Tag disciple

By Jimmy Sorrells with Austin Hale

Some bands build a career around one sound. Project 86 built theirs by refusing to stay in one place.

Formed in 1996, the band has moved through hardcore, alternative metal, nu metal, post hardcore, hard rock, electronic music and now the industrial metal world of P86. Through the changes, Andrew Schwab has remained the central voice and creative force.

I first discovered Project 86 around 1998 through a VHS tape, right when the self titled debut was introducing the band to a larger audience.

My reaction was immediate. Mind blowing. Original. Instant fan.

At the time, I was already listening to bands like P.O.D., Living Sacrifice, Stavesacre, Disciple, Tourniquet and Zao, but Project 86 stood apart.

Songs like “Pipedream” and “Stalemate” still hold up for me today. Even on that first record, Schwab’s voice fit the hard hitting music, while his lyrics came from a personal point of view that made them relatable.

Contributor Austin Hale sees the debut as the stepping stone that established the band’s identity, mixing metal, rap and raw energy into something that was unmistakably Project 86.

Drawing Black Lines Changes Everything

If the debut introduced Project 86, Drawing Black Lines defined them.

Released in 2000 and produced by Garth “GGGarth” Richardson, the album brought together Andrew Schwab, Randy Torres, Steven Dail and Alex Albert in what remains my favorite version of the band.

Richardson had already worked with Rage Against the Machine, and knowing he produced Drawing Black Lines says a lot about why the record sounds as good as it does. It is polished enough to capture every instrument while still sounding aggressive.

For me, Drawing Black Lines is everything P86.

“One Armed Man,” “Me Against Me” and “Set Me Up” remain favorites. These became the kind of songs where the crowd moves and seemingly everyone knows every word.

I have seen Project 86 at least 15 times, and one early memory still sticks with me. Around 1999 at Carowinds in North Carolina, I watched Alex Albert break two snare heads within about five minutes because he was hitting them so hard.

That physical intensity was part of the Project 86 live experience.

Austin ranks Drawing Black Lines third in the catalog and calls it groundbreaking for its time.

Around this same period, Project 86 appeared on Sūp the Chemist’s 2000 album Dust on the song “Is This a Dream?”

The band was also reaching bigger stages. I saw them on the tour with P.O.D., (hed)p.e. and Linkin Park, and it remains one of the most memorable shows I attended.

Another favorite tour featured Project 86, Living Sacrifice and Stavesacre.

Truthless Heroes

Truthless Heroes arrived in 2002 and was immediately different.

I was not impressed the first time I heard it.

It grew on me.

Today I still listen to it, with “Little Green Men,” “Your Heroes Are Dead” and “Hollow Again” standing out.

The album was more polished and radio friendly than what came before it. That may have hurt the connection with some existing fans, but it also helped introduce the band to new listeners.

Years later, Schwab talked about the creative tension surrounding the record and the pressure to make something that would satisfy the label.

That lines up with how I heard it. At the time, Truthless Heroes felt more driven by record label expectations than the band simply following its own creative instincts.

Austin sees it very differently.

It is his favorite Project 86 album.

He describes it as a concept album focused on the battle between the individual mind and the influence of media and culture. For him, the way the songs connect makes it the strongest record in the catalog.

That difference of opinion is part of what makes going through this discography interesting.

One fan’s difficult transition can be another fan’s favorite album.

Songs to Burn Your Bridges By

After the major label experience, Project 86 independently released Songs to Burn Your Bridges By in 2003. An expanded Tooth & Nail version followed in 2004.

For me, the aggression was back.

“The Spy Hunter,” “Breakdown in 3/4” and “Safe Haven” are favorites.

“The Spy Hunter” especially stands out. The guitar hits hard, the song is catchy, Schwab’s voice was made for it and the lyrical imagery works.

The song also has an interesting connection to the previous record. It had originally been planned for Truthless Heroes before eventually finding a home on Songs to Burn Your Bridges By.

