear It Loud (Independent)Production: David Cowell and Korey CooperPublicity: Atom Splitter PRGenre: Hard Rock / Alternative MetalLength: 6 songs, approximately 22 minutes Nearly three decades into their career, Skillet continues to prove that they are far from finished. With millions of records sold, billions of streams, and a loyal fan base that spans generations, the band could easily continue releasing familiar radio-friendly rock songs and calling it a day. Thankfully, that is not what they have done with After the Storm. Released October 9, 2026, this six-song EP finds John Cooper, Korey Cooper, Jen Ledger, and Seth Morrison returning to a heavier, more aggressive sound while maintaining the massive melodies that have made them one of the biggest names in modern rock. What makes After the Storm particularly interesting is the emotion behind the music. These songs were born out of difficult seasons involving betrayal, grief, anger, and personal struggles. Instead of allowing those experiences to defeat him, John Cooper has turned them into music about perseverance, faith, and hope. The EP opens with &#8220;Scream,&#8221; and the title alone should tell listeners that Skillet has come ready to make some noise. Aggressive guitars, pounding drums, and Cooper&#8217;s unmistakable vocals establish the direction of the record. The band combines modern hard rock production with an intensity that longtime fans of their heavier material should appreciate. When Cooper unleashes his harsher vocals, it adds another dimension to a band that has never been afraid to experiment with its sound. &#8220;Lift Me Up&#8221; follows with the kind of enormous chorus that Skillet has mastered over the years. It brings together crushing instrumentation and infectious melodies without sacrificing the emotional weight of the song. There is something powerful about music that acknowledges life&#8217;s struggles while encouraging listeners to keep moving forward. Then comes &#8220;Grave Stomper,&#8221; one of the EP&#8217;s most aggressive tracks. The guitars hit hard, the rhythm section drives the song forward, and Cooper delivers his message with conviction. Inspired by personal experiences involving false accusations and betrayal, the song is about refusing to let lies and negativity determine your future. It is the kind of defiant anthem that should translate exceptionally well to the concert stage. The title track, &#8220;After the Storm,&#8221; provides another example of the band&#8217;s ability to balance heaviness with melody. Its memorable chorus and strong guitar work help make it one of the EP&#8217;s standout moments. Seth Morrison continues to demonstrate why he is such an important part of the band&#8217;s sound, bringing the guitar-driven energy that keeps these songs firmly rooted in hard rock. &#8220;Heaven Help Us&#8221; offers a change of pace, bringing a more reflective atmosphere to the collection. Skillet has always been capable of delivering emotionally charged slower songs, and this track gives the record some breathing room. The vulnerability fits naturally alongside the heavier material, reminding listeners that strength does not always mean pretending everything is fine. Closing track &#8220;Come and Find Me&#8221; brings the EP&#8217;s themes together with a longing for restoration and hope. Rather than finishing with another relentless musical assault, the band leaves listeners with something more personal. It is a fitting conclusion to a collection that explores both the pain of difficult experiences and the possibility of finding peace on the other side. One particularly exciting aspect of After the Storm is the return of John Cooper&#8217;s harsher vocal approach. While his melodic delivery remains a defining characteristic of the band, the additional screaming and aggressive instrumentation give the EP an edge that some fans may have missed on recent releases. Production duties were shared by David Cowell, known for his work with Sleep Theory, and Korey Cooper. The result is a polished but powerful sound that allows the guitars, drums, and vocals to hit with plenty of force. Another noteworthy development is the return of John Cooper to the recording environment of his hometown of Memphis, something the band had not done since 2003&#8217;s Collide. That connection to the past seems appropriate for a release that revisits some of the group&#8217;s heavier musical instincts. At just under 22 minutes, After the Storm does leave the listener wanting more. Six songs fly by quickly, especially when there is not much room for unnecessary filler. However, that is also one of its strengths. Every track contributes to the overall message, and the EP never overstays its welcome. With Skillet recently celebrating 30 million RIAA-certified units across its catalog and the massive success of songs like &#8220;Monster,&#8221; which has reached seven-times Platinum status, the band is enjoying extraordinary longevity. Yet After the Storm demonstrates that commercial success has not eliminated their willingness to get personal or turn up the heaviness. For longtime fans, this EP offers plenty to appreciate. For listeners who may have drifted away from Skillet over the years, it provides a compelling reason to give them another listen. After the Storm is more than a collection of new songs. It is a reminder that even after nearly 30 years, Skillet still has something meaningful to say and the musical firepower to deliver it. The storm may have been difficult, but the music that emerged from it is powerful. Standout tracks: &#8220;Grave Stomper,&#8221; &#8220;Scream,&#8221; and &#8220;After the Storm.&#8221; Final Verdict: A heavier, emotionally charged release that successfully combines Skillet&#8217;s signature melodies, aggressive guitars, and messages of faith and perseverance. It is a welcome addition to their extensive catalog.]]></description>
		
