Phinehas - Enkindler

Phinehas has just released an acoustic track titled "Enkindler". A very nice surprise for a metal band. I almost really miss it when metal bands would actually play something acoustic once in a while. These guys have brought the remedy.

Dynasty - Rise To Victory

Dynasty released a new lyric video for "Rise To Victory" that features Tommy Green as a guest vocalist. For those that don't know much about Dynasty, they have a West Coast sound that is thrash, hardcore and punk. Very nice... Reminds me of an old school sound. I especially like the energy in their videos that features their live shows. Very energetic. Their new album "Beyond Measure is due out January 22, 2013. Check em out!

Narrow Road, Eternal Life

Matthew 7:13-21

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it (v.14)

One of the most prevalent of modern myths is the idea that boundary-less living leads to freedom. A permissive lifestyle may feel free for a time, but it will soon trap us. In ludicrous manner we shout, “I’m free! I’m free!” as we back into a cage and lock the door.

Jesus’ stark warning about this cuts across our permissive society, just as it cut across His own. In Matthew 7:13-14, He portrays the choice as one between two roads—one narrow, another broad—leading to two destinations (life or death).

The broad road is loud and crowded (v.13). It’s the path of self-will and selfish ambition, of loose promises and sexual permissiveness, of hatred, revenge, and doing good for personal gain, of hypocritical religion, and of a materialism that leaves no room for God. This road is popular because it’s easy. We simply let our natural desires lead us.

The narrow road, by contrast, is so small that most of us walk past it. Few are rushing to it. This is the path of following God’s will rather than our own (7:21), of firm promises and marital faithfulness (5:27-37), of reconciliation, turning cheeks, and anonymous charity (vv.21-26,38-48, 6:1-4), of true spirituality and choosing God above possessions (vv.5-34).

The broad road feels so free, but it leads to death and hell (7:13). There’s no freedom in either. The narrow road initially looks constricting, but looks are deceiving. We’ve shed our baggage to fit through its gate and walk lighter and with more freedom—into eternal life itself (v.14).

Don’t think Jesus is talking only about heaven and hell here. The life and death He speaks of is experienced now, depending on whether we follow Him or not (vv.24-27). Others may jeer, but those who follow Jesus down His narrow path will live in joyous freedom. 

-Anonymous

True Story

I heard this band on Pandora and I did like some of you do and head over to see what the name of the band is. These guys really stand out. They're different and I really like the singer's voice. Good band. Great music.

Band Page





 

Jackson

One of my favorite singers "Dwayne Jackson" who reminded me a lot of some of the famous grunge singers of the 90's has released a 5 track acoustic album titled "Things Unsaid".  Like it says on their Bandcamp page - This is an exciting, refreshing album. Go check it out!

Band Page

Tribal - Brighter Skies

Well, it's finally here. More good music from these mates out of Australia. Their new EP is titled "Brighter Skies". Be checking for it on Itunes. These guys are putting out some good music and they deserve not only our support, but our prayers and encouragement to keep doing it. Below you will find a video preview of their new EP. Awesome!

Band Page

Michael Ketterer

This artist is one that I just recently discovered and quite honestly I was really happy I did. His sound is really hard to pin down; It has elements of the 80's new wave fused with soul and dance, yet it has an element of ambiguity in that you can't ever tell where the song is going to go, which in my opinion makes it very nice. Michael is also involved with the United Pursuit Band collective that's comprised of Will Reagan and others. Here is a great video by him. Check him out!

Artist Page

Christian Bands Covering Demonic Music

This is a topic that I always feel resistance from satan about. I guess he really wants Christians to keep diluting and polluting the pure message of Christ. My concern is why Christians keep covering clearly demonic music. I see it in the metal genre often and it always causes me to turn away. Bands that do this are clearly not being led by the Holy Spirit. Some bands that I have seen covered are:

Slayer
Alice In Chains (yes, we all liked them a lot, but look at their fruit)
Danzig (seriously??)
Ozzy
Black Sabbath
Judas Priest

I used to cover bands too, so I am just as guilty, but I have concluded that there is just some music that doesn't glorify Christ. This is why we play. To give Him glory and praise.