Austin ranks the album second and sees it almost as a continuation of the circumstances surrounding Truthless Heroes, while bringing the band back toward its heavier identity.

A Band That Refused to Sit Still

…And the Rest Will Follow arrived in 2005 and reunited the band with GGGarth Richardson.

I think this record is underrated.

“My Will Be a Dead Man,” “All of Me,” “Doomsday Stomp” and the title track remain favorites. The bass, guitars and drums hit hard together, and Schwab’s vocal identity was fully established by this point.

Austin completely disagrees with me on this one.

He ranks it last among the pre OMNI studio albums and feels it lacks some of the pounding energy found on their stronger records.

For me, it is actually their most underrated album.

Then came Rival Factions in 2007.

Once again, Project 86 changed.

Electronic sounds, post punk influences and an almost 1980s flavor entered the picture. Like Truthless Heroes, it took time for me.

I love “Evil (A Chorus of Resistance)” both lyrically and musically.

I also give the band credit for changing with the times without simply chasing what everyone else was doing.

Austin sees Rival Factions as an uneven experiment. Some ideas work for him while others feel like they came from left field.

Picket Fence Cartel followed in 2009.

My favorites are “The Butcher” and “Destroyer.” “Destroyer” is actually my choice for the most underrated Project 86 song.

Austin ranks the album fifth and views it as a strong combination of older and newer Project 86.

Project 86 Live

15. Live. arrived in 2010 and captured something fans already knew.

Project 86 was a serious live band.

I have seen them at least 15 times through the years. Andrew Schwab has always been a strong frontman who knows how to interact with a crowd, and the band sounds even heavier live.

Hearing a crowd sing a song like “Stalemate” together made me appreciate it even more.

A second live album, OMNIFEST (Live), would eventually bring the newer OMNI era together with songs from the band’s earlier history.

The Independent Years

By Wait for the Siren in 2012, the music industry had changed and Project 86 changed with it.

The band embraced crowdfunding and independence.

I love it when a band goes independent and gains full creative control.

The album also brought together an impressive group of musicians.

Andrew Welch had connections to Disciple and Capital Lights. Blake Martin came from A Plea for Purging. Rocky Gray had played with Living Sacrifice, Evanescence and We Are the Fallen, while Cody Driggers was known from The Wedding.

Guest vocals included Bruce Fitzhugh of Living Sacrifice and Brian “Head” Welch of Korn and Love and Death.

“Fall, Goliath, Fall” is one of my favorite later era Project 86 songs. “Off the Grid” is another standout.

Austin ranks Wait for the Siren fourth and considers it a great example of how a band can try something new without losing its identity.

Knives to the Future followed in 2014.

I hear it as a continuation of the hard rock and hardcore direction with some nu metal influence still present.

“Spirit of Shiloh” and the title track are my favorites.

The production is very well done.

By this point, trying to force Project 86 into one genre had become almost pointless.

I prefer that.

I would rather hear a band evolve than make the same album repeatedly.

Christmas and The Influence EP

Project 86 even found a way to make Christmas music sound like Project 86.

This Time of Year arrived in 2008, followed later by A Very P86 Christmas and P86 Christmas (2025).

Then there is The Influence EP.

Released in 2016, the EP found Project 86 interpreting music associated with Beastie Boys, Soundgarden, Fugazi, The Soggy Bottom Boys and Billie Holiday.

That collection says a lot about the musical DNA behind a band that was already difficult to categorize.

Sheep Among Wolves

Sheep Among Wolves arrived in 2017 and, for me, it was their best complete album since Songs to Burn Your Bridges By.

It was heavier and carried some of the feel of the earlier 2000s material.

“MHS,” “By Constantine,” “Sheep Among Wolves” and “Into Another” are my favorites.

Looking back, the album feels like the end of an era.

There were electronic elements beginning to surface, but what came next would push those ideas much further.

Austin ranks the album sixth and hears it as a move back toward haunting, dark and aggressive territory.