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2134</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Disciple Brings a Sold-Out Night of Rock, Fellowship, and Faith to Mauldin, South Carolina</title>
		<link>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/disciple-brings-a-sold-out-night-of-rock-fellowship-and-faith-to-mauldin-south-carolina/</link>
					<comments>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/disciple-brings-a-sold-out-night-of-rock-fellowship-and-faith-to-mauldin-south-carolina/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jimmy Lamar Sorells]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2026 23:53:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Concert reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[andrew stanton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian metal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dane allen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[disciple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[disciple band]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[disciple music]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[faith renewed church]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joey west]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joshua gilmore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[josiah prince]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kevin young]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[maulidn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pastor terry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seth marrow]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/?p=2114</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Disciple &#124; Faith Renewed Church &#124; Mauldin, SC &#124; October 16, 2026 After more than three decades of making music, Disciple continues to prove why they are one of the most respected bands in Christian hard rock and metal. On Friday night, October 16, the Knoxville, Tennessee, rockers brought their hard-hitting music and unapologetic message of Jesus Christ to Faith Renewed Church in Mauldin, South Carolina, for a sold-out show. With at least a few hundred fans packed into the venue, it was clear that the Upstate of South Carolina still has plenty of love for Disciple. This was my 20th time seeing the band, and I had a feeling I knew exactly what to expect. Great music, a high-energy performance, and Kevin Young sharing the Gospel. Once again, they delivered. What made this night even more special was getting to experience it with my kids, Leo, Kalli, and Max, along with two of their friends, James and Elijah. There is something special about taking your children to see a band you&#8217;ve been following for decades and watching them experience the same music you&#8217;ve enjoyed for so many years. The night also turned into something of a reunion. Everywhere I looked, I was running into friends. Stephanie and Johnathan Johnson and their family were there, along with Steve, Sally, and their granddaughter Evie. Steve was attending his 38th Disciple concert, making my 20 shows seem like rookie numbers! I also enjoyed catching up with Pastor Terry, Angel, and their family, Seth Marrow and his daughter Ester, Joshua Gilmore, and so many other good friends. Great music is always better when you&#8217;re surrounded by people you care about. As for the concert itself, Disciple did what Disciple does best. They brought the rock! Frontman Kevin Young, the band&#8217;s sole remaining founding member, continues to lead the charge with the same passion that has made him one of the most recognizable voices in Christian rock. Alongside guitarists Andrew Stanton and Josiah Prince, drummer Joey West, and bassist Dane Allen, the band delivered the kind of performance longtime fans have come to expect. The band even treated the crowd to a new song, which received an enthusiastic response. After releasing 13 studio albums, it&#8217;s encouraging to see Disciple continuing to write new material and keep fans excited about what&#8217;s coming next. One thing I&#8217;ve always appreciated about Disciple is that they have never been afraid to share their faith. Their concerts are about much more than entertainment. As expected, Kevin Young took time during the evening to preach the Gospel and share the message of Jesus Christ. This wasn&#8217;t simply a quick mention of faith between songs. Sharing the Gospel has always been a central part of what Disciple does. By the end of the night, eight people had made the decision to follow King Jesus! Of everything that happened that evening, that was undoubtedly the most important moment. The music was great, the fellowship was wonderful, but seeing eight people respond to the Gospel is something worth celebrating. Another thing that caught my attention was the band&#8217;s commitment to helping others. Their merchandise table stayed busy throughout the evening, but fans also had an opportunity to sponsor a child in need somewhere around the world. Kevin shared about the young girl his own family sponsors, making the invitation personal rather than just another announcement. I appreciate seeing a band use its platform not only to share the Gospel but also to encourage fans to make a difference in someone&#8217;s life. Disciple has been doing this since 1992, building a career that includes 13 studio albums, multiple Dove Awards, numerous Christian rock hits, and thousands of live performances. Through changing musical trends, lineup changes, and more than three decades on the road, the band&#8217;s mission has remained consistent. And that&#8217;s one of the reasons I keep coming back. After 20 concerts, I can say that I have never walked into a Disciple show wondering whether they were going to deliver. I know I&#8217;m going to hear great hard rock music, see a band that gives everything they&#8217;ve got, and hear the name of Jesus Christ proclaimed without apology. Friday night in Mauldin was no exception. A sold-out crowd, a new song, hundreds of fans enjoying the music, plenty of familiar faces, and eight people making decisions to follow Christ. What more could you ask for? Twenty Disciple shows down, and I&#8217;m looking forward to number 21!]]