Tag: Spirit Filled Hardcore

Focused are returning this year with a special pressing of “Devil’s Kiss”  which originally was their 2000 “Demo” but has been completely remastered/remixed by Steven Dail and packaged with incredible artwork and packaging via Steadfast Records. This special release is being pressed on 3 different color 7″ records along with a cassette and CD as well. You can buy this one of a kind release over on the Steadfast Records website right now and have it shipped next month (May 9th is Release Date). It appears Focused is currently on hiatus but we are all hopeful they return with some music in the future.… Continued →

Over a decade after the advent of the first “Spirit-filled hardcore” movement, Sleeping Giant helped kick off a second wave of the movement, sometimes referred to as “preachcore.” There is now actually a third wave of Spirit-filled hardcore happening now, but that is a story for another day. The first wave was spearheaded by bands like Southern California’s Focused, Unashamed, and No Innocent Victim, as well as Florida’s Strongarm, Cleveland’s Six Feet Deep and Arizona’s Overcome. Each of those bands featured different takes on the genre but what they had in common was a deep commitment to sharing Christ through the music.… Continued →

New Jersey based spirit filled post-hardcore band – Plead The Widow’s Cause, just released their brand new full length record titled “(Silver Glass Stare)”. The title of record is actually an excerpt from “The Lord of The Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien. This is a heavy and metallic, spirit filled, post-hardcore, sometimes melodic, bundle of joy. This is a literal step up from the last record “Pain Split” and shows a band not afraid to stretch out their wings and experiment a little but at the same time drawing on past influences and classic hardcore sounds as well as some screamo 00’s tendencies.… Continued →

It’s official! JCHC FEST will take place on April 5th 2025 at famed The Glasshouse in Pomona, CA. The full lineup includes Officer Negative and No Innocent Victim, along with The Deal, Headnoise, TAKE, Richie The Barber, Absolved, Barriers, Destroy Nate Allen, GratitudeTX, Infirmities, NO TREATY, XDoulosX, and Zippy Josh & The Ragtag Band. This event does appear to be a one day only show so you’ll want to buy those tickets soon. I’ve read some comments online from people questioning how that many bands can play in one day.… Continued →

I have exciting news to announce. The spirit filled metalcore band known as NO TREATY just released an absolutely phenomenal EP titled “Sound The Trumpet” which actually made it up pretty high on the digital charts under “Metal” a couple weeks back on upon release. Well, Resuscitation Records is now releasing the EP on a special 180 Gram Vinyl that you can pre-order right here. If you’re into any sort of metallic, heavy, hardcore with strong spiritually minded Christ centered lyrics then you are going to love these guys.… Continued →

Southern California hardcore band xDoulosx throws it down with a great of heaviness on their new track, “Bellum”. Give the song a listen below this post and get ready for a new album (or EP) this year (hopefully). Catch the band on November 9th in Henderson, NV. with TAKE and others at Eagle Aerie Hall.… Continued →

Cleveland’s Six Feet Deep were instrumental in the advent of “new school” hardcore that was emerging in the early- to mid-90s. They were one of the few Spirit-Filled Hardcore bands that didn’t end up on Tooth & Nail or Solid State (No Innocent Victim was the other major example). After an independent demo cassette aptly titled Self in 1992, they released two fantastic metallic hardcore albums: 1994’s Struggle and 1996’s The Road Less Traveled. The debut issued on Christian indie stalwart R.E.X. Music and the sophomore on Flying Tart/R.E.X.… Continued →

HolyName just posted a pic of studio work and the caption “Bright Sadness” HolyName 2024 is gonna be so rad. Thank you all for being patient with us. Stay Tuned. -TG”. Who’s amped for new music from HolyName? I can’t wait for this!… Continued →

This band from Southern California was one of the first wave of bands who set the foundation for what was known as “Spirit-filled hardcore.” A wave which also included Focused, Strongarm, Six Feet Deep and a handful of others, many of which remained unsigned. The scene was characterized by ‘new school’ or ‘chugga chugga’ or metallic hardcore of the early to mid-90s, combined with lyrics that were bold and unapologetic about faith issues. The first time I heard Unashamed was actually a live show as they were the opening band at the first Tooth and Nail Weekend in 1994, a mini-fest at the Where-House in Bartlesville, OK featuring all Tooth and Nail bands (also on the bill were Focused, Chatterbox, Plankeye, Starflyer 59 and Wish for Eden who sadly had to cancel due to a broken down van).… Continued →

