News

Have you been been aching for something new and something refreshing but the right band just hasn’t come on your radar yet? Well my friends Protect Your Heart are here to level the playing field and offer some truly incredible music in their new album “re(introduction)” that just dropped yesterday. If you haven’t been following my posts this year and you’re new to the realm of pop punk music, let me just say that this band is perfect for your stereos and headphones. Don’t waste another second reading this and filling your head with boring hard rock crap.… Continued →

Rising West Coast hip hop star – Miles Minnick, is back at it again with a hot new track titled “Chokehold” with Emanuel Tha Prophet. His new record “Holographic” drops worldwide on November 11th! Check out the song below.… Continued →

Owl City which is the project of musician extraordinaire Adam Young, has been dropping hints for several months about future plans. I missed posting this last month but new music is coming soon. I guess there were puzzles to figure out online and some supporters got to hear a tease of new stuff first. I don’t know what it sounds like because I didn’t play the puzzles but this most certainly is exciting news! Are you looking forward to new Owl City music?… Continued →

Slow Coming Day will be playing a very special reunion concert with the original band line up. Concert takes place December 16th at The Wayfarer in Costa Mesa, CA. with Watashi Wa and Jon Caro (Stairwell). Show starts at 7pm and only $10. Check out a fun lyric video for their classic song “Pages Yet to Be Written” and also take a look at cool flyer as well. I’ve said it before but Slow Coming Day were a special kind of band that could have been a huge force in terms of reach and fanbase but for whatever the reason, they flew under most people’s radars at that time.… Continued →

Orion Walsh will release his brand new single “Home to You”, on November 11th 2022. Make sure to check it out once it drops!… Continued →

Former Ruins has returned with another pair of singles off his forthcoming sophomore LP, and these tracks to continue to highlight just what makes this project so captivating. As usual, there’s a lot to unpack lyrically and musically – and as a supporter, I’ve been able to hear these songs shift and take form over months and months to become what they are now (which is an odd sort of gift in itself). “Sign” is a bit of bi-partisan bashing, a wrestling with the ways our political allegiances conflict with the call of the Gospel.… Continued →

Not much is known about this underground hip-hop crew. Their recorded output consists of two independent releases: a cassette demo from 1997, and a full-length CD in 2004 with the moniker shortened to simply “Remnant” (not to be confused with the indie rock band that eventually became Exeter Flud). It was in 1997 or 98 that my good friend Jay (AKA DJ Deikon) who was huge into underground holy hip-hop introduced me to them. I was immediately intrigued by their creative backing tracks and atypical lyrical flow.… Continued →

I’ve been following news on this film since they first announced a year or two ago. So, what is it exactly? Well, the creators of films like “I Can Only Imagine”, and “I Still Believe” are taking their talents for making simple songs into feature length films and going a step further by transporting all of us back to a time when the “Jesus Movement” began. Watch the trailer for “Jesus Revolution” below and read on for a personal story from me…… Continued →

All you early Tooth & Nail and indie rock fans who were alive in that thriving musical era of the 90’s, will be stoked to hear that Morella’s Forest debut album “Super Deluxe” is getting the vinyl treatment and available in two different beautiful color variants. You can buy the vinyl release through Lost In Ohio right here. These ship in November. This label has put out quite a few amazing re-releases including Fluffy and Sixpence None The Richer among several others. I’m holding out hope that some other 90’s era indie releases will get the vinyl treatment as well.… Continued →

This really cool project is devoted entirely to the man behind Starflyer 59, songwriter, producer, musician, singer, and creator – Jason Martin. This tribute is in honor of Jason’s 50th Birthday and there is an accompanying Vinyl LP featuring all these amazing, classic songs. It is titled “Major Awards: A Tribute to Starflyer 59” and is put out by Pacifirecords. Although the vinyl is officially sold out, you can check out who and what songs are covered right here. Hopefully other fans like myself were able to snag a copy 😉… Continued →