></description>
		
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2114</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>P.O.D. – “Outbreak” (feat. Cory Brandan): Nu-Metal Legends Unleash One of Their Heaviest Songs in Years</title>
		<link>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/p-o-d-outbreak-feat-cory-brandan-nu-metal-legends-unleash-one-of-their-heaviest-songs-in-years/</link>
					<comments>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/p-o-d-outbreak-feat-cory-brandan-nu-metal-legends-unleash-one-of-their-heaviest-songs-in-years/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jimmy Lamar Sorells]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:40:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[christian hardcore]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[cory brandan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[j.t. ibanez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mascot records]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[metalcore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Norma Jean]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nu-metal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[p.o.d.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[payable on death]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pod]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shaun of the dead]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sonny sandoval]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/?p=2111</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Release Date: September 30, 2026Record Label: Mascot RecordsPublicity: Atom Splitter PRMusic Video Director: J.T. Ibanez How does a band that has released so many great albums, delivered countless memorable songs, and helped define an entire genre continue to top itself? Well, P.O.D. just showed us how, with a tip of the hat to Cory Brandan of Norma Jean! The nu-metal legends are back with their new single, “Outbreak,” and this longtime fan couldn&#8217;t be happier. This is easily one of the hardest-hitting songs P.O.D. has released in a long time, and I would go as far as to say it is their best release since Satellite. P.O.D. has always been a band that could blend heavy riffs, groove, melody, and meaningful lyrics into something special. With “Outbreak,” they crank everything up a notch and bring along another legend of heavy music, Cory Brandan, frontman of Norma Jean, to help deliver the punishment. And what a combination! From the opening moments, the song creates a sense of urgency. The guitars are aggressive, the rhythm section hits hard, and Sonny Sandoval delivers his signature vocal style with the kind of intensity that helped make P.O.D. a household name in the nu-metal scene. Then Brandan enters the picture, adding another level of aggression with his unmistakable screams. The combination of these two vocalists works incredibly well. Sandoval brings the familiar P.O.D. sound, while Brandan adds an extra kick that pushes this song into even heavier territory. And then comes that breakdown! The band slows things down just enough to set you up before delivering a crushing breakdown with screams of “OUTBREAK!” It&#8217;s like getting smacked in the face with a record thrown by Shaun and Ed! The guitars, bass, and drums come together with an impact that reminds you exactly why P.O.D. has remained relevant for more than three decades. Lyrically, “Outbreak” takes an interesting approach. While the song and video revolve around an apocalyptic outbreak, I hear something deeper than just another zombie story. The outbreak seems to represent moral decay, with people becoming lovers of themselves while the world around them falls into chaos. Society is unraveling, people are consumed with themselves, and everything appears to be spinning out of control. It&#8217;s an interesting way to address the condition of the world while wrapping the message in an aggressive, apocalyptic metal song. There is plenty here to make listeners think beyond the surface. And let&#8217;s talk about that music video! I love seeing bands put the time, effort, and money into producing a quality music video instead of releasing just another lyric video. P.O.D. delivers exactly that with “Outbreak.” The video opens with people sitting around receiving emergency notifications on their phones. There is an immediate sense of disbelief as everyone tries to process what is happening. Surely this can&#8217;t be real, right? But it is. What follows is a world descending into chaos as the outbreak spreads. The apocalyptic imagery fits the song perfectly, creating a frantic atmosphere that complements the heavy guitars, pounding drums, and aggressive vocals. Directed by J.T. Ibanez, the video feels like a miniature horror movie, and it