From Project 86 to P86

The transition into P86 may be the biggest shift in the entire story.

My initial reaction was simple.

This is different.

But it is still good.

I miss the older Project 86 sound, but I have followed Schwab since the first album. I like his musical style, I like his lyrics, I own his books and I supported the OMNI crowdfunding campaign.

The cyberpunk concept required me to listen with open ears.

This is not simply another Project 86 album.

Industrial metal, electronics and modern metal influences are much more prominent.

OMNI, Pt. 1 arrived in 2023, followed by OMNI, Pt. 2 in 2024.

My favorites include “Vital Signal,” “When the Belfry Speaks,” “Metatropolis,” “Skinjob” featuring Cory Brandan, “UltravioleNt,” “Taser 5.0” and “Boiling the Ocean.”

The albums are telling a story, and while the songs work individually, the concept gives them more depth when heard together.

Do I immediately hear the old Project 86 underneath them?

No.

And I think that is part of the point.

Reptile Goddess and OMNI, Part 3

The next chapter is already underway.

The campaign for OMNI, Part 3 launched in 2025 with plans to continue the story and sound established by the first two OMNI records.

As a supporter, I received the exclusive new song “Reptile Goddess” in September 2026.

I love it.

The song confirms the direction Andrew Schwab is taking with P86.

It moves between slower sections and harder beats, with electronics, industrial metal and multiple breakdowns and transitions.

The guitar work immediately stood out.

Schwab’s vocals are just as good as ever.

I dig it like a backhoe.

To me, “Reptile Goddess” sounds like a good combination of OMNI, Pt. 1 and Pt. 2. Some of the vocal delivery reminds me of older Project 86, but the music is firmly in the industrial OMNI world.

After almost 30 years, Schwab is still pushing forward rather than trying to rebuild the past.

Still Here

My favorite Project 86 era remains 1998 through 2004.

Most of my favorite songs come from the first three albums, and the first four records are the ones I return to most often.

Austin’s ranking looks very different. His favorites begin with Truthless Heroes and Songs to Burn Your Bridges By.

That difference says something about the depth of this catalog.

There is no single Project 86 era that every fan has to choose.

The musicians changed.

The sound changed.

The industry changed.

Andrew Schwab figured out how to change with it.

Record labels eventually gave way to independence, crowdfunding, Patreon and direct support from listeners.

For someone who only knows Drawing Black Lines, understand that P86 is different. It is industrial, conceptual and intentionally separate from the early sound.

Give it more than one listen.

For someone who discovered Schwab through OMNI, go back and hear the original Project 86.

That is where this story started.

The band holds a special place in my heart because it was there when I was first discovering heavier music. Picking up those albums and eventually seeing Project 86 live again and again only strengthened that connection.

Why are we still talking about Project 86 in 2026?

Because Andrew Schwab is still creating relevant music and pushing the boundaries of his artistic expression.

After nearly three decades, the Project 86 story still is not finished.

Discography:

https://www.discogs.com/artist/206767-Project-86-2

Disciple | Faith Renewed Church | Mauldin, SC | 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’ve been following for decades and watching them experience the same music you’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’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’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’s encouraging to see Disciple continuing to write new material and keep fans excited about what’s coming next.

One thing I’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’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’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’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’s mission has remained consistent.

And that’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’m going to hear great hard rock music, see a band that gives everything they’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’m looking forward to number 21!

February 20, 2026
Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Greenville, South Carolina

Winter Jam returned to Greenville with a packed arena and a lineup that covered a wide range of Christian music styles. I attended with my kids Max, Leo, and Thea, along with their friend James. It was also special to have my friend Carl Moorhead from Australia visiting and able to join us for the night.

We arrived early and the arena was already filling up. Outside there were games set up for kids while everyone waited for the doors to open, which was a nice addition for families who came early. Carl pointed out how well organized the event felt and how encouraging it was to see families, church youth groups, and community groups all filing in together to fill the arena.

