Song of The Day
November 8, 2024
‘Imisi is a reggae duo spearheaded by brothers David Fohe and Jubilee Fohe. They play in the pop-reggae or “lovers rock” style, but with a worshipful emphasis on the love of God. Imisi’s music was first brought to a wider audience through Mark Mohr’s (of Christafari) label Lion of Zion Entertainment, who released a pair of albums in 2003 and 2006, respectively.
They seem to have been active up until at least 2023, releasing more albums–mostly digitally–through their websites at ReverbNation and BigCartel. “God is Love” comes from the 2013 project Riddimtion Project Vol 1 of which I can barely find any info at all.… Continued →
November 6, 2024
Song of the Day: All Star United - Let's Get Crazy vs Saviour of my Universe
I remember first hearing Ian Eskelin’s music from his rave outing called Zero. He then went by his Ian Eskelin birth name (which Wikipedia has incorrectly the album listed as his name) and then to just Ian. Then he changed musical direction entirely for this fun quirky alternative rock band called All Star United which released a slew of Christian rock radio friendly singles over the next few years. These 2 songs have always been my faves.
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November 4, 2024
Song of the Day: Scars of Eden - Fade Away
Texan metalcore Scars of Eden formed in 2009 & released 2 EPs: Resistance & The Awakening. Check out this SOTD & the song’s lyric`s.
I’ve walked away from the one who bled to take me From deaths cold embrace where flesh would surely take me Break me, Father Send me, Humbly God pour your spirit Into our hearts You will not abandon Those who call Your name I will not fall To the vices that restrain my soul We press on knowing Eternity was written on my heart Your looking at the ones who will never fade We will never fade away
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November 1, 2024
Song of the Day: AP2 - My Sympathies
AP2 was the continuation of, or the evolution of the forerunner Argyle Park. The first incarnation of the band recorded one album, Misguided, for R.E.X. Music in 1994, performed only one live performance at Cornerstone Festival in 1995, then broke up shortly after amidst a plethora of controversy in Christian music circles. The bulk of the controversy involved the band not being positive enough or evangelistic enough.
While the bands’ members were all known by pseudonymous aliases, it is fairly well-known that the creative forces behind the project were Scott Albert (AKA Dred and Deathwish) of Circle of Dust/Celldweller and childhood friend Chris Martello (AKA Buka), who at the time worked for MTV Sports and was responsible for getting lots of Christian alternative/punk/hardcore bands into MTV programming.… Continued →
October 30, 2024
Song of the Day: Rusty Shipp - Neck Breaker
Yah! Russ T Ship is back at it again with his nautical modern rock/grunge band. The first single is from their upcoming album, ‘Cosmic Innuendo, Vol. II.’ Here is what he says about the lyrics:
“This song is a segment taken from the concept album’s larger fiction story of an evil band of pirates who sets sail on a sinister mission, dismissing the prophetic warnings of an old sailor on the pier who warns of a worse fate for them than the gallows if they keep their course.… Continued →
October 28, 2024
Song of the Day: The Moshketeers - Grease the Duck
This Christian thrash band stemmed from a heavy metal band called Rapture which is a different Rapture band than the hxc band. Anyways, this song references several passages in the Bible, but focuses on bewaring of false teachers & studying the Bible for oneself instead of just listening to sermons. The vocals also sound like Doug Van Pelt’s Lust Control to me. The Downward Spiral was remastered by Roxx in 2010 & featured Rapture tracks as well.
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October 25, 2024
Song of the Day: Barren Cross - Believe
One of Christian metal’s most prominent acts during the genre’s Golden Period (roughly 1986-1992), Barren Cross rocked a traditional heavy metal sound, managing to stay both heavy and melodic without ever succumbing to glam on the one hand, or thrash on the other. The band released 4 full-length studio albums, a live album and a handful of singles & EPs before calling it quits in the mid-90s. A pair of compilations appeared in 2007 and 2014, respectively. Members (especially vocalist Mike Lee) have been active in a number of other projects including Barebones, Michael D.R.I.V.E.,… Continued →
October 23, 2024
Song of the Day: The Underdog Conspiracy - Best Friend
Here is a punk rock praise & worship song talking about our creator who understands us & whom will always be with us til the end. Hailing from Kansas City, this band was signed to Pluto Records which is the same label Eric Shirey work with who also founded the Charon Collective.