So this really big festival called “When We Were Young” was about to kick off yesterday when some very unfortunate news blew through those seedy asphalt lined streets just like the strong desert wind – which unfortunately led to the cancellation of Day One. Tempers seemed to flare up online and hearts were broken not just from the emo but because of the absence of good live music that people from around the world traveled to see. So, with all this uncertainty many people began to throw out the inevitable “FYRE FEST” comparisons, much the same way some people tossed toward the rebooted Furnace Fest which as we all know went OFF with much fan love and support.… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• Acceptance – Wild, Free (Deluxe Edition)
• Stryper – The Final Battle
• Then It Ends – Restored (Instrumental)

Pop & Alternative

• Nicole Serrano – Nice to Meet You

Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• Marcy Each – Ghosts of Fishermen

Hip Hop & R&B

• FOEVA – Late Nights
• Izaiiah – His Glory Alone.
• J.Murph – Psalms Colored In Blue
• Twanny2c, Remnantbygrace – RMNT TAPE 1 EP

Worship & Gospel

• Anna Victoria – Love Letters (EP)
• Dreamers – Dreamers
• Hannah Honey – Stinger EP
• Jesus Co., WorshipMob – I Am Yours, You Are Mine EP
• Jonathan Ogden – Future Forever
• Josh Baldwin – Where The Glory Is
• Manor Collective – Live At The Manor
• Matt Maher – The Stories I Tell Myself
• MercyMe – Always Only Jesus
• Munday Martin – Random Acts Of Music EP
• Philippa Hanna – Live From The Old Chapel EP
• Red Letter Society – Live At Valley
• River Valley AGES – All Ages Admitted
• Todd Fields – Finding Me
• Trinity Music – Let Faith Arise

Instrumental & Other

• Xael – Nectar EP

Christmas

• Ascent Project – How Are You That Good?

… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• RELIC – GOLDEN

Pop & Alternative Electronic & EDM Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• davy – DAY EP
• Giants & Pilgrims – Midwestern Trees
• Jonah Folsom – Grapes After a Spar EP
• Justin McRoberts – Sliver of Hope EP

Hip Hop & R&B

• CS LIT, San Andreas – Solar Raise (Deluxe)
• Hunterdrinkswater – Central Florida Revival 2
• Izaiiah – His Glory Alone.
• Nicky Gracious – Kill Me
• Tedashii – This Time Around 2
• Timothy Brindle, Wrath, Grace – The Acrostic Of Salvation EP
• Xane Up – Only Jesus Volume 2

Worship & CCM

• Ada Richards – Parables
• Allie Paige – ap vol.

… Continued →

Contrary to what the band name suggests, They Sang as They Slew was not a metal or hardcore band, actually quite far from either. If you hear similarities to the indie rock of Luxury, it’s because half of the band came from Luxury while they were on a break from touring–namely guitarist Jamie Bozeman and bassist Chris Foley (both of whom are Orthodox priests in their day job). I hope some fans recognize the band name from the epic battle scene in Lord of the Rings (the book, not the movie).… Continued →

One of my favorite up and coming record labels called Small Step Records is a community of sorts and a breath of fresh air in a scene of sameness and monotony. The founder Paul Hyde is also a member of the band Grandpa Loves Rhinos which joins Homeplate, Light The Way, and now… Last Chance Marie! They are also another great punk rock band and have a solid sound that isn’t a copy of anyone. If you want good production along with a certain rawness only punk rock can bring you, then check out the music of Last Chance Marie.… Continued →

Craig’s Brother drop yet another song off their upcoming new album “Easily Won, Rarely Deserved” that comes out in a few weeks via their new album home – People of Punk Rock Records. This new song is titled “Violent Faith” and is played in that same great fast melodic punk style the band has become world renown for. Listen below and stream or download at your favorite Digital Network. Let us know your thoughts on the new stuff. … Continued →

I always enjoyed the music from Precious Death. Their albums “Southpaw” and “If You Must” are just plain great classics, groove metal mixed with a little hardcore. They were unique, bold, and not afraid to share their thoughts and feelings through the music they created. Unashamed about who they were and what they believed. There was one last album in 1996 before they went on hiatus. Now they are back, over 25 years later. According to their Facebook page, they’ve been working on a new album and as of this January, the writing had begun.… Continued →

