Tag: Spirit Filled Hardcore

March 22, 2024

Song of the Day: Six Feet Deep - Front

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 →

February 25, 2024

December 29, 2023

Song of the Day: Unashamed - Never Ends

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 →

December 16, 2023

December 11, 2023

July 30, 2023

xDoulosx - Birth Pains (Feat. Jon Davenport of Cultist)

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 →

HolyName - Initiation: Live In Chicago

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 →

June 1, 2023

Focused Reunite for a LIVE show and 30th Anniversary Celebration of 'Bow', soon

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 →

April 28, 2023

Introducing: Binder of Light (Feat. Members of Stairwell, Bloodshed, Unashamed, Rainy Days)

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 →

February 24, 2023

Song of the Day: Seasons in the Field - Eternity

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 →

November 23, 2022

August 28, 2022

GratitudeTX Are a Band To Watch

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 →

June 3, 2022

Song of the Day: No Innocent Victim - Strength

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 →

May 11, 2022

April 2, 2022

Song of the Day: Sleeping Giant - Preachcore Lives vs Tithemi

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 →

March 9, 2022

Song of the Day: Few Left Standing - Wishing You

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 →

October 1, 2021

September 11, 2021

Song of the Day: Point of Recognition - I Don't Deserve You

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 →

August 8, 2021

July 10, 2021

Unashamed and Strongarm Concert Footage from 1995

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 →

April 26, 2021

Convictions Announce New Album "I Won't Survive", Due Out May 7th

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 →

September 25, 2020

Song of the Day: Brandtson - Days End

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 →

August 21, 2020

June 20, 2020

June 2, 2020

April 20, 2020

Support Outnumbered, Buy a Shirt or Hoodie

Jason Parker who played in Focused also played in the band Outnumbered. They produced a demo or two and had members who played in The Blamed, Stavesacre, Focused, etc. The band played quite a bit back in the early to mid-90’s and was definitely a spirit-filled hardcore band. They have put up some new merch for sale right here and hopefully will gather interest to see what happens in the near future with recordings. Stay tuned.… Continued →

April 9, 2020

April 5, 2020

February 14, 2020

February 13, 2020