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Billy Fraser interview – DISCERN

Billy Fraser interview – DISCERN
By Jimmy & Jay

CMG: Where do you live?

Billy: I live in the Northern Suburbs of Dallas, TX, in Garland. Love this area!

CMG: What was your childhood like?

Billy: I was blessed to have a wonderful childhood provided to me by my parents. I never was in want, my mother was wonderful, and I was given the love I needed, as all children should be given.  The teen years were rougher, but as far as my childhood, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

CMG: Did you grow up in a religious home? How did you come to your faith?

Billy: Most of my family would go to church every Sunday, and we were Lutheran. In all honesty, I hated every minute of church growing up. I felt it was stupid, a waste of time, and I remember, even as young as age 5, I felt that all that I saw were humans just acting out of the fear of the unknown, with man-made rituals thought up by someone’s own limited notions of God, which is of course, what religion is to begin with, and I despised it all. Now, with that being said, I did believe in God, and I had respect for Him, even though I was not saved yet, but I just hated church itself.

Years later at age 11, through 3 specific things: Nature, Science, and the Animal Kingdom, I surrendered my life to Christ and became Born Again.

CMG: Did you grow up in a musical home?

Billy: Not really, but my parents did listen to Elvis, The Guess Who, The Eagles, and such. However, the one defining moment in my life regarding music, and what changed my life’s course, was when I saw a KISS commercial, at age 3. I remember standing in front of the TV, not realizing what exactly I was looking at, but I was blown away 1000% by the stage show, the makeup, their music, and the drummer behind his massive drum set. At that moment, I decided I was going to be a drummer, and the following year at age 4, I got a drum set and started playing drums.  While the Beatles influenced KISS and countless others, KISS were MY Beatles.

From that point on, I was listening to as much music as possible that I could find, in addition to what my brother was jamming to, such as Queen, REO Speedwagon, Journey, Foreigner, and many others.

CMG: What instruments do you play?

Billy: Drums, first and foremost, then guitar/bass. 

CMG: As a musician, how did you gravitate towards Death Metal? 

Billy: I had joined my first full band at age 14 in 1988, which was Summoned, and we were a Christian Thrash Metal band.  Soon after joining, we recorded a demo, selling a ton in the underground, through reviews and a local metal shop.  We were a 3-piece at first, and then once we obtained a 4th member who played lead guitar, the songs became so much better.  We opened for One Bad Pig, Vengeance Rising, and played a few other gigs around town. 

Since Thrash and Death Metal are basically on the same highway, it only was natural to verge into the Death Metal lane, so to say. I had first heard Death’s album Leprosy, in 1989, and I was blown away!! Those vocals, those riffs…I had never heard anything like it!!! Then, at a Vengeance Rising gig in 1990, I met my longtime friend/brother Neal Christmas, who showed me a jambox tape recording of his death metal band, and again, I was totally blown away.  Such a different view musically than Thrash!  Months later, I was exposed to Obituary and Napalm Death, so my band Summoned naturally progressed to full-on death metal, by early 1991, with our songs strongly reflecting our love of the bands mentioned before, Obituary and Napalm Death, with blasting, tons of double bass, etc..

CMG: Why does this term “Christian Death Metal” still offend so many people in Christian and secular circles?

Billy: Well, the offense is the name of Christ itself, for those who do not know Him, as His name and power offends our sinful nature, as humans.  The other avenue, with Christians who are offended by it and not understanding the fact that Believers can love and play death metal, is just either pure ignorance or an unwillingness to embrace the fact that God Himself is not limited by a human’s likes or dislikes, as He can use anything He wants to use, to get His point and message across. For what I do with DISCERN, I use the term, ” Spirit-Filled Death “, as technically, that is what it is.

CMG: Have you always done Christian music exclusively?

Billy: Yes.

CMG: What were your favorite bands growing up? 

Billy: My favorite bands then and now are the same, plus of course, many more bands as I have gotten older and discovered the plethora of bands out there:  KISS, first and foremost, Queen, Whitesnake, Stryper, along with earlier Christian Rock/Metal bands such as Barnabas, The Resurrection Band, Philadelphia, Messiah Prophet, Saint, Soldier, Cross, Paradox, Barren Cross, Bloodgood, One Bad Pig, etc..