For the first time in over 20 years, the long lost classic Watashi Wa album, “What’s In The Way”, is available once again but in digital format. Go check it out on your favoriting streaming networks or on Spotify (See below). What’s your favorite song off this album? … Continued →

Rock & Metal Pop & Alternative

• Bien – Color of Heaven EP
• Kevin Max – FANTASY

Electronic & EDM Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• David Curtis – Arrows EP

Hip Hop & R&B

• Aklesso, Foolie Vision – Sonus, Vol. 1
• the Apologist – The Debate Tapes, Vol. 1
• Benji – songs that i don’t want to die on my computer EP
• Bigg2timez – Psalmz Of 2timez Book 1
• Child of the Light – Round 3: Taste and See
• CieMie – 17
• CS LIT, San Andreas – Solar Raise
• isaacxhopes – WHO SHOULD I BE EP
• Joseph Madigan – Alignment EP
• JunSix – Sheepovergoats
• Kemvr – GALLERIA EP
• Mainetoowavy!

… Continued →

If you’re of the opinion that only melodic music can be godly, then you might want to navigate your browser elsewhere. If, on the other hand, you see the possibility of the Spirit working and moving in the new, the avant garde, the experimental, and the downright weird, then Ganglia just might interest you. Sometimes stylized as GÅNGLÎÅ, this one-man project was started by David Smittcamp in Los Angeles in the late 1990s. He took the already experimental genre of grindcore (lightning-fast tempos and ultra-short songs fused into an extreme form of hardcore and metal), and flipped it on its head by utilizing only electronic instruments.… Continued →

Update: I’ve added all the new albums I can find as of November 18th. After realizing how few albums I’ve purchased on CD this year I decided it was time to correct that and set out to make a list of all the 2022 albums and EPs I could find on CD. And thanks to a little help from the members of the IVM Facebook group I now have a list of over 100 releases from 2022 that you can purchase on CD and/or vinyl! So do yourself (and the artists!)… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• Amongst the Giants – Desolate Minds EP
• From Shadows to Light – Glow

Pop & CCM

• Zach Williams – A Hundred Highways

Electronic & EDM Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• Allen Odell – Full Hearts, Empty Places
• Allie Murphy – Better Things EP
• Fox & Honey – Together EP
• Ian Yates – Between The Joy And The Sorrow – Part 2
• Jess Ray – BORN AGAIN
• Zane Vickery – Where Is Your Faith: Volume One EP

Hip Hop & R&B

• Austin Ryder – A Beautiful Death
• Christon Gray – Jacob (Deluxe)
• Gil Gatsby – I’ll Name This Album Later
• Kieran the Light – Confident EP
• Military Mindset Productions – RAMBO KNIFE EP
• Social Club Misfits – Everyone Loves A Comeback Story
• Speez – Godspeed 2
• R-Scar – Metanoia
• Triple O – Everything Left Unsaid
• WHATUPRG – New Hollywood

Worship & Gospel

• Avalon Worship – Worship
• Cody Carnes – God Is Good!

… Continued →

I’m not surprised there was Christian punk and new wave already being made in the 1970s. Contrary to popular belief, believers have always found new and innovative ways to express their faith creatively. It’s the broader public of the faith community that is often slow to accept change, not the artists themselves. This is why I am, in fact, surprised that a Christian record label was publishing Christian punk in the 1970s. It seemed the church in the UK was more open to avant garde presentations of the Gospel than in the US.… Continued →

HolyName have just returned in the most triumphant way possible. This self-described “preachcore” is everything our music scene has been missing. The band just dropped “Creed” featuring Eric of xDeathstarx (you listen to the song, below) I think people who are fans of the heavy music genre and sub genres are seeking to find answers and balance to our world. Music like this not only encourages a search for encouragement and spiritual nourishment but it also inspires the listener, makes you think, makes you rock out, and ultimately leads the listener to fall on his or her legs to pray and seek worship with the God who made us new in his image.… Continued →