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Song of The Day: Capital Lights - Honey Don't Jump
Today’s Song of The Day comes from a band called “Capital Lights”, which are little heard of this day and age and whose last album released all the way back in 2012. That was 12 years ago, can you believe it? This band released 2 fantastic albums. While some people didn’t find as much enjoyment in the last album (final?), I certainly did. One of the highlights (there are plenty) for me off that record was “Honey Don’t Jump”. With lyrics about pulling someone from the brink of depression only to show them God’s love, grace, and ultimately, salvation in him.… Continued →
October 21, 2024
Song of the Day: Bella Futuro - 70 X 7
I don’t know what to categorize these types of quasi rap artists. They are harder than rock rap & some feature screaming/yelling music. Handsxfeet, Man Ov God, CRXWN, Post Quam, Listener & this project are in this pretty broad category. Bella features MeWithoutYou’s Aaron Weiss & Ray Taddeo whom I both met when MWY was first starting out.
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October 18, 2024
Song of the Day: Charity Empressa - Crush of Mountains
Charity Empressa is essentially a solo project of Eric Campuzano (The Prayer Chain, Lassie Foundation, Stranger Kings, ex-Starflyer 59, Cush) with a revolving cast of support and collaborators. While the list of those giving input is lengthy, among them are Troy Daughtery (Hoi Polloi, Duraluxe), Wayne Everett (Prayer Chain, Lassie Foundation, ex-Starflyer 59, solo), Frank Lenz (Fold Zandura, solo, ex-Starflyer 59), Andrew Prickett (Prayer Chain, My Brother’s Mother), Herb Grimaud (the violet burning, Raspberry Jam, Stranger Kings), Josh Hagquist (ex-Dogwood, The Beautiful Mistake), and many others.… Continued →
October 16, 2024
Song of the Day: Psalmistry - Drowning vs Come & Take My Hand
Tony Silcock is the brainchild behind the EDM Psalmistry. He leads a British organization called Youth Initiative. I miss the 90s & this musical genre is one of the reasons why. Bands such as the World Wide Message Tribe & Joy Electric were getting airplay & films featured EDM & industrial soundtracks. I would compare this band to mainstream The Chemical Brothers. Listening to this now, the productions seems dated, but is still worth a listen to periodically. There are 4 albums, but check out Armchair Rebellion.… Continued →
October 13, 2024
Song of the Day: Clear Convictions - New Breath vs Welcome to the Last Days
Puerto Rican hxc Clear Convictions is at it again with a brand new single that released a couple days ago. The new album Endure should be released in the next few months. Check out the band’s earlier discography & this excerpt from an early interview “‘Clear Convictions’ comes around because that’s how we see our lifestyle. As Christians, we believe by faith and that faith becomes true and alive , something that you can feel inside, it is like having an ear and true relationship with the Creator.… Continued →
October 11, 2024
Song of the Day: Subsist - Phil499
Straight-edge hardcore band Subsist came to us from central Illinois. The band contained believers, but never set out to preach. Their lyrics focused more on the straight edge lifestyle (i.e., abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and indiscriminate sex), rather than a Gospel presentation.
They released an EP (Lessons in Brokeness) for Pennsylvania-based Akeldama Records in 1998, and then a full-length (The Rhythm Method), which the band released themselves in 2000. The band showed significant growth in their songwriting and technical prowess between the two releases.… Continued →
October 9, 2024
Song of the Day: Aliens Ate My Setlist - The Difference Between OK & KO
AAMS is a post hxc band from Germany. They appeared to have disbanded in 2015 but resurfaced again recently on some compilations. I like their screamo smashup with the keys that early TDWP & With Shakings Hands do also. Anyways, Enjoy.