I am also very much into hardcore bands such as Sick Of It All, Youth of Today, Judge, Insted, and Seven Seconds.

Regarding Thrash, Death, and a little bit of Black: Old Metallica and Anthrax, Slayer, Deliverance, Vengeance Rising, Razor, Obituary, Napalm Death, Death, Morbid Angel, Deicide, Immolation, Suffocation, Asphyx, Skeletal Remains, Vore, Immortal, the mighty Vader, and the list goes on. Those are the main faves I can think of right now.

CMG: What is the history of the band Oblation? – How did the band start, who was in the band, what did they play, what was the mission, and why did the band end?

Billy: After Summoned’s last gig in Houston at the After Dark Club in 1991, the band split up. I met up with Mitch Reese, who played rhythm guitar, and originally I had wanted to continue Summoned with Mitch and a whole new lineup, but he felt it was best to start fresh, and that is how Oblation was started. We started writing songs quickly, and by 1992, we recorded our one-song demo for Dead Unborn, having our friend Dino Deblasio record bass/lead guitar in the studio, followed by  producing our homemade video for it. Shortly after, Mike Rizzo joined, who played lead guitar, and we all worked on more material, finally to have Alan Tregoning, our bassist, who is from Australia, fly over to join us, and Oblation was then a solid and full outfit. We put out our 3-song demo in 1994, played many shows in TX and other states, received tons of great reviews/press in the Death Metal underground, and by 1995, we had much more material for another release. However, by the end of 1995, half the band were not interested in continuing to play death metal, while the other half did still want to focus on putting out death metal, so we ended the band.

CMG: Let’s talk about the video for “Dead Unborn”. I saw it for the first time on a Heaven’s Metal videotape (yes, on videotape) and was blown away by both the musicality and the imagery. What influenced your decision to tackle abortion in Death Metal, and was there any backlash about the video being too “gory”?

Billy: We decided to simply show people the fruit of what they originally state they believe in, as far as ” abortion rights. ” So many only think as far as the idea of it, versus what it REALLY is, which is the murder of an unborn child. The results were outstanding: So many were totally floored, minds were changed, ideas were re-arranged, and the fact of what we showed was the evidence that changed minds in this issue. There were a few ”  loud ” reactions to it, but that is to be expected when reality itself, for such an issue, is shown in its entirety. Years after Oblation ended, I received a letter from someone who showed our video to someone considering an abortion, who then changed her mind after seeing it.  That right there is the reward itself.

CMG: You were an official member or a live/session musician for Crimson Thorn? Tell us that history and association. (IMHO, it was inevitable because of the similarities in your style of Death Metal, and theirs)

Billy: Oblation met the mighty Crimson Thorn back at Michigan Mosh 1994, and we were blown away by their sheer power!! We became instant friends, and it was such a blessing!  Being that I am their biggest fan and knew all of their songs on drums, when they needed a drummer, I flew up and played a few gigs with them, and we all had a blast, pun definitely intended. The understanding of the situation was, of course, when they found a drummer up there in MN, to use them, but until they did find a drummer, I would help them out when I could.  Miles Sunde, their main guitarist and songwriter, has done the DISCERN album cover artwork for the past two DISCERN albums, and will be working on the new album, as well. Love the Thorn!

CMG: When did Discern form and who is in the band? 

Billy: DISCERN formed in 1996 immediately after the disbanding of Oblation. In fact, DISCERN was going to be a side project of mine while Oblation was going full-force. I had already written a number of songs for DISCERN by the time Oblation had ended, which ended up on the first DISCERN album.

I am DISCERN, writing and recording all instruments/music, while I have the pleasure of having friends doing the lead guitar solos. On the first album, I had my producer Andrew Albert do the leads, while on the second album, Rick Hunter-Martinez from metal legends Soldier shredded at will, and his will was very strong!  He will also be on the new/upcoming DISCERN album, as well.

CMG: What influenced your decision to create an album where you did all vocals and played all instruments? 

Billy: I just felt that it was very natural and easy to write/record my own music.