is exactly the kind of visual production a song like this deserves. What makes “Outbreak” even more exciting is knowing that P.O.D. is still capable of delivering music this powerful. These guys are legends of the nu-metal movement, and they have nothing left to prove. Yet here they are, continuing to push themselves and reminding everyone why they helped put this genre on the map. Having Cory Brandan join them was a brilliant move. His vocals don&#8217;t simply make a guest appearance. They become an essential part of what makes this song so memorable. Released September 30, 2026, through Mascot Records, with publicity handled by Atom Splitter PR, “Outbreak” marks the band&#8217;s first new original music since their 2024 album VERITAS. For longtime fans like myself, this is the kind of release that makes you excited about what might come next. It&#8217;s heavy, aggressive, memorable, and unmistakably P.O.D., while still bringing something fresh to the table. P.O.D. has delivered plenty of great music over the years, but “Outbreak” stands among their strongest releases in a very long time. This is the new single from an amazing band, and believe me, this is not a test!]]></description>
		
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2111</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Immortal Fest 2026: Three Days of Christian Metal, Community, and Legacy</title>
		<link>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/immortal-fest-2026-three-days-of-christian-metal-community-and-legacy/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jimmy Lamar Sorells]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2026 14:57:28 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[daniel o'connor]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[FEAR NOT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[furious love]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[greg x. volz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holy soldier]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idle cure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[immortal fest 2026]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[jeff scheetz band]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joey mancaruso]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[john degroff]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[ken tucker blues band]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lawrence bishop ii]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[les carlsen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[louie weaver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[messiah prophet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[michael drive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[novella]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pastor bob beeman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pastor john moser]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[petra]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rex carroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rex carroll and stone blue revival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rey parra]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[richard keith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rock for Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sacred warrior]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sanctuary international]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steve morse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the livestock band]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[we are family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[we are metal]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/?p=2074</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The fifth annual Immortal Fest brought three days of Christian rock and metal to the BMI Event Center in Versailles, Ohio, September 11–13. The lineup stretched across generations, bringing together artists connected to Petra, Bloodgood, Barren Cross, Sacred Warrior, Whitecross, Bride, Daniel Band, Messiah Prophet, and many more. As great as the music was, Immortal Fest has become about much more than bands for me. There is a huge emphasis on community. Sanctuary International has long used the phrase, “We are metal, we are family,” and that really sums up this weekend. I love hanging out with the people here. Steve Morse road-tripped with me, while George Rose came down from Michigan and stayed in the same house with us. We got to spend time with people we only see once or twice a year and finally meet others we had only known through social media. One of the things that makes this festival special is how accessible everyone is. Most of the people you see onstage can later be found walking around the venue, talking with fans and taking pictures. There is very little separation between the artists and the people who came to see them, and we love that about Immortal Fest. Pastor Bob Beeman once again emceed the festival and did a great job. Through Sanctuary International, Beeman has been involved in Christian heavy music ministry for decades. Our routine has also become part of the weekend. Steve, George, and I will grab breakfast, sometimes just the three of us and sometimes with other friends from the festival, hit a local record store, and then get to the venue early. We have been doing some version of that for years now. It was also great seeing Bryan Kemper there with the Rock for Life booth. I ran the Rock for Life South Carolina chapter when I was in college, so seeing the organization