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October 7, 2024
Song of the Day: Tin Circus - Downtown
I love ska music so much I wrote a paper back on it in college. I think it’s because I love the bass lines & the horns make it sound so happy! Anyways, this Californian band released 1 full lengths & 2 EPs. Enjoy & maybe there will be a 5th wave!
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October 5, 2024
Song of The Day: The Hotshot Freight Train - Appalachia (Prayers and Support for Those Struggling on the East Coast)
Today’s Song of the Day post is a little bittersweet. It’s a great song but comes with unfortunate ties to a region so devastated by Hurricane Helene. The song is titled “Appalachia” and is about life living in that region of the country around the beautiful Appalachian mountains and the many towns along that path. This rings oh so true… “And for those of us who daily struggle…daily struggle with the past. The best medicine is the gospel and a whiskey glass”. I figured the song, the band, and this post were relevant due to the many struggles of the residents right now, particularly in North Carolina and Tennessee especially.… Continued →
October 4, 2024
Song of the Day: Alakrity - For the Good of Getting Better
Wisconsin: most known for cheese curds, dairy farms, glacial lakes, and the Green Bay Packers. It’s also home to pop-punk band Alakrity (nowadays known as At the Wayside). We’re digging deep into the band’s archive for this track. “For the Good of Getting Better” comes from their debut release, 2007’s You Are Here EP. The track features sugary-sweet melodies and fast tempos, the two main hallmarks of the genre. The song also features some really cool vocal harmonies and lots of start-stop rhythms and tempo changes.… Continued →
October 2, 2024
Song of the Day: City of Refuge - FFM
Have you ever wanted to hear more music like Burlap to Cashmere? City of Refuge created music that sounded like a cross between Jars of Clay & Burlap. They started in a college dorm room & created a worship song called Amaze Me & went from there. Appears they did a few more singles & another full length called Clear in 2006 that I did not even know about. Anyways, the band still has a Youtube channel & a Soundclick page if you want to know more about them.… Continued →
September 30, 2024
Song of the Day: Anointed Family - Treat Her Like Jesus Would
Here I am back with some more country, but think about the song title & listen to the lyrics & of course sing along to the whoa’s! Anyways, I thinks the group is from Canada & they started their Youtube channel in January 2024. I found them through christiancountry.net an offshoot of christianrock.net
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September 27, 2024
Song of the Day: The Crimson Bridge - Comin'
One of the finest acts of the Jesus Music era, The Crimson Bridge formed in 1970. While the origins of the band were in the Gospel vocal group The Spurrlows, The Crimson Bridge’s sounds and influences were much more diverse. Sure they dabbled in the typical folk music sounds of the Jesus Movement, but they also added jazz-funk, prog rock, and psychedelic rock on their debut (and only) album, eponymously titled and released in 1972 on then-fledgling Myrrh Records.
“Comin'” is the third track on the album and focuses on the return of Jesus.… Continued →
September 25, 2024
Song of the Day: Protect Your Heart - Fireproof
This LA band has released a plethora of singles over the past few years with the latest at the time of this write up being The devil you know. I’m not sure if the band falls within the “Christian” category anymore as the actual music video depicts mannequins without clothes. I personally like the following lyrics as we as humans fall down & need to strive to get back up on our feet again.
I might lose on every single try But I’m not afraid to roll the dice One more time… Continued →
September 23, 2024
Song of the Day: Groms - Ascension
I have always liked this song with its straight to the point lyrics. I remember having a conversation with my friend Ravn Furfjod who was excited as I was when the album got remastered through Nordic Mission Records. GROMS stands for God rules over my soul. Check out the lyrics below.