CMG: Discern is a Death Metal band that is not shy about your heavy Blues influence! Who are your favorite Blues artists and what influenced you to incorporate some of that into Discern?

Billy: The Blues influences come from a love of the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, and Whitesnake, who are technically a classic rock blues band, and their power totally has a light shining on my music that strongly influences it.  Stevie Ray Vaughan was beyond incredible, and his talent, IMO, is unmatched. I think having the Blues influence in the music of DISCERN is appropriate, as Blues is just as powerful as death metal, and it gives the music a different edge.

CMG: You tend to tackle a lot of controversial subjects on the Discern albums – especially with certain teachers in the church and certain movements. What fueled your interest in these subjects?

Billy: Just the simple fact that God’s Word speaks about these issues, such as false prophets, and the time that will arrive where men will not put up with sound doctrine, but who will listen to teachers who tickle their itching ears. Those who take an imaginary clay mold of who they think “God” is, but molding this image to the image they themselves want to serve, instead of being transformed by Christ Himself.  This false image they follow is a false god who desires everyone to be healthy, wealthy, and literal gods of their own life, and fully believing they are “little gods! “.  This echoes the lie spoken by the serpent in the Garden of Eden, where he stated “You will be like God” if they ate of the fruit God forbid Adam and Eve to eat.  This deception, and teachings, are very strong within the Body of Christ, brought to us by many lying wolves from hell itself who teach such atrocities.  I am not speaking about secondary issues, such as end times, miracles existing today, different views of baptism, etc.. We can all differ on such issues but can remain steadfast and united with the major essentials of the Christian Faith, such as who God/Jesus are, the issue of sin, and the need of repentance, etc. However, when that one preacher preaches Biblical ideas for 15 minutes, and then in minute 16, slips in the subtle heresy that changes everything about the “god” they are preaching about, that is when true evil/heresy is abounding.  So, with all of that being said, on every DISCERN album, I have a song/songs about the bottom-feeding heretical false-god salesmen within the Body of Christ who need to be exposed. Those liars on TV begging for money, and who perpetuate the cult of the Faith Movement.  After all, as Believers, we ARE supposed to expose the devil’s schemes, naturally.

Interesting how so many who do not know Christ can see through this deception, alongside Biblically-Faithful followers of Christ, yet many who claim Christ fall for these circus acts in the Church! 

CMG: How many albums have you done so far?

Billy: Two: Revive and Rebuke from 1998 and To Praise With Persecution from 2007.

CMG: What are the pros and cons of being the sole member of a “band”?

Billy: Pros: You work on your own time and accord, and there is no arguing about songs with other band members..HA HA!

Cons: Not having outside influences bringing another flavor to the songwriting mold.

CMG: What is your favorite snack on the road while touring?

Billy: I have never been on tour, but a few favorite snacks of mine are these Chocolate-Nut Bars I get from Aldi, and Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips, which I try to eat as least as possible!! LOL!

CMG: What band would you clear your calendar to tour with? 

Billy: Vader, Suffocation, Internal Bleeding, the mighty Asphyx, Napalm Death, Obituary, Immortal, and the list goes on.

CMG: Do you have plans to tour Australia or the USA? 

Billy: Australia? I would love to visit Australia someday!!  As far as touring as a whole, I have no plans whatsoever, as I do not have an actual band itself to tour with, so at this time, not an option.

CMG: Have you had backlash because of the style of music you play? 

Billy: Nope, not at all!

CMG: How has the reaction been to DISCERN?

Billy: Wonderful!! I have been in metal/death metal magazines, and played on metal radio stations, from all over the world.  The response has always been great!  CDs of my second album are still selling and also still available!

CMG: What do you think of the current state of Christian Metal?

Billy: I honestly cannot answer that question because I simply do not follow the current Christian Metal scene itself. 

CMG: What is your favorite non-metal music to listen to? 

Billy: I love: Classical, Hardcore, and Electronic music! 

CMG: What is something about you that no one reading this would know? 

Billy: I dip all of my fries in Mayo.

CMG: Are you working on new music?