come back and continue standing for the right of all human life was personally meaningful. I was also proud to pick up one of the new shirt designs. Day One Les Carlsen and Michael Drive kicked off the festival with a blast of familiar tunes. I have seen both of these guys many times, and they have never disappointed me. This weekend was no different. Les Carlsen and Joyce Carlsen&#8217;s voices soared beautifully over the backing tracks as they mixed newer material with Bloodgood classics. Michael Drive followed with a killer performance, bringing a variety of songs and covers to the stage. His voice still has the power that made Barren Cross immediately recognizable. I was disappointed that the promoter did not have the budget to bring complete bands for these performances. Les, Joyce, and Michael still delivered, but hearing those songs backed by full bands would have taken both performances to another level. Then came the first major surprise of the weekend. Furious Love, the only ’80s and ’90s Christian hard rock and metal tribute band in the U.S., was not a band I knew much about going into Immortal Fest. That changed quickly. They absolutely blew us away. Their set dug into the classic Christian rock and metal catalog, paying tribute to bands such as Holy Soldier, DeGarmo &#38; Key, Idle Cure, Messiah Prophet, and others. They did not simply play the songs. They brought the energy and excitement that made so many of these bands special in the first place. Leading the charge was vocalist Randy Janee, whose amazing voice and talent were impossible to miss. She more than held her own on material originally performed by some of the great voices in Christian hard rock and metal, delivering the songs with power, range, and plenty of stage presence. Solo artist Daniel O’Connor joined Furious Love for the festival and delivered some serious guitar work, while Derek Ferwerda was also part of the lineup. Drummer Dale Erickson, a longtime concert promoter who helped form Furious Love, drove the band from behind the kit. The set also included some great connections to the original artists they were honoring. Adam Gibson of Novella joined the band on drums for several songs, while original Messiah Prophet drummer David Thunder joined Furious Love for one Messiah Prophet song. Those guest appearances added something special. This was not just about revisiting great songs from the past. Musicians connected to that history were standing onstage helping bring some of it back to life. By the time Furious Love finished, they had become my favorite performance of Friday and one of the two biggest surprise highlights of the entire festival. Furious Love photo credit to Concert Fotos by Chad Arsenal was up next. The female-fronted Christian hard rock band originally emerged from the late-&#8217;80s and early-&#8217;90s scene with Christine Steel on vocals. For longtime fans, this was their only opportunity in many years to see Arsenal perform live again. Friday closed with GHF, short for God Has Forgiven, and they did not disappoint. GHF includes three original founding members of Petra: guitarist Greg Hough, bassist John DeGroff, and drummer Bill Glover, joined by keyboardist Pastor John Moser. This lineup reaches all the way back to the earliest chapter of Petra&#8217;s history, before the later eras most fans associate with vocalists Greg X. Volz and John Schlitt. They dug into old Petra material and did those songs justice. The stage performance was great, these guys still have it, and I was honored to finally have the opportunity to see them perform live. Three Generations of Petra in One Weekend One of the coolest parts of Immortal Fest 2026 was having three different chapters of Petra history represented across the weekend. Friday&#8217;s GHF took us back to the founding era with original Petra members Greg Hough, John DeGroff, and Bill Glover. This was before Petra became identified with the lead vocalists who would later help define its best-known eras. Saturday&#8217;s Petra represented the John Schlitt era, with John Schlitt handling lead vocals alongside founding guitarist and primary songwriter Bob]]></description>
		
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2074</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Skillet Celebrates 30 Million RIAA-Certified Units as “Monster” Hits 7x Platinum</title>
		<link>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/skillet-celebrates-30-million-riaa-certified-units-as-monster-hits-7x-platinum/</link>
					<comments>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/skillet-celebrates-30-million-riaa-certified-units-as-monster-hits-7x-platinum/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jimmy Lamar Sorells]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:27:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[after the storm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Atom Splitter PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[awake and alive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[back from the dead]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian metal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[david cowell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[falling inside the black]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[feel invincible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finish line]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grammatrain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hero]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[John Cooper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life me