The Best Christian Metal Bands

War of Ages

This hardcore band was founded in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 2003. Having lived through some of the worst that life can throw at you, band members Leroy and Alex Hamp know about dark places from firsthand experience. Brought up in a confusing environment where they endured sexual and emotional abuse, the brothers were kept alive by their faith. Through their music, they share that faith with the rest of the world. Two of the band's most popular songs are "Chaos Theory" and "Rise from the Ashes."

August Burns Red

This metalcore band, hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, got started in 2003 when some of the members were still in high school. The band was signed by Solid State Records in 2005 and has seen several of its studio albums rise to No. 1 on the Christian music charts.

Demon Hunter

This metal band from Seattle, Washington, was started in 2000 by brothers Don and Ryan Clark. In the beginning, they hid their real identities, going by only "Sgt. Serpent, Chuck Knuckles, Utah Biggs, Arm, and John Gredal." This caused a bit of controversy and got a lot of attention for the band, whose most popular songs include "Undying," "And the Sky Went Red," and "Blood in the Tears."

The Devil Wears Prada

This metal band from Dayton, Ohio, was formed in 2005. Members took their band name from the book "The Devil Wears Prada," not as an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of it, but as a way to explain that fashion, name brands, popularity, and bank balances won't matter to God when you are standing before the throne. The band's biggest hits include "Danger: Wildman," "Rosemary Had an Accident," and "Texas Is South."

Tourniquet

Since 1990, Tourniquet has been a staple in the Christian metal scene. Named HM magazine's "Favorite Band of the Decade," the group has packed venues in the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America.

Wolves at the Gate

Wolves at the Gate formed in Cedarville, Ohio, in 2008. The post-hardcore band signed to Solid State Records and released their debut EP in 2009. Bandleader Steve Cobucci sees the group's music as an expression of God's gifts:

"It has been such a privilege to be blessed with the chance to give purpose to the gifts that God has given us. It’s important to us that our songs have purpose both musically and lyrically and we hope that the combination will cause the listener to think and to feel the message we are seeking to convey."

Underoath

This metal band from Tampa, Florida, formed in 1997 in former lead singer Dallas Taylor's bedroom. There have been plenty of changes in the line-up but the band's faith and their reason for performing have never changed. Underoath's 2006 album, "Define the Great Line," went gold in under five months after its release.

For Today

This metalcore band from Sioux City, Iowa, started in 2005. Before their last show on December 18, 2016, they were one of the busiest Christian metal bands, touring almost non-stop. They were also one of the most outspoken bands you could find on the metal scene where faith is concerned, calling music "their mission." Before the band broke up, members Ryan and Brandon Leitru formed a new band called Nothing Left.

As I Lay Dying

As I Lay Dying formed in 2001 and was quickly signed by Pluto Records. The band's debut release went on to become the top-selling album for the label.

The band broke up in 2014 when vocalist Tim Lambesis was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to trying to hire a hitman to kill his estranged wife.

The remaining members formed a new band called Wovenwar.