Billy: Yes, I have the third installment of Spirit-Filled Death finished and I am practicing up at this very moment to plan a recording date, so I can be the best I can be.

CMG: What is your favorite thing about being a Christian? 

Billy: The astounding fact that the God of the entire Universe desires a relationship with me, who loves me and who provided me a way out of the hell I was facing because of my sin, and that He/God/Jesus are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

As Believers, we do not have religion made by the sinful nature of man, we have the true/living reality of Jesus, in a relationship with Him!!

His love is pure!

CMG: How can the Christian Metal Group community support you?

Billy: By supporting me in prayer, and by purchasing the new CD once it is out, which I am hoping for a release early next year.

You can keep up with DISCERN on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/discerndeathmetal

DISCERN email: soundofwhitenoise@rocketmail.com

You can order DISCERN CDs and T-Shirts at Soundof Whitenoise Records by messaging them on FB at: Soundof Whitenoise

Thank you guys for the interview and blessings to you!

Billy Fraser - Discern

Saving Darkness – Till The Death Of Me EP review

This hard rock band hails from Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.

Aaron Kiby – Vocals
Mike Ruppe – Guitar
Ryan Huskey – Guitar
Jeff Genobles – Drums
Andy Will – Bass

The artwork is awesome. It’s the classic good vs evil,
and with the giant cross so we know Jesus wins.

Are you looking for a hard rock Christian band? You have found one with Saving Darkness. They bring the Jesus filled hard rock with some screaming. When you listen to their lyrics, there is no doubt these guys love Jesus. I have personally seen them perform live and they put on a great show as well.

The EP kicks off with a soft guitar track called Nightfall followed by Rise which is a hard rock song with great guitar work and some screaming. Then Gehenna brings some crunchy guitars accompanied by screaming. Next is the song Oxygen. This is the best song on the EP. It is a hard and catchy song that is memorable. This should be released as a single. The following song is called Forever. It is a great rock song with a guitar solo. Up next is Overload, a hard hitting banger with some screaming followed by Daybreak which is a soft piano outro.

I am looking forward to this EP and then the release of a full album in the future.

Jimmy Lamar Sorrells

Anders Köllerfors Interview – Drummer for Narnia & All For The King

Interview Anders Köllerfors – Drummer for Narina & All For The King

CMG: Where do you live?

AK: I live in a tiny little place called Omsed in Skåne, in the south part of Sweden.
8 houses scattered on some fields in the middle of nowhere.

CMG: What was your childhood like? Did you grow up in a religious home? Did you grow up in a musical home?

AK: I had a very good childhood.
I grew up in a christian home. My mom was a teacher and music leader in church. My dad had a boat building factory and was a singer. I have two brothers.
There was a lot of music going on. My older brother is a multi-musician that plays pretty much any instrument and my younger brother is a great pianist.
I started to play the violin at the age of nine but switched to play the drums at twelve.
Due to the fact that we were in church so much it made it very natural to perform in front of an audience from an early age. I think I sang solo from the age of five and played drums in moms choir from the age of thirteen.

CMG: What instruments do you play?

AK: I play drums and violin. Also little piano when nobody is listening.

CMG: What bands have you been involved in?

AK: Right now I’m a member of Narnia and All For The King.
I do work a lot with Magnus Karlsson so through him I have worked with Anette Olzon, Magnus Karlssons Free Fall, Allen&Olzon, Starbreaker and so on…

CMG: What were your favorite bands growing up?

AK: On my seventh birthday I invited my class to a party and played the best music I knew.
Mozart!!! But nobody liked it. Hahaha..!
Later I listened to Jerusalem, Leviticus, Stryper, Rush, Yes, & Toto among others.

CMG: What musical genre is Narnia considered?

AK: I think it’s a bit hard to answer… but maybe a hybrid of melodic and progressive metal with a neoclassical and symphonic touch.

CMG:What’s your favorite Narnia album?

AK: I really like ”Course of a Generation” and the latest album ”Ghost Town.”

CMG:The band is named after a world in the writings of C.S. Lewis. How much of his writings have you read, if any?

AK: When I was a kid the whole family gathered around the fireplace on the weekends and my father read the whole series of Narnia. Good times!

CMG:Who is your favorite character in the Chronicles of Narnia?

AK: Aslan, of course! I like King Caspian. He seems to be a nice dude as well!

CMG: Narnia is a band that has always been respected by secular audiences. What do you think contributes to that respect the most?

AK: First of all I think the respect comes from the fact that the members are really good musicians but also that we stand up for what we believe in. There are no compromises and I think that people really respect that even if they don’t believe the same as we do.

CMG: What are your favorite bands that are newer?

AK: I really like ”Icefish”! Virgil Donati and Marco Sfoglis band. Very progressive music!!!
Arch Echo is also amazing.

CMG: What is your favorite snack while on tour?

AK: Always Daim!!!

CMG: Have you ever had backlash from fans for a musical direction?

AK: I haven’t noticed any of that. I’m pretty new in the band though but I haven’t heard anything from the others either. We have the best fans, really!

CMG: What’s your favorite non-metal music to listen to?

AK: I really like Sting, Dirty Loops…

CMG: What is something about you that no one reading this would know?

AK: I used to be a killer on the unicycle.

CMG: What is your favorite thing about being a Christian?

AK: I´m saved and I have a personal relationship with the creator of all!

CMG: How can the Christian Metal Group community support you?

AK: Pray for Narnia and All For the King and that whatever I play on the Holy Spirit is going to be present in the drums.

CMG: I read that you are creating your own drum brand. Tell us about that.

AK: I have a new drumline called ReThink Drums. The shells are 3D printed with recycled wood. Very eco-friendly.
Due to the fact that the shells are printed there is no tension in the shells and they will stay round. Then my work is to make real drums out of the printed tube.
I grind the bearing edges, make the snare bed, drill all the holes and assemble all the hardware.
Soon we will release other materials in the drums as well. Very exciting.

Narnia
https://narniatheband.com/

All For The King
https://www.allfortheking.se/

Anders Discography
https://www.discogs.com/artist/4995139-Anders-K%C3%B6llerfors?superFilter=Instruments+%26+Performance

Testimony Of Apocalypse (TOA) Review 

Do you like blistering trash metal? Then you are going to love this new album titled The Offering!

Formed by Paul Graham on banging drums, Nick Pacitti on shredding guitar, and the incredible Derek Corzine provides session bass.

Based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. USA.

This is a follow-up from their first album called None Escape The Judgement.

1. The Rescue (featuring Juan Marrero from Let The Day Perish)

This song has crushingly good vocals with some cleans as well. The music is hard hitting with a great guitar solo for good measure.

2. Holier Than Thou  – (featuring Corey Weaver from Bloodline Severed)

This song is brutal and in your face from the start. I love the riffs on this song. The vocals demand your attention!

3. Darkly Through Mirrors – (featuring Brian Lyda from Burial Extraction)

This song has a throwback Extol feel to it. The breakdown is sick, the guitar work is phenomenal, and the drumming will keep you headbanging.

The lyrics are fantastic and exactly what you want to hear from Christian thrash metal band.  

This is an album that you will definitely want to order when it drops and I can’t wait to hear the whole album!- Jimmy Lamar Sorrells / Christian Metal Group

Most Influential Extreme Christian Metal Albums!

Top 10 Christian Extreme Metal Albums

Horde – “Hellig Usvart”

Hellig Usvart - Wikipedia

“Hellig Usvart” by Horde is a pioneering Christian black metal album that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Drawing influences from Norwegian black metal bands like Mayhem and Darkthrone, Horde infuses their music with intense aggression and dark atmospheres. The album’s blend of raw, blistering black metal and unapologetic Christian lyrics challenged the conventions of the genre and paved the way for other Christian black metal bands.

 

Paramæcium – “Exhumed of the Earth”

Exhumed of the Earth - Wikipedia

“Exhumed of the Earth” by Paramæcium is a doom/death metal masterpiece. With crushing riffs, atmospheric passages, and deep growling vocals, the album’s mournful and introspective sound captivates listeners. Paramæcium’s influences, such as bands like My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost, are evident in their ability to blend the brutality of death metal with the melancholic beauty of doom metal. The album’s theological and spiritual themes contribute to its significant impact on the Christian metal scene.

Who The Album Influenced:
Crowned In Sorrow

 

Believer – “Extraction from Mortality”

Extraction from Mortality - Wikipedia

“Extraction from Mortality” by Believer is a landmark album in Christian thrash metal. Combining aggressive riffs, intricate song structures, and thought-provoking lyrics, Believer’s technical prowess shines through. Drawing influence from bands like Megadeth and Testament, Believer’s unique blend of thrash metal and progressive elements sets them apart. “Extraction from Mortality” helped establish Believer as one of the pioneering bands in the Christian metal scene.

Who The Album Influenced:

Living Sacrifice

 

Embodyment – “Embrace the Eternal”

Embodyment – Embrace The Eternal (1998, CD) - Discogs

“Embrace the Eternal” by Embodyment is a significant album in the early days of deathcore, known for its technicality and strong biblical lyrics. As one of the pioneers in the genre, Embodyment delivered a relentless onslaught of aggressive death metal elements. The album’s intricate musicianship, including complex guitar work and intense drumming, showcases their technical prowess. With its unyielding sound and powerful biblical themes, “Embrace the Eternal” left an indelible mark on the Christian metal scene, helping to pave the way for the development of deathcore.

 

Mortification – “Scrolls of the Megiloth”

Scrolls of the Megilloth - Wikipedia

“Scrolls of the Megiloth” by Mortification is a classic Christian death metal album. With its aggressive guitar riffs, blistering drumming, and growling vocals, the album showcases Mortification’s mastery of the genre. Their influences from bands like Death and Possessed are evident, but Mortification infuses their music with strong Christian messages, tackling topics like spiritual warfare and faith. “Scrolls of the Megiloth” solidified Mortification’s place as one of the premier Christian death metal bands.

Who The Album Influenced:

Afflicted Truth

 

Vengeance Rising – “Human Sacrifice”

Human Sacrifice (album) - Wikipedia

“Human Sacrifice” by Vengeance Rising is a groundbreaking Christian thrash metal album. The album’s aggressive and blistering sound, characterized by rapid guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and intense vocals, solidified Vengeance Rising’s place in the metal scene. Influenced by bands like Slayer and Kreator, Vengeance Rising’s uncompromising approach to both music and faith made “Human Sacrifice” an influential release in Christian metal history.

 

Impending Doom – “The Serpent Servant”

The Serpent Servant - Wikipedia

“The Serpent Servant” by Impending Doom is a crushing Christian deathcore album that combines bone-crushing breakdowns, blistering guitars, and guttural vocals. The album’s dark and relentless sound, inspired by bands like Whitechapel and Behemoth, reflects Impending Doom’s uncompromising approach to both their faith and the extreme metal genre. With its heavy and aggressive nature, “The Serpent Servant” became a standout release in the Christian metal scene.

 

ZAO – “Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest”

Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest - Wikipedia

“Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest” by ZAO is a landmark album in the metalcore genre with a strong Christian message. The album showcases ZAO’s ability to seamlessly blend aggressive metalcore riffs with melodic passages and emotional intensity. Influenced by bands like Converge and Norma Jean, ZAO’s raw and cathartic sound, combined with introspective and spiritually-charged lyrics, made “Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest” a standout release in both the Christian and metalcore scenes.

 

Living Sacrifice – “Inhabit”

Inhabit (album) - Wikipedia

“Inhabit” by Living Sacrifice is a seminal Christian death/thrash metal album that showcases the band’s technicality and intensity. With its blistering guitar solos, aggressive drumming, and dynamic song structures, the album exemplifies Living Sacrifice’s ability to deliver a relentless sonic assault. Drawing influence from bands like Sepultura and Slayer, Living Sacrifice’s commitment to their faith shines through in their powerful lyrics. “Inhabit” solidified Living Sacrifice’s status as one of the leading bands in the Christian metal scene.

Who The Album Influenced:

Hope Deffered
Embodyment

 

Extol – “Burial”

Burial (Extol album) - Wikipedia

“Burial” by Extol is an innovative Christian extreme metal album that defies genre boundaries. With its blend of death metal, black metal, and progressive elements, Extol created a unique and captivating sound. The album’s intricate musicianship, atmospheric passages, and powerful vocals set it apart. “Burial” is a testament to Extol’s ability to push the boundaries of extreme metal while incorporating their faith into their music.

Who The Album Influenced:

Monothiest
Lamentations
Diatheke

Has any of these albums influenced you as a musician? Leave a comment

Christian Progressive Metal Top 5 by The Slick

THE SLICK'S TOP 5

CHRISTIAN PROGRESSIVE METAL /ROCK BANDS​

This is the view of the author and not a stance of The Christian Metal Group

#5

Narrow Gate

Narrow Gate is an Armenian band with talent like few other. The band consists of members from Blood Covenant, Segor, and is led by the multi-talented Garik Amyan.

They have released one album in 2019.

Members includes:

Sergey Areskin (Segor)– Guitar
Zare Gasparyan – Guitar
Garik( Garegin) Amyan – Drums, Guitar ,Fretless Bass,Composer
Lyonik Herqoyan – Bass
Rafael (Riko) Epremyan – Guitar


#4

Teramaze

Teramaze is a Christian Metal band Geelong, Victoria, and has been active since 1993. The play Progressive Metal with the main man Dean Wells being with the band since their inception. 

Band consists of:

Dean Wells on Guitars, Vocals (backing) (Meshiaak)

Nathan Peachey on Vocals (lead) (2014-2018, 2019-present) (Trigger)

Andrew Cameron on Bass (2017-present) (Meshiaak, Metanoia)

Nick Ross on Drums (2017-present)

Chris Zoupa on Guitars (2018-present) (Seventh Dan Counterforce)

 

#3

AFFECTOR

Affector is a Christian Metal band who has members from The Netherland and Germany. The play Progressive Metal. The members comes from famous projects like Symphony X, Neal Morse and Transatlantic.

This is what two Prog Master had to say:

“I think Affector is amazing! Great playing, composition and production….and you can’t beat the lyrics! Congratulations to Daniel and the gang. Excellent work!” – NEAL MORSE

“If you are a fan of Dream Theater and progressive hard rock, this is an essential addition to your collection…you will love it!” – MIKE PORTNOY

“Affector’s Harmagedon is a solid blast of PROG metal complete with burning solos, odd time signatures, orchestral highlights, and Rock riffs that will tear your head off! Excited that I could be a part of this album!“ – JORDAN RUDESS (Dream Theater)

Member includes:

Mike LePond on Bass (2011-present) (Burnt City, DeadRisen, Eternity’s End, Eynomia, Fatal Array, Heathen’s Rage, Holy Force, Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins, Rivera/Bomma, Ross the Boss andSymphony X among others)

Collin Leijenaar on Drums (2011-present) (Dilemma, ex-Jessica Koomen, ex-Kaja, ex-Neal Morse, ex-The B-Band)

Daniel Fries on Guitars (2011-present) (ex-Divinity)

Ted Leonard on Vocals (2011-present) (Enchant, Thought Chamber, Spock’s Beard, ex-Transatlantic (live))

#2

NEAL MORSE BAND

The Neal Morse Band is a modern progressive rock band that continue to push boundaries, creating and performing ambitious, intricate and extraordinary rock music that moves, excites and inspires.

Since Neal Morse became a Christian in 2002, he has dedicated The Neal Morse band to his believes. World renowned drummer and friend, ex-Dream Theater Mike Portnoy, has been with the Neal Morse band since its inception.

#1

JEREMY

JEREMY is a Progressive Metal band from South Korea, and has been compared to Dream Theater and Symphony X. Their music is a blend of those 2 bands however, and you can hear the influence in the guitar sound of John Petrucci and Chris Impellitteri.

JEREMY has released a total of 8 full length albums.

The band consists of:

Byeon Seong-Woo on Bass, Vocals
Bak Sang-Yeol on Drums
조필성  on Guitars, Vocals
Jeong Mi-Seon on Keyboards
Mo Jeong-Gil  on Vocals

They are a Progressive Metal Powerhouse!!!