Skillet Victorious

 I just enjoyed the latest album from the Christian metal Skillet called Victorious. It was their tenth album which was released in the summer of 2019.

What I like about the album was that it played with every emotion in me. From the first song to the last, it had me going as I was driving my way to work.

A fun fact, the first song on the album Legendary is the current theme song for the WWE’s flagship show Monday Night Raw.

John Cooper’s vocals on every song was incredible. I felt like I was on a spiritual journey and that each song was like a chapter in a book.

The song that was the namesake of the album Victorious, was a very beautiful song. I also really enjoyed listening to the song Terrify the Dark. It made me feel empowered and that no matter what obstacles I face, I can get through it.

Another song I really loved listening to was Save Me. I could totally relate to it because of my constant battle with depression and anxiety. To be honest, it kinda brings a tear to my eyes because I often find myself always questioning myself about pretty much everything. 

I highly recommend this album to anyone and I hope and pray that this album will bring you happiness like it did me.

ZAO All Else Failed

 I always enjoy trying to discover new bands to listen to,  but I really enjoy going back in time and listen to some of the classic albums that I never got to listen to back in the day. So I decided to go back and listen to the debut album for the band called ZAO entitled All Else Failed.

I was only five years old when this album first came out originally. Of course they made a rerecording of this album later on in 2003 but I’d prefer to listen to it as it originally was recorded. The ironic part is no one from this album is playing in the band anymore.

But nonetheless this album is amazing with ten songs on the record. Vocalist Shawn Jonas really hit the nail on the coffin with his vocals. You definitely can feel a strong connection to the message that Shawn was singing about.

Being a believer myself, I really felt like I could relate to his words. You can definitely tell he meant every word of what the message was and that was trying to connect with God. During each song Shawn would preach to God and to be honest I could feel a strong presence with God in this album. It made me feel that I wasn’t alone and that there was something comforting watching over me and I thank Shawn and ZAO for that.

I really enjoyed songs like Growing in Grace which featured Myk Porter, Endure, In loving Kindness. But honestly I really just enjoyed this entire album and recommend it to anyone who enjoys hardcore music.

Roy Goudy played fantastically on guitars while Mic Cox was solid on bass and Jesse Smith was just incredible on drums.

I really think you guys will get a kick out of this album. It is called All Else Failed from the band ZAO. Check it out and enjoy!  

The Lesser Lights of Heaven

 Recently I got to enjoy a music documentary about a metalcore band called Zao. The documentary is called The Lesser Lights of Heaven. It was originally released in 2005 and it was about the history of the band up to that point of the band’s career.

According to the band, the original lead singer Eric Reeder was given credit for naming the band. For those who don’t know what Zao means, it is Greek for “alive” or “to have life”.

The band’s mission was to create a Christ centered hardcore mainly to help with people who they believed were forced away by organized churches. Which sadly, I can relate to having dealt with it myself.

Though I will say I haven’t really dealt with a lot of the judgemental attitude now that I’m older compared to my younger days. But at the same time I still feel that there are a lot of these so called “Christians” who try to tell us that a lot of this music is evil and will lead us down a dark path despite some of these bands talking about how God has helped them as well as the lyrics to each of their respective songs.

One of the other things that I wish people in general would understand is that being a believer in the metal, hardcore, rock scene can be tough because it’s bad enough that people think we are doing something evil when we are not. But non-believers think we’re trying to force our beliefs down people’s throats when in reality we just want to listen to some amazing music.

Now, on the flip side to all that, I do get annoyed by people who do try to force things down other people’s throats because I do not believe that Jesus would be doing that. I am a firm believer that Jesus was a teaching and we must learn, love and understand one another in order to move forward.

In the documentary, current lead singer Dan Weyandt really hit one home for me emotionally when he talked about how he wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for having God in his life. I can totally relate to that. 

There have been plenty of times where I thought my life was over and that there was no hope for me and I must admit I still struggle with that at times. But nonetheless I have been able to survive all those terrible thoughts through God. I know I can not take credit for it because there have been times where I felt some kind presence surrounding me and a way of comforting and protecting me.

I also love how Dan would make every single one of his songs have a heartfelt message to them and he did not sugarcoat anything and was not afraid to talk about issues that a lot of Christians are afraid to talk about. Which in my humble opinion is a constant mistake by some churches that sadly push people away from God.

Though I understand at this point in their careers in 2021 that Zao does not consider themselves a Christian band. I really do enjoy their music and I pray that they continue to push forward and wish them nothing but the best for them.