The night started with the pre-jam featuring Jeremy Rosado, Heath Brothers, and Cliff Preston. The early sets had the relaxed feel you would expect while people were still entering the arena and finding their seats, but the crowd that arrived early had plenty of music to enjoy before the main show began.

Emerson Day helped get the main portion of the evening started and connected well with the crowd. Her performance was pretty good and helped set the tone for the rest of the night.

Hulvey brought a different energy with his pop leaning hip hop style, which connected especially well with the younger crowd.

Then it was time for Disciple, who were on ten as always. This marked the nineteenth time I have seen them live, and they continue to be one of the most consistent bands out there. Tight musicianship, high energy, and a clear message. It was also Carl’s first time seeing them live, and that quickly became one of his highlights of the night. He especially loved how they engaged with the crowd and wished they could have played a couple more songs.

My son Max summed it up simply.
Disciple should have more play time. The whole show was really good.

Zane Black followed with one of the more impactful moments of the night, sharing a strong message and leading an altar call encouraging people to follow King Jesus.

NewSong, who have been doing this for a long time, showed exactly why they remain a staple of the tour. Their musicianship is tight and seasoned, and many in the crowd clearly knew the lyrics.

Matthew West ended up being one of the surprises of the night for me. As more of a metalhead, I was not expecting to like his set as much as I did, but he was funny, talented, and very engaging. One of the standout moments was when he brought his daughter on stage for an acoustic duet. Carl also really enjoyed Matthew West’s set and mentioned that he was right there with the crowd, making the performance feel uplifting and personal.

Katy Nichole delivered both musically and personally. She spoke openly about her struggles with mental health and encouraged anyone in the crowd who might be struggling to reach out and get help. That honesty gave her set added weight and made her time on stage connect in a deeper way.

The night closed with Chris Tomlin, who led a straight worship set that had the entire arena singing together and brought the evening to a fitting close.

For Carl, one of the most meaningful parts of the night was seeing so many people gathered to worship Jesus together while also hearing the Word of God preached. He described it as a fantastic experience and the kind of event he would gladly attend again and again.

For our group, Winter Jam was a night of music, ministry, and memories shared together. Between seeing my kids enjoy it, having Carl there for his first Disciple show, and taking in such a wide range of artists, it was another memorable stop for Winter Jam in Greenville.

Metal has always been a place of honesty. From the beginning, Christian musicians have stood within heavy music and addressed the full range of biblical truth. Scripture speaks openly about suffering, hope, warfare, judgment, deliverance, salvation, resurrection, and the holiness of God. These themes are not foreign to heavy music. They are part of its emotional vocabulary. Across decades and genres, Christian metal artists have written lyrics that treat theology with seriousness and conviction. Some quote Scripture directly. Others paraphrase biblical passages or explore doctrine with depth and clarity. Together, these bands demonstrate that the Gospel does not merely exist within heavy music. It is powerfully expressed through it.

It is important to clarify what this article is and what it is not. Many well-known bands throughout rock and metal history have drawn inspiration from biblical stories, imagery, or historical events rooted in Scripture. Artists such as Metallica, Megadeth, Helloween, Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Sabaton, and Sonata Arctica have incorporated biblical references, spiritual themes, or religious symbolism into their work. In those cases, Scripture often serves as inspiration, allegory, or narrative framework.

The bands highlighted in this article operate from a different foundation. These artists intentionally engage with Christian theology in their songwriting. They study Scripture, wrestle with doctrine, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they write lyrics meant to speak directly to people. Their purpose is not symbolic storytelling or philosophical reflection alone. Their goal is proclamation. The theology in their music is not incidental. It is central. Each band included here uses biblical truth with the express intent of pointing listeners to Jesus Christ and communicating the Gospel through heavy music. This is not an exhaustive list, but a curated cross-section highlighting different genres where theology is intentionally proclaimed.

Theocracy (Power Metal)
“I AM” from As the World Bleeds reflects God’s self-identification in Exodus 3:14 and Revelation 22:13. “Easter” from Ghost Ship follows the resurrection narrative of Matthew 28. “Laying the Demon to Rest” from Mirror of Souls reflects the inner struggle described in Romans 7.

