Christian Hardcore
tagStarted 1990Peak 1998-2008Last big hit still active
Located in 2 routes
Hardcore and metalcore intensity carrying explicitly Christian, faith-driven lyrics: screamed testimony and spiritual struggle over chugging breakdowns, metallic riffing and gang vocals. Sonically indistinguishable from secular metalcore at its heaviest, it channels devotion, redemption and conviction through pummeling aggression rather than softness.
History
Took root in the 1990s as "spirit-filled" bands like Zao, Strongarm and Living Sacrifice joined faith to metallic hardcore, with Tooth and Nail's Solid State imprint as a hub. In the 2000s Norma Jean, out of Atlanta's chaotic scene, and Underoath broke through to wider audiences, while positive Christian straight-edge acts like xLooking Forwardx carried the message through hardcore.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strongarm_(band)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bless_the_Martyr_and_Kiss_the_Child
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/They're_Only_Chasing_Safety
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reborn_(Living_Sacrifice_album)