An interview with Glenn Danzig

Update*** - It never fails... The night after I wrote this I had extremely demonic dreams. Satan totally does not want this message out there. He wants Christians to not only listen to demonic music, but play it. That must make him really happy.

Brandon Farris

I came to know this epic guitar player by coming across his metal band "Live As Lions". I knew pretty fast when I heard their music that the guitar player was different. I had no idea just how different until I heard some of his solo stuff. I was totally blown away and you will be too. Here is a video of one of his original works.

He also gives guitar lessons and is very interactive and friendly with his fans. You should get to know him.

Brandon's YouTube

Full Score Guitar Lessons

Live As Lions

Have You Really Heard?

When we were children, many of us heard frustrated parents asking if we really heard their reminder to finish an unwanted chore. We may have claimed to have heard, but our attitude and actions said otherwise.

What about your own response to the gospel. Have you heard it? Have you responded? It's easy to put off making a decision, and this becomes an even greater tendency when it seems a long way off.

The gospel is a simple but heart-penetrating truth. The Bible tells us that all of us have sinned and fallen short of God's perfect standard of righteousness (Rom. 3:23), resulting in separation from a holy God (Rom. 6:23). But the Bible also says that because of God's compassion for us, He became a man and allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross to pay the penalty for our sin (1 Peter 3:18).

It's not enough just to know these great truths. We must respond to them by personal choice. The Scriptures tell us, "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12).

Will you respond to this spiritual truth?

If you're able, humble yourself and get on your knees, Acknowledge you're a sinner before God. Ask Him to make you His child, to wash you and fill you with His Holy Spirit. Then begin by praying throughout your days to God. Talk to Him. Read the Bible daily. Ask God to show you a church that is legit and then get involved. Serve others. Let your deeds show you really believe!

If you need prayer contact me or my wife. God bless!




Part of this message was adapted from the Our Daily Bread devotional.

Matthew Eldridge

Here is a guy that I wanted to get out there, as I feel he has a lot to offer the body of Christ. I found out about him through MySpace by coming across one of his side projects, "Raising Lazarus". I was blown away and sadly they only released two songs that I know of. I wanted more because it's great material. You should also check out some of his more recent "solo" endeavors and some of the books that he has written. I also subscribed to him on YouTube and found out that he is involved with youth and leads worship. I heard a video of him giving a heart to heart on complaining in the church. Very timely message and one that we all need to hear. Check him out!


Author Page

Band Page - Raising Lazarus

Band Page - Matthew Eldridge

Interview - theWAY

Here is a nice interview featuring Johnny of theWAY. Shows how sold out these guys are for Jesus. Amazing. We need more people on fire for Jesus like he is.

Band Page

I Built The Cross

I Built The Cross just released a smokin' new EP titled "Banish The Disconnect" and I gotta tell you, It rates high on the heavy factor. Check it out!

Band Page

Purgation

Here is a band that is far-removed from the Christian metal scene. For whatever reason, they just never continued after releasing one EP titled "Realm Of The Dead". Purgation can be described as a mixture of Soundgarden and Black Sabbath... Maybe a little Tool here and there. Interesting band. I wish they had made more stuff because I really like it. I will be honest though. After initially going to their website and seeing how influenced by Sabbath they were, I was a little hesitant about promoting them in any way. I don't know; Sabbath was one of those bands that you should definitely steer clear from as a Christian (coming from a long-time previous fan). With that said, I uncovered an interview somewhere on the internet by the lead singer Ronnie Griffin. Pretty convincing where he stands... The album is also full of great lyrics—mostly doom-type, end of the world, repent stuff, but great nonetheless. If anyone reading this knows what happened to these guys, let me know.  I would like to know what they're up to.