A little-known artist by the name of “Kid Again” (Project of Aaron Newberry formerly of The Tide, and Sons of God/SONS), that is relatively unknown to many but is incredibly deserving of all the appreciation and applause that will come his way. Aaron Newberry is a talented singer-songwriter that writes emotional, and introspective music, that seeks for hope that we are all reaching for while connecting with the listener in a rather simplistic, yet completely surrounding the senses. This is music that escapes categorizing & labels and chases away genre norms.… Continued →

I am proud to introduce you all to this really great and encouraging new bible-based website called I Am A Wall. You can find the site at iamawall.com. Here are a few words about the site from its founder, Kim: “Each musician takes on a chapter in the bible to study. He or She then creates a song from what the Lord says to the individual. Iamawall is simply a documentation of what the musician creates. The web page catches and showcases the beauty of the Lord’s heart and meets each person where they are in their walk with Him.… Continued →

This 5-piece band from Norwalk, CA started as a metalcore band but morphed into something heavier and more technical with an interesting mix of death metal, grindcore, and the odd jazz passage. The band only released two demos. The first was a 5-song tape called “Soldiers of the Cross.” In 2006 they released their more known, somewhat ironically titled “Death Gospel” (Gospel set to death metal, get it?) cassette, featuring 4 songs. Then the band was never to be heard of again. However, just this year an independent secular metal label from Riverside has re-released the demo as a cassette-only release, with three bonus tracks.… Continued →

Rock & Metal

• Terraphobia – Rise
• Wolves At The Gate – Eulogies (Live Sessions) EP

Pop & CCM

• Alexander Pappas – AMERICAM DREAM
• Ben Fuller – Who Am I
• Blanca – The Heartbreak And The Healing
• Lauren Preuss – Give Me What I’m Missing! EP
• Ruelle – Somebody Else EP

Electronic & EDM

• Matthew Parker – Last Life EP

Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• David Benjamin Blower – Innocence & Experience
• Tyson Motsenbocker – Milk Teeth

Hit Hop & R&B

• BigGucciDame – Addictions & Afflictions EP
• Gavin the HotRod – DEFATING THE TYRANT
• Ilish – Anticipation EP
• Stevie Rizo – From HIM to Hymn

Worship & Gospel

• Anchor Hymns – Be Unto Your Name EP
• Bethel Music – Simple
• Christ For The Nations Worship – The Roof Project EP
• Harborside Music – The Meeting Place (Live)
• Keith & Kristyn Getty – Christ Our Hope In Life And Death
• Perimeter Worship – Perimeter Worship
• Providence Worship – True and Better EP
• The Psalms Project – Volume 5: Psalms 39-46
• Reality SF Music – Shelter EP
• TEMITOPE – MARUN
• 29:11 Worship – Say It Again (Live) EP

… Continued →

Highlights Rock & Metal

• Confessions of a Traitor – Punishing Myself Before God Does
• The Devil Wears Prada – Color Decay
• Riddle Me This? – Riddle Me This
• Too Bad Eugene – Distance

 Pop & CCM

• Fleurie – It’s Always Summer in Supertropicali (Chapter 2) (EP)
• JJ Heller – I Dream of You: JOY
• MSCMKRS – Keep It Cool EP
• RICHLIN – Something to Say

Electronic & EDM Folk & Singer/Songwriter

• Zoe Jean Fowler – We All Change

Hip Hop & R&B

• A3 – HEAR THE HEAVENS
• Bear Hope – WE ARE THE WORLD!

… Continued →

Some of you are going to hate me for including this (what?!? country music on IVM?!?) Others of you–maybe only a few–will recognize the importance this type of music played on the development of both rock and roll (which somewhat ironically owes a huge debt to country music), as well as to contemporary forms of Christian music, because of the strong relationship between country music and Gospel music in the middle part of the last century. Brothers Ira and Charlie Louvin began playing and singing together in the 1940s in their home in Alabama, and later branching out to nearby Tennessee.… Continued →