I am the Lord I am calling you Death isn’t finished Rise from your sleep! Judgement day has come! You will be delivered If your name is written in the Book of Life
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September 20, 2024
Song of the Day: Melech - Befriare
This beast of a tune dropped in 2017, from Melech, a side-project of two members of Pantokrator (with Ricke Gustafsson handling all instruments and Karl Walfridsson on vocals and lyrics). The Swedish melodeath duo tread similar waters as their counterparts, but emphasize the melodic aspects of death metal even more strongly. I’m highlighting the English lyric version of the song here, but there is also a Swedish version.
“Befriare” is Swedish for “liberator” and refers to the freedom Jesus won through his atoning sacrifice and resurrection from the dead, and yet also points to the hope of future resurrection for all who die in the Lord.… Continued →
September 18, 2024
Song of the Day: The Homeless Gospel Choir - Some People
This controversial acoustic punk artist is a one man band named Derek Zanetti. He can be compared to Destroy Nate Allen which is a fun act to see live. Beware, the song does use the A word towards the song’s end, but it talks about Christians who do not act like Jesus called us to act. The song literally challenges the listener to think about the opposites of who we can be. Most of us interact with people every day. Who do you want to be known as?… Continued →
September 16, 2024
Song of the Day: Slechtvalk: Paralyzed By Fear vs To Praise the Unpraised
The new Netherlands Slechtvalk hits hard. If you have never heard of this band think Holy Blood vs Crimson Moonlight. The name is Dutch for the bird peregrine falcon by the way. The band will release their long awaited “At Death’s Gate” on October 31, 2024. While checking out this new track, recollect this 2000 Viking metal worship song.
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September 13, 2024
Song of the Day: Jagged Doctrine - So Inspired
This industrial/rock/metal band has been making music since 1996 and has created a slew of albums with varying degrees of electronic elements in their sound. Some albums have had an inclination towards straight industrial, whereas others more hard rock/alternative metal.
“So Inspired” is from the band’s early era, dating to 1998 and was included on a number of compilations from both Blacklight Records and Flaming Fish Music. There are a couple of different versions of the song available. This version is taken from the I Wear the Mask album.… Continued →
September 11, 2024
Song of the Day: Vardoger - Call Your Name
“Unblack” metal can be hard to classify. Many do not like the term, but Vardoger could fall under that style of music. The band has gone over numerous personnel changes since its start in 1994. Check out the song lyrics which elude to the struggle of pressing on for the prize that Philippians 3:14 talks about.
And by the way, let us remember those affected by the 9/11 attacks. Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to work on all of our hearts that we may call on Jesus when we struggle with the various sins that can take their toll on our relationship with YHWH.… Continued →
September 9, 2024
Song of the Day: Eva O- Panting For Love vs Audio Paradox -Grace One
Controversial deathrock artist Eva Ortiz has a complicated past & present, but decided to become a Christian for a few years. Panting for Love was the first song I heard from her on a “Christian” show from the college I was attending at the time while I was still in the military in Columbia, South Carolina. Eric Clayton (Saviour Machine) produced the album & the industrial rock band Audio Paradox provided the instrumentation. Both these releases were from 1999 also. AP are probably known most for this song’s appearance on the Flaming Fish Records compilation Electro Shock Therapy.… Continued →
September 6, 2024
Song of the Day: Puller - Last One Out (R.I.P. Geoff Riley)
The Christian indie scene suffered a great loss last week, losing notable drummer Geoff Riley, known best for his immaculate time-keeping skills in the band Puller. The band was formed by Mike Lewis (ex-For Love Not Lisa, secular grunge/post-hardcore band), and hailed from Oklahoma. Mike posted the news of Geoff’s death, and some very poignant thoughts about Riley’s life and artistic contributions to the independent music scene via Instagram. Because it can’t really be said any better than this, I’m linking the post and including the entire text here:
Geoff Riley Instagram Announcement
“Hearing the news of my friend and music partner Geoff Riley passing is an overwhelming devastating loss.… Continued →