This band released one demo in 2008. Appears they were labeled as spirit filled hardcore & were from Sacremento, Cali. Check this rarity out.  … Continued →

Spirit Filled Hardcore was a label put on early Christian metal micro genres. Saved by Grace fell into the metalcore portion. Members also played in Hopesfall & Eighteen Visions, both of whom I’ve seen live. … Continued →

Newly signed to Rottweiler Records, the hardcore band xDoulosx out of Southern California just dropped their label debut titled “Birth Pains” and it is available on all digital networks now. Check out the title track featuring Jon Davenport of Cultist, below. This is heavy, raw, and strikes me with that classic hardcore rhythmic sound. If you don’t know who this band is yet, you will know soon enough, and they will be your new favorite heavy hardcore band.… Continued →

The heavy hardcore worship band known as HolyName, led by Tommy Green formerly of Sleeping Giant has just posted their “Initiation: Live in Chicago” video over on YouTube and it is every bit powerful as one might expect from this project and the music they create. The world needs more of this. We need more of this. Listen below. By the way, that guest list is STACKED!… Continued →

Those classic Spirit Filled Hardcore OGs known as FOCUSED, are reuniting FINALLY for a show (or shows) this fall or in 2024 (heck, do both!). They have announced there will also be an appearance by a 90’s Spirit Filled Hardcore Legend so my hopes are high that it is one of my faves. We are coming up on the 30th anniversary of both their debut record “Bow” and the launch of Tooth & Nail Records, which actually began right here in Orange County, California almost 3 decades ago.… Continued →

A new band I’d like to introduce is called Binder of Light. Its a new band featuring members of Stairwell, Bloodshed, Unashamed, Rainy Days, and more. The band just got picked up by The Charon Collective which is a newer label started by one of of the founders of Pluto Records. Check out the little write up below and make sure to visit them on Instagram @binderoflight and their label – The Charon Collective right here. “The Charon Collective is excited to welcome Binder Of Light to the family!… Continued →

Hailing from the tri-state area of West Virginia/Pennsylvania/Ohio,this metalcore band only released one cassette demo and one split CD with emocore band Pensive. What is interesting about that split–that is, besides being a spectacular release from two very good and rather unique bands–is that both bands featured members that would soon after go on to join the more well-known Zao. Pensive featured Brett Detar and Martin Lunn, as well as other members who joined Detar’s later band The Juliana Theory. Seasons in the Field featured Russ Cogdell on guitar, and future Zao screamer Dan Weyandt.… Continued →

xNo Kingx are a new Christ centered, scripture based, beatdown, straight edge, hardcore band out of Nashville, Tennessee. FFO: Cultist, Prayer, and heavy beatdown hardcore. No king but Christ!

A fairly new band on the scene goes by the name of GratitudeTX, have just released their new EP “Deathless Voices” back in April of this year. This is self-described “Spirit Filled Hardcore” band is exactly the kind of HEAVY music many of you are looking for without needing knee braces and a walker. These guys are the real deal and their sound is as ferocious as it is passionate and without a doubt – a band on a mission to spread hope. Check out the band’s new ep out now on all digital networks.… Continued →

Emerging from the original wave of Spirit Filled Hardcore (or SFHC) came southern California’s No Innocent Victim, AKA N.I.V. In contrast to their SFHC peers like Unashamed, Strongarm, and Overcome, who often integrated metallic influences that were becoming more popular in hardcore, NIV stuck to their old school roots with a “Loud Fast Rules” mentality. In fact, their old school approach to fast and heavy hardcore played a part in sparking a revival of the style, which eventually evolved into “tough guy hardcore,” essentially an update of that old school sound with added breakdowns and heaviness.… Continued →

xDisciplex is a spirit filled hxc band whose Lantern ep I had back in the mid 90s while I was in high school. I have always dug this song more than their others. After the band disbanded, members were involved with several bands including Jesus Wept, N.I.V., Anchor, Dodgin’ Bullets, Shockwave among others. … Continued →