INTERVIEW with Ronnie (singer) that I found on the internet:

Conducted via email in March of 2001. 
 
Thunderline - How would you describe the sound of Purgation to someone who has never heard you? (and what does the name Purgation mean)? 

Ronnie - The music would be described as heavy doom with a dark feel to it that sets the mood for the world we live in today which is pretty dark. The word Purgation means the act of purging which means to cleanse which we know God is going to do to this world sooner or later. 
 
Thunderline - You have a new cd out called "Realm of the Dead" can you tell us a little about that? 

Ronnie - I was listening to David Barton who is a Christian historian and he was talking about our country's founding fathers and he was giving some quotes from one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas McCain, who was talking about hell and he called it "The Regions of Sorrow" and I thought that would be an interesting title for a song and song subject and I got to thinking about all of the people I've talked to over the years about Christianity and being saved and the Bible says that people who aren't saved are spiritually dead and that's what this world is like. It's spiritually dead. In the song I say "and as I look on I begin to see, the despondence hints reality" and what I mean is the lack of response to the Christian message shows that this world is non-acceptant of the message. I decided to give it the title Realm of the Dead to fit what the Bible says about people who don't accept Christ and that is spiritually dead. 
 
Thunderline - What sort of lyrical topics do you cover? 

Ronnie - I like to counter-act what some of the secular bands are saying in their songs which is a total anti-Christ message. It used to be that the earlier metal bands would have topics in their songs about Satan or Satan worship but now it's pure blasphemy towards Christianity and Jesus. That's what the song Eulogy ( part 2 ) is about. It's a counter action towards a secular band's song which is really blasphemous towards Jesus. I don't think it's right that these guys can put down my beliefs and then expect not to get a response to it. I'm not saying that they can't say what they want or say something that might offend someone else's beliefs but they should respect my right to say something about what they say if it offends me. 
 
Thunderline - Do you consider Purgation a "ministry" band? 

Ronnie - Yeah. I'd like to change the world and the only real way to change the world is through Jesus. Music is a good way to get to people. I remember hearing a quote from a musician who said to a law maker, and I quote, " You make the laws and I'll write the songs and I'll rule the world". Not that I want to rule the world but it just shows you how powerful a tool music is. When I first got into music I wanted to be just like the bands I was getting into. So I know music can change people. I know it's not as easy as it sounds but it can be done. 
 
Thunderline - How important do you feel it is to deliver a message within your lyrics? 

Ronnie - It's very important but there are right ways to deliver a message and wrong ways as I've come to find out in the past year. The message is the most important thing in this music. It should be for all Christian bands. I was looking at a secular band's website and it seemed that the most important thing for them to get out was their message. It's a message of new ageism and I think we need to counter-act this kind of thing and I think that our message should be just as important. The music has to be there too though. 
 
Thunderline - Who is the lineup of Purgation? 

Ronnie - Ronnie Griffin - Vocals, Guitar and Bass, Jerry Allnet - Guitar, Peppy Ruiz - Drums 
 
Thunderline - Do you get to play many live shows? 

Ronnie - We're only a studio band at the moment. 
 
Thunderline - If you could go out on our with any band in the world (Christian or secular) who would it be and why? 

Ronnie - I've never really thought about that but it would be great to play with anybody. 
 
Thunderline - What does the future hold for Purgation? 

Ronnie - We hope that this will take off and we can do this full time. There's definitely another CD in the future. 
 
Thunderline - What are you guys' jobs, hobbies, interests outside the band? 

Ronnie - We all work full time day jobs. 
 
Thunderline - Who are some of your influences (or bands you just enjoy listening to)? 

Ronnie - I respect bands like Tool, Black Sabbath and Solace for their musicianship but not for their message. These are the bands that influence me musically but it's hard to enjoy them because of their lyrics. 
 
Thunderline - Final comments? 