up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[monster]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[not gonna die]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[riaa-certifitied]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scream]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sick of it]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skillet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sleep theory]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unleashed album]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/?p=2069</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Nearly 30 years into their career, Skillet continues to prove just how much staying power their music has. The band has now reached 30 million RIAA-certified units across 21 titles, with several of its biggest songs earning new multi-Platinum certifications. Leading the way is “Monster,” which has now been certified an incredible 7x Platinum. “Hero” has reached 4x Platinum, while “Awake and Alive” and “Feel Invincible” have both climbed to 3x Platinum. Those numbers are impressive on their own, but they also show how well Skillet’s music has carried across generations. Songs like “Monster,” “Hero,” and “Awake and Alive” are not simply tracks people remember from when they were released. New listeners continue to discover them through streaming, social media, gaming, and sports. According to the band’s press release, “Monster” alone has now surpassed 5 billion global streams. Other certifications being recognized include “Not Gonna Die” at Platinum, along with Gold certifications for “Falling Inside the Black,” “Finish Line,” “Rise,” “Sick of It,” and “Back From the Dead.” The Unleashed album has also reached Platinum status. I have watched Skillet change considerably over the years. I first saw them touring behind their self-titled debut with Grammatrain, when they were a three-piece grunge rock band. Since then, they have gone through several musical changes while building one of the most recognizable sounds in modern rock. Seeing songs from different eras of that career continue to grow is pretty cool. What makes the timing even better is that Skillet is not simply celebrating the past. Their six-song EP After the Storm arrives October 9 and finds the band returning to a heavier sound. It also reunites frontman John Cooper with producer David Cowell, also known as Sleep Theory, and marks the first time Cooper has returned to his hometown of Memphis to record since 2003’s Collide. The newer material has already shown plenty of promise. “Scream” has surpassed 5 million global streams, while “Lift Me Up” brings the kind of hard-hitting sound I have been hoping to hear more of from Skillet. The guitars are heavy, the drums stand out, and Cooper’s voice fits the aggression of the song perfectly. There is also a much more personal side to these songs. Cooper has described After the Storm as music written during a difficult season involving betrayal, anger, depression, faith, perseverance, and hope. “This EP is special to me. It reignites what Skillet was always meant to be—which is music that helps lift people out of dark times.” That has always been one of Skillet’s greatest strengths. The band can hit hard musically without losing the hopeful message that has connected with listeners throughout its career. Thirty million certified units is a massive achievement, but what stands out even more is that Skillet still sounds hungry. With After the Storm on the way, these certifications feel less like a career retrospective and more like another milestone along the road. Skillet has built an impressive legacy, and they clearly are not finished adding to it. Information provided by Atom Splitter PR.]]></description>
		
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2069</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Lacey Sturm – “Forever &#038; Ever” Featuring Lindsey Stirling</title>
		<link>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/lacey-sturm-forever-ever-featuring-lindsey-stirling/</link>
					<comments>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/lacey-sturm-forever-ever-featuring-lindsey-stirling/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jimmy Lamar Sorells]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:31:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[forever & ever]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lacy sturm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lindsey stirling]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/?p=2065</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Lacey Sturm gives “Forever &#38; Ever” new life with an official music video that pairs perfectly with the song’s mix of beauty, heaviness, and emotion. Lacey’s voice is fantastic as always, and the song is incredibly catchy without losing its depth. Lindsey Stirling’s violin adds a unique texture, especially in the quieter section where the guitar and violin build tension before the drums kick in. That shift is one of the strongest moments in the track. The lyrics deal with scars, fear, love, and choosing to keep moving forward, with the line “The joy is worth the pain” standing at the center of that message. Visually, the video is just as striking. Lacey carrying a bouquet of white roses on fire through the darkness is a powerful and memorable image. “Forever &#38; Ever” is emotional, creative, and beautifully put together.]]></description>
		
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2065</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Resurrection Fest Rocks Greer, SC</title>
		<link>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/resurrection-fest-rocks-greer-sc/</link>