Wytch Hazel (Heavy Metal / Hard Rock)
“He Is the Fight” from III: Pentecost echoes Psalm 18:2. “Dry Bones” from IV: Sacrament directly reworks Ezekiel 37. “Spirit and Fire” from II: Sojourn reflects Acts 2 imagery.

Tourniquet (Technical Thrash / Progressive Metal)
“Ark of Suffering” from Stop the Bleeding is rooted in Proverbs 12:10. “Bearing Grief” from Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance reflects Isaiah 53. “Vanishing Lessons” from Vanishing Lessons explores Romans 12:2 and spiritual transformation.

Disciple (Modern Metal / Hard Rock)
“God Is With Us” from Horseshoes and Handgrenades reflects Romans 8:31. “Invisible” from Scars Remain parallels Psalm 139. “Dear X” echoes Ephesians 4 and the transformation of identity in Christ.

Saint (Traditional Heavy Metal)
“In the Night” from Time’s End reflects Matthew 24 and Revelation 19. “Space Cruiser” from Warriors of the Son draws imagery from Ephesians 6. “Holy Rollin’” from Too Late for Living aligns with Romans 10:9.

Bloodgood (Heavy Metal)
“Crucify” from Detonation retells the crucifixion narrative as presented in the Gospels. “The Messiah” from Bloodgood references Isaiah 9:6. “Top of the Mountain” from Rock in a Hard Place reflects Revelation 21.

Chaotic Resemblance (Hard Rock / Heavy Metal)
“Jesus Is King” from Chaotic Resemblance EP reflects Philippians 2:11. “Sound of the Saints” from Get the Hell Out draws from Revelation 12:11. “Caged” reflects Romans 6 and spiritual freedom in Christ.

W.A.S.P. (Heavy Metal)
On Golgotha, W.A.S.P. delivers a lyrically direct, Scripture-centered album focused on the crucifixion, repentance, and redemption through Christ. The title track “Golgotha” reflects the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, while the album as a whole engages themes of sin, forgiveness, judgment, and grace.

Shamash (Melodic Extreme Metal)
“Sanctify the Temple” from Hallowed Be Thy Martyr reflects Isaiah 6 and the holiness of God. “Voice of the Covenant” draws from Deuteronomy 4 and the call to faithfulness.

Schaliach (Melodic Death / Doom Metal)
“A Father’s Mourning” from Sonrise reflects the crucifixion accounts in Luke 24 and John 20. “You Maintain” echoes Philippians 3:9.

Extol (Progressive Extreme Metal)
“Pearl” from Burial references Matthew 13:45. “Gloriana” from Undeceived reflects Ephesians 1:7 and redemption through Christ’s blood.

Antestor (Unblack / Extreme Metal)
“The Return” from The Return of the Black Death reflects Matthew 6:13 and Psalm 140. “A Sovereign Fortress” from The Forsaken reflects Psalm 46:1.

Mortification (Death / Thrash Metal)
“Terminate Damnation” from Scrolls of the Megilloth reflects 2 Timothy 4:1. “This Momentary Affliction” from Post Momentary Affliction parallels 2 Corinthians 4:17.

Paramaecium (Doom Metal / Death-Doom)
“The Unnatural Conception” from Exhumed of the Earth recounts Luke 1. “Injudicial” reflects the resurrection narrative of Matthew 28.

Crimson Thorn (Brutal Death Metal)
“Your Carcass” from Unearthed directly quotes Romans 3:23. “Unearthed” reflects 1 Corinthians 15:52.

Discern (Death Metal)
“The Narrow Mind” from Redeemed reflects Matthew 7:13–14. “Foolishness of the Wise” from To Praise with Perpetual Silence echoes 1 Corinthians 1:25.

