Christian metal helps to identify the heavy metal music that has been included with Christianity within their lyrics and topics. The particular fusion goes a long way in linking the spiritual or religious messages to the same intensity and passion that comes with regular metal music. Christian metal is a subgenre that has found its place over the years and also influenced both Christians and the general metal scene. This article seeks to discuss the origins and purpose of Christian metal, its key bands, venues, and subsequent significance.<\/p>\n
Christian metal, in the broader perspective, dates all the way back to the ’70s and early ’80s, when bands tried to incorporate Christian lyrics in their heavy metal. It was a reaction against the negativity that secular metal<\/strong><\/a> usually carried with it and that was defined by dark, often satanic themes of rebellion. Pioneering bands include the likes of the Resurrection Band<\/strong>, later known as Rez Band, and Jerusalem<\/strong>, who were among the first to blend Christian themes with metal music and set stages for future acts.<\/p>\n It was in these two decades that Christian metal grew to be a popular music genre. Bands like Stryper<\/strong><\/a>, Whitecross<\/strong>, Sacred Warriors<\/strong> and Deliverance<\/strong> had large followings, in part because they could compete musically with secular bands, while delivering a positive message. Stryper, in particular, achieved mainstream success with their album “To Hell with the Devil<\/strong><\/a>” which went platinum and brought Christian metal into the spotlight.<\/p>\n