					<comments>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/resurrection-fest-rocks-greer-sc/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jimmy Lamar Sorells]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:01:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brent tatum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian metal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[igniting the sky]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kudzu Captured Photography]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[metalcore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resurrection fest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resuscitation records]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tricord]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ziggie and the suffering gift]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/?p=2053</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Resurrection Fest brought the Resurrection Records family to Resurrection Church in Greer, SC, on August 29. Label artists Ziggie and the Suffering Gift, Brent Tatum, and Tricord were joined by local opener Igniting the Sky for a night of Christian rock and metal. I arrived early with three of my kids and had a great time hanging out with everyone during load-in and merch setup before the doors opened. Igniting the Sky kicked things off with a different lineup than I remembered. Instead of Cody handling the vocals alone, three singers shared the duties. The harmonies and screams worked well together, while Kristen once again killed it on guitar. They were exactly the kind of band needed to wake everyone up and get the night moving. Ziggie and the Suffering Gift were down a guitarist, but you would not have known it from their performance. Ziggie’s Led Zeppelin-influenced vocals did not disappoint, and his guitar work remained strong. William kept a tight beat behind the kit while Mike stayed firmly in the pocket on bass. Brent Tatum had to perform without his band due to circumstances outside his control, but he made the most of it. Armed with his guitar and a miked kick drum, Brent played the entire set without backing tracks. Mad props for that. His stories behind the songs gave the audience an opportunity to connect with both the music and its message. Headliner Tricord closed the night, and the crowd quickly moved toward the front. With two members now living in Tennessee, the band still came together and delivered. Jermaine knows how to command a room, and songs including “Liar,” “Watcha Got,” “Fix Me,” and “Born to Be a King” kept the crowd engaged. One of my favorite moments remains seeing Jermaine’s son, Keighan, join him on “Born to Be a King.” After seeing Tricord four times, that father-and-son moment never gets old. Photo Credit: Matthew Easterland / Kudzu Captured Photographyhttps://www.instagram.com/kudzucaptured/]]></description>
		
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2053</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Sent By Ravens Haven’t Missed a Beat on Comeback Single “A Quiet War”</title>
		<link>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/sent-by-ravens-havent-missed-a-beat-on-comeback-single-a-quiet-war/</link>
					<comments>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/sent-by-ravens-havent-missed-a-beat-on-comeback-single-a-quiet-war/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jimmy Lamar Sorells]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:46:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[a quiet war]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[andy o'neal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian hardcore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dane anderson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jamie windham]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jj leonard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sent by ravens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[zach riner]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/?p=2050</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[After 14 years without new music, Sent By Ravens are back with “A Quiet War,” and it does not sound like a band trying to rediscover who they are. This sounds like Sent By Ravens. These guys haven’t missed a beat. For longtime fans, that may be the best thing I can say about their return. Sent By Ravens built a loyal following with albums like Our Graceful Words and Mean What You Say, combining hard rock and post-hardcore with memorable melodies, emotional songwriting, and the unmistakable voice of Zach Riner. Fourteen years is a long time, but “A Quiet War” feels like a natural continuation rather than a forced attempt to recreate the past. The guitar work from Andy O’Neal throughout the song is excellent. There is plenty of melody, but the guitars still carry some real weight, especially as the song continues building. The band knows when to pull back and when to hit harder, giving “A Quiet War” a dynamic feel instead of simply throwing everything at you from the beginning. And then there is that chorus. “Burn it downThrone of goldBurn it with all that is sacredWhen the story endsLet it be told” It is the kind of chorus that sticks with you immediately. Powerful, melodic, and meaningful. After all these years, these words are just as graceful. One of the most memorable moments comes when the music gives way to the voice of a young girl saying: “Courage is not silencing fear, it’s discovering the loudest voice inside doesn’t get to write your story.” That