Bond of Iniquity (Death Metal)
All three albums: Revelation Metal, Let Us Also Go, That We May Die With Him, and The Great Commandment consists entirely of Scripture-based lyrics drawn from Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, and Revelation.

Pulpit Vomit (Death/Grind) “The Filth” reflects humanity’s internal corruption and creation’s decay as described in Jeremiah 17:9 and Romans 8:22, while echoing God’s persistent call amid ruin in Isaiah 30:21. “Spewing Vomit from the Pulpit” directly confronts false spiritual leaders, drawing from Isaiah 28:7–8 and Christ’s warning about blind guides in Matthew 15:14.

Living Sacrifice (Metalcore / Groove / Thrash)
“No Longer” from Conceived in Fire reflects Romans 6 and Galatians 2:20. “Reject” from Reborn centers on repentance and separation from sin. “Bloodwork” from The Hammering Process reflects sanctification rooted in Hebrews 12.

For Today (Metalcore)
“Devastator” from Breaker reflects Revelation 12:11. “Foundation” from Ekklesia reflects Matthew 7:24.

Sleeping Giant (Hardcore)
“Tithemi” from Kingdom Days in an Evil Age reflects John 15:13. “Eyes Wide Open” from Sons of Thunder echoes Romans 12:1.

Wolves at the Gate (Post-Hardcore / Metalcore)
“East to West” from Types and Shadows quotes Psalm 103:12. “The Bird and the Snake” reflects Matthew 10:16.

Oh, Sleeper (Metalcore)
“Son of the Morning” from Son of the Morning draws from Isaiah 14 and Revelation 12.

The Great Commission (Hardcore)
“Draw the Line” from And Every Knee Shall Bow reflects Philippians 2:10.

With Blood Comes Cleansing (Deathcore)
Recent material emphasizes biblical martyrdom, reflecting Revelation 6:9–11 and Acts 7. Earlier work such as “Golgotha” recounts the crucifixion.

I Am Terrified (Post-Hardcore)
“To the Service” from I Am Terrified EP quotes Psalm 121:1.

Memphis May Fire (Metalcore)
“The Redeemed” from The Hollow reflects John 8:36.

Irae (Hardcore)
“War Psalms” from War Psalms reflects Psalm 144:1. “Banner of the Most High” reflects Psalm 60:4.

Closing Thoughts

Scripture does not glorify darkness. It brings light into it. Throughout the Psalms, Job, Lamentations, the prophetic writings, and Revelation, the Bible confronts suffering, judgment, persecution, warfare, and death in order to reveal the holiness of God and the hope found in Him. Heavy music is uniquely suited to carry that tension because it allows biblical truth to be expressed with emotional honesty rather than abstraction.

Across every style represented here, theology remains central. Whether expressed through melody, aggression, sorrow, or proclamation, these artists anchor their lyrics in Scripture and point consistently to Christ. Even the heaviest expressions ultimately proclaim redemption, truth, and the authority of the Gospel.

Christian metal is more than a genre. It is a testimony. Rooted in Scripture and centered on Christ, it remains one of the most uncompromising and faithful expressions of biblical truth in modern music.

As heavy music continues to evolve, so does the way Scripture is expressed through it. The artists highlighted here represent only a portion of a much larger movement. What bands or artists would you add to this list?

Second Annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival

By Jimmy Sorrells – Stage Manager
Second Annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival

On August 2nd, The Premier in Hickory, NC hosted something far greater than a concert—it hosted a movement. The second annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival brought together faith, hard rock, heavy metal, and a mission to break chains and lift up the name of Jesus. As the stage manager, I had the privilege of experiencing it all—up close, behind the scenes, and sometimes right in the thick of the mosh pit.

This all-day event featured nine powerful performances, hundreds of attendees, food trucks, passionate volunteers, and most importantly—purpose. With every ticket sold and every piece of merch moved, we raised over $4,000 to support three addiction recovery nonprofits:

• Bethel Colony of Mercy
• Safe Harbor NC
• Recovery NC

All three are doing vital, gospel-centered work to help men and women break free from the bondage of addiction.