If you are a major fan of metal or hardcore, this documentary is for you. It is called Zao, The Lesser Lights of Heaven. This documentary is all over Youtube. Check it out. And if you want to check out anything Zao check their site down below.

http://www.zaoonline.net/

Stryper Even The Devil Believes

 One of my favorite albums to come out of 2020 comes in the form of Even the Devil Believes from the Christian hard rock band Stryper.

Now, Stryper has been around since long before my time in the 80s. But I must say, I totally can see why they have been so popular.

One of the first things that stood out to me was the album cover. The photo of the Devil falling before God showcasing how having faith in God can help you against anything that the Devil may throw at you is truly inspirational and positive.

Speaking of a positive message, one of my favorite songs on the album is Make Love Great Again. This song was amazing, from the music, Michael Sweet’s vocals and of course the message.

To me it is a message that society needs right now. With so much hate in the world especially from our mainstream media. It amazes me that so many people in this world rather spread hate over love. In my humble opinion God wants us to love and understand one another with the key word in that sentence is and. We need to love and understand each other because that is how we can become stronger as a community.

Another great song I enjoyed was the Middle Finger Messiah. I enjoyed this song simply because it makes me feel like I'm telling Satan where to stick it and that he has no power over me. For I walk through the shadow of the death, I fear no evil for he is beside me.

I really loved this album and highly recommend it for everyone to listen to. It shows me that Stryper maybe from the 80s, but shows no signs of slowing down.

The album is called Even the Devil Believes. Check it out and more importantly, be safe and God Bless.

If James Hetfield Can Stay Straight Edge, Anyone can

 I just finished listening to a song called If James Hetfield can Stay Straight Edge, Anyone Can. The song was from a band named Casey Jones.

Casey Jones is a hardcore band that follows the Straight Edge lifestyle which for those who don’t know what that means. Straight Edge is a lifestyle where the person commits to be alcohol free and drug free.

But back to the song, this song was on their final album I Hope We’re Not the Last back in 2011. This song came out the gates swinging with avengence. It really got the blood pumping.

The song itself sends a very positive message. Basically saying you don’t need to be all messed up in the head to have yourself such a good time. 

My favorite part of the song was the epic guitar solo near the end where it was just shredded. I felt my fingers breaking and all I was doing was listening to it lol. It truly was incredible.

It’s a shame that Casey Jones is no longer together, but nonetheless this song is awesome and I recommend it to anyone to give it a chance. Plus with the band is named after the character of the famous Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which is a major bonus in my humble opinion lol.

Demon Hunter tribute

 Today I wanted to pay tribute to one of my favorite bands in the form of Demon Hunter.

Demon Hunter is a Christian metal based out of the pacific northwest that was formed by the Clark brothers Ryan and Don.  The current lineup for Demon Hunter is Ryan as the Lead singer, Jon Dunn on bass, Tim “Yogi” Watts on drums, Lead guitarist Patrick Judge and Rhythm guitarist Jeremiah Scott.

In a great sense of irony, I was first introduced to Demon Hunter by my friend Justin (who is a non-believer lol). I also remember seeing their CDs at the local christian store called the Friendship Bookstore near where I live and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Demon Hunter has not only brought me joy through their awesome music, but helped me through a lot of tough times with my issues with depression and anxiety. Especially when it comes to people who judge and look down onto me.

You see, I myself am a believer, but I also really enjoy listening to rock and metal which many people have questioned me because of it. It made me feel like I wasn’t good enough and that I shouldn’t listen to that stuff because it was probably causing my depression and anxiety despite the numerous times I have told people that it has saved my life.

There are so many songs of theirs that I listen to that I can’t really pick a favorite one. Songs like Not I, Undying, On my side, When the Devil comes, Collapsing, Not ready to die, More than bones, The Negative, Blood in the tears, I am a Stone, I will fail you, etc. You get it lol. It’s extremely hard to pick just one haha. Either way I thank God everyday for being able to enjoy them all.

Listening to bands like Demon Hunter has continued to help me mentally and spiritually. Sadly, I hadn’t had the opportunity to meet these guys in person to thank them so much for helping me in keeping the faith and getting me closer to God. But I hope and pray that they continue to punch out some more amazing music and  I can not wait for the next album coming soon in Songs of Death and Resurrection in 2021.

If you're a Christian, or just love awesome metal music or both I highly recommend you guys and gals to listen to Demon Hunter.

Once again, I can’t thank Demon Hunter enough. God Bless you guys.

https://www.demonhunter.net/