line captures much of what the song feels like. “A Quiet War” deals with the battles happening beneath the surface, where fear, doubt, and the voices inside our own heads can sometimes become louder than everything else. Then the song begins to build again. Sent By Ravens could have simply ridden out the melody, but instead they take the song somewhere much heavier. Everything erupts into a nasty breakdown behind the declaration: “Be stillListen closeQuiet your mind nowThere is moreKeep going” That section is one of my favorite moments in the song. The heaviness does not feel thrown in just for the sake of having a breakdown. The music supports the message, and when that moment hits, it hits hard. Most importantly, “A Quiet War” feels authentic. There is enough familiarity here for someone who followed Sent By Ravens during the Tooth &#38; Nail years to immediately recognize the band, but it does not sound trapped in 2010 either. They sound older, seasoned, and confident without losing what made people love them in the first place. After waiting 14 years, I could not have asked for a much better return. Sent By Ravens are currently only scheduled to play Louder Than Life in Kentucky, but I am looking forward to getting the chance to see them live again. Even more than that, “A Quiet War” has me ready to hear the new album and find out where this next chapter takes them. If this is our first taste of what is coming from Sent By Ravens, bring it on. “A Quiet War” written by Jamie Windham, Zach Riner, JJ Leonard, Dane Andersen, and Andy O’Neal. Watch “A Quiet War” on YouTube]]></description>
		
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2050</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Extol Hit Hard with New Single “The One and the Many”</title>
		<link>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/extol-hit-hard-with-new-single-the-one-and-the-many/</link>
					<comments>https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/extol-hit-hard-with-new-single-the-one-and-the-many/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jimmy Lamar Sorells]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 20:56:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Atom Splitter PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christer espevoll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christian metal group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[david husvik]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Extol]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fleshkiller]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[karl aksel skjaeringrud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ole borud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peter espevoll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Solid State Records]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the one and the many]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.christianmetalgroup.com/?p=2046</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Extol are back with “The One and the Many,” the first taste of their upcoming album Aura of Decay, due November 6 through Solid State Records, with publicity handled by Atom Splitter PR. After more than a decade without a new full length record, the Norwegian metal veterans waste no time reminding listeners what makes them different. “The One and the Many” sucker punches you square in the jaw with shifting rhythms, technical guitar work, aggressive drumming and a structure that refuses to settle into anything predictable. For longtime Extol fans, this is exactly the kind of music we have been waiting to hear. One of my favorite parts of the track is the vocal mixture. Peter Espevoll and Ole Børud bring different textures to the song, and those contrasting voices work extremely well against the constantly moving instrumentation. The musicianship is technical without losing the aggression that made Extol stand out in the first place. The song also rewards repeated listens. Karl Aksel Skjæringrud, a Christian Metal Group moderator from Norway, told me that while he initially wanted a little more guitar or bass in the mix, the song continued to grow on him. He compared some of its musical direction more closely to Fleshkiller than older Extol and praised Ole Børud’s vocals, while saying he would love to hear Peter Espevoll layered over Ole in places for an even heavier effect. “It takes some listening,” Karl said, noting that after several plays he began appreciating the track more, especially when hearing it alongside songs from Undeceived. Lyrically, “The One and the Many” tackles modern tribalism, ideological division and the tension between individual identity and collective thinking. Christer Espevoll has explained that the song reflects a culture where truth can feel increasingly relative while tribal beliefs become stronger. The unsettled subject matter fits the music perfectly, with abrupt transitions and jarring changes reinforcing the tension behind the lyrics. The return of Christer Espevoll alongside Peter Espevoll, Ole Børud and David Husvik makes this new chapter even more exciting. The band has hinted that Aura of Decay will contain elements reminiscent of the darker atmosphere of Burial, while still carrying forward everything Extol has developed musically over the years. If “The One and the Many” is the introduction, Aura of Decay has my attention. My only hope is that this ends up being one of the lighter songs on the album, because if Extol plans to go heavier from here, November cannot get here soon enough.]]></description>
		
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