Sleeping Giant is an awesome band nuff said!  They are what I like to consider a spirit filled hxc band due to their performance & unabashed way they present Jesus. They split off from another hxc band along with The Great Commission, both of whom I have seen live. I totally miss the Scream the Prayer Tours! Here are 2 of my faves that will get you on fire for God! . … Continued →

Few Left Standing was a spirit filled late 90s hxc band from Tennessee. Their stuff was primarily released by Takehold Records which actually housed Underoath in their early days (my fave from the band). The band reformed & played a show recently at Furnace Fest. This SOTD always reminded me of another song by Zao called A Fall Farewell as the lyrics relate to wishing a friend would find Jesus. I also put some of the footage from the Furnace Fest show for your enjoyment. A moment whispered A fleeting thought A lifetime lived In one short breath I sit alone in a quiet place Remembering a smile A smile that in one instant Drowns out the sorrows of the world A smile from the face of innocence I sit and watch As the seasons change Falling like dying leaves I sit and watch as the cold hands Choke at my existence You’re not the only one You’re hurting You stare expressionless As our worlds are torn apart I reach for your hand Why don’t you reach back?… Continued →

Christ centered hardcore in the vein of Dynasty, Rapture LAHC, and Stick Tight along with vocals akin to Take It Back! Zack and Where Fire May Fail.

Point of Recognition was a metalcore/spirit filled hardcore band that changed their sound after their Admiration of a Son LP.  The band came onto the scene when Underoath was still in their early days & No Innocent Victim was huge. TBH I never did care for their muddy hardcore sound after Admiration. This SOTD was chosen due to its sound & great lyrics, but also check out Return to Strength, A Path Unknown & Unlawful Burden. I thank you Lord for the grace you’ve shown me sometimes I just don’t know why, because there’s no creature ever so more wretched than I, and I will bow down with my face to the floor from all those times that I’ve searched for something more, but I will dry those tears and hold my head up high, cause I stand a conqueror in Jesus name.… Continued →

Wow, Facedown Records is on quite a roll with amazing new music and it certainly doesn’t stop as is evidenced by this new HolyName track. Check out “My Way” below and make sure to pick up some merch right here. Who else is looking forward to a full length?… Continued →

I dug this old VHS tape out of the deepest cavern of Pre-Indie Vision Music archives that I could search through. This old tape was converted to digital (Digitized) by a company called imemories out of Arizona. I love their services and they’ve done a tremendous job so far. Anyway, check out this really old concert footage of the bands Unashamed and Strongarm from 1995 at a Church in Capo Beach California (Dana Point) called “Capo Beach Calvary Chapel”. I was 17 years old at the time and holding my parents VHS camcorder.… Continued →

Convictions will drop their latest full length album titled “I Won’t Survive”, on May 7th. If you’ve heard a few of the new songs then you know you’re in for a real treat. One of the greatest independent heavy/rock bands hitting the scene today. Pre-order the highly anticipated new album in a few different formats including vinyl, right here. Make sure to check out the latest songs from Convictions on digital networks now.… Continued →

When listening to music, do you ever get the feeling you’re hearing something deeply personal, and you’re not really sure if you should be listening in? Of course, recorded music is made to be heard. It’s marketed for consumption. But there are some songs that just seem so intimate it’s like you’re accidentally listening to a private conversation. “Days End” from Brandtson’s debut strikes me that way. I was equally excited and perplexed when I first heard about this new band (in the late 90s). Six Feet Deep had been a staple in the Spirit-filled hardcore scene–passionate and preachy as that genre was known for, when the members changed the band name and style, replaced by the new “emo” tag (at the time, anyway).… Continued →

Steadfast Records are releasing a couple of early early ZAO albums with some songs not heard before. This is the early lineup pre-Dan. Check out a song titled “Conflict” right here. Pre-order this release right here via the band and more info found at the link.… Continued →

En Mi Lugar (In My Place in English) is a Spirit Filled Melodic Hardcore band from Bogota, Colombia. FFO: Venia, Advent, Poured Out, and Atrocities.