Ronnie - Thanks for the interview Norm. It's greatly appreciated and we'd like to invite people to visit our website at www.purgation.com 

Letter To The Exiles

My son brought these guys to my attention a while back, and after listening, I could tell they were different. They definitely bring it metal-wise, but they have a nice alternative feel as well. Here is their latest video called "The Greater Hands Of Lesser Sons" off their album Make Amends. Enjoy!

The Old-Timers

I was given an album a while back of a band called "The Old-timers". I went through a punk-period back when I was a skater (in the 80's) which consisted of bands like:  G.B.H., Subhumans, Vandals, Minor Threat, Hard Ons and so many others. Listening to this album took me back in a totally positive way. It's filled with all of the same energy and sound that all those older bands had, but with the love of Jesus Christ throughout. Getting this album has really taken me back to a special place in time, only now it's something I can totally get in to. They are signed to a label called Thumper Punk Records. They have many other bands that are signed that I plan on checking out.

For now, if you ever liked real punk, drop what you're doing and check out The Old-timers. You won't be disappointed. God bless!


Buy Their Albums HERE

The Overseer

I would like to call attention to a band called The Overseer. I remember long ago when they had their equipment stolen and thinking to myself, "How are they going to continue?" True enough, they have proven that they have perseverance and God on their side. The Bible says that with God ALL things are possible and this is a good example. Here is a cool video of "Absolve" that comes off their release "We Search, We Dig".

          FACEBOOK SITE

Future of Forestry - Young Man Follow

Future of Forestry just came out with a new album "Young Man Follow". If you like really good music, you should check this out!

If you're interested in hearing or purchasing CLICK HERE.

Sinner's Creed

Sinner's Creed, a memoir by Scott Stapp of Creed, is due to come out October 2, of this year. I strongly encourage you to get it, if not to encourage him, to deepen your walk with the Lord by hearing someone else's testimony. I personally am curious to know what he went through as a Christian, rising to great heights as a world renowned rocker to the Creed breakup and then to now. Until now, it was always really blurry to me, where he stood as a Christian. I follow him on Twitter and I realize that he has always been a Christian, but like me, went astray and returned like the prodigal son.

Machine Gun Preacher

My son can tell you that I don't watch many movies, and you can hopefully understand why, but a few days ago he told me about one that he had seen a while back called "Machine Gun Preacher." He thought of it as I was talking to him about our responsibility as Americans to bless and help people in other countries with food, clothing, medicine, etc... I started getting upset as I told him of the time that I emailed most everyone on my email contact list an opportunity to bless and possibly save a kid's life by donating $8 to feed them for a month. I was surprised that only one person approached me. I couldn't believe it. Out of all those people, especially in one of the richest countries in the world, no one could shell out $8. That's pathetic. I mean we're talking about 8 Hershey bars, not a new car. The point is, kids are
dying over in Africa and other places, just because there is no food. I have even read that they will put dirt into their mouths because their stomach hurts so bad. We don't have to go and hand it to them. There are ministries that need our help. They will do it! All we have to do is what we're supposed to do. Tithe. 10%. That's it! We don't need to build bigger churches and have more programs here in America. We need to do what Jesus told us to do and that's look out for the least of these. As I rambled on about it with my son, he said that I should really see the movie because it's along the same concept.

It is a true story about a man named Sam Childers that was a chief sinner (drugs, guns, prison) who found Jesus and decided to go on a mission trip. While over there, his heart was moved with compassion about helping the kids so he started a church back in the US and with their help (and out of his own pocket), he built an orphanage in Sudan. But their was danger, and still is. He had to protect the children by using force against the LRA. The movie goes on and shows you how real the struggle over there is. He is still there doing this as I write this. Great movie! I hope you go and rent it, because if you have a heart for helping kids and those less fortunate, you will be inspired to see his story.

The Metal Bible

I just wanted to let everyone know about this Bible that's out called Metal Bible. It includes the New Testament writings as well as testimonies of metalheads like Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden and Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, who gave their lives to Jesus Christ.

The Metal Bible is currently featured in Swedish, English (NLT), German and