Special Thanks

A heartfelt thank you goes to Seth Olsen, guitarist for the band Counter, and the driving force behind this entire festival. His dedication, organizational effort, and commitment to Christ made Breaking Darkness a reality. From coordinating the lineup to working out the logistics, Seth worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Without him, this event simply would not have happened. And looking ahead, he’s already praying for the right people to come alongside him to take Breaking Darkness 2026 even further.

Band Performances (Official Set Order)

Jennifer Alvarado
Kicking off the day with authenticity and worship, Jennifer Alvarado delivered a heartfelt set that brought peace and reflection. Her vulnerability and vocal strength were the perfect start, offering a powerful contrast to the heavier acts that followed.

Tricord
This was my first time seeing Tricord, and they exceeded all expectations. Lead vocalist Jermaine was a standout—not only fronting the band with energy and conviction, but also joining other artists on stage throughout the day. Whether in the crowd or sharing vocals with Cleansing of the Temple and Ignescent, his presence was magnetic. Their set was tight, worshipful, and left a lasting impression.

Igniting the Sky
With a high-energy post-hardcore set, Igniting the Sky brought the volume and chaos in the best way. Their performance was engaging, relentless, and full of fun. This was a set that got faces melted and fists in the air.

Saving Darkness
These guys came in swinging with their own brand of heavy hard rock. The chemistry on stage was clear, and their connection with the crowd was undeniable. Their set was one of the most interactive and entertaining of the day.

Counter
Female-fronted and full of grit, Counter offered something unique and refreshing. The vocals were strong and captivating, and their sound hit with a perfect blend of melody and edge. Seeing Seth Olsen rip it on guitar, knowing he organized the whole event, added an extra layer of respect to their set.

Cleansing of the Temple
Undoubtedly the heaviest band of the day, Cleansing of the Temple brought crushing death metal riffs and deep growls that rumbled through the floor. Frontman Gavin hit the stage in his trademark look: overalls, no shirt, no shoes. Their intensity was unmatched and brought raw, unfiltered energy that pushed the boundaries of Christian heavy music—in all the right ways.

Set For The Fall
A crowd favorite from start to finish, Set For The Fall delivered a set full of powerful hooks, emotional lyrics, and undeniable presence. Their performance was heartfelt and hard-hitting, creating one of the most memorable moments of the day.

Ignescent
This was not just a show—it was an experience. Theatrics and power collided as frontwoman Jennifer emerged from a coffin during their opening song, immediately captivating the crowd. Their fusion of metal, hard rock, and melody was polished and immersive. Ignescent knows how to build an atmosphere and deliver impact.

Disciple
The headliner and veterans of the genre, Disciple closed the night with exactly what we all expected—pure, passionate, purpose-driven rock and roll. Their set was relentless, their message bold, and their performance nothing short of professional. They shouted the name of Jesus from the stage while delivering hit after hit. Disciple continues to be one of the most consistent and inspiring bands in Christian music today.

Spoken Word Moment

At one point during a longer changeover, Billy James performed a spoken word piece that completely shifted the atmosphere. What could have been an awkward pause became a sacred moment. Billy reminded everyone that this wasn’t just a festival. It was an altar.

Behind the Curtain

As stage manager, I saw the day unfold from a different angle. The team effort was incredible—techs, volunteers, artists, vendors, and the venue all worked together with clarity, purpose, and unity. From the first soundcheck to the final load-out, it felt like more than just good planning—it felt like divine coordination.

Final Thoughts

Breaking Darkness Festival 2025 was more than music. It was mission. It was ministry. It was a gathering of the remnant—a bold, loud, passionate expression of faith through hard rock and heavy metal. Chains were broken. Lives were touched. Jesus was glorified.

• 9 bands
• 1 mission
• Over $4,000 raised for recovery and hope

And this is only year two.

I’d do it all again tomorrow. Let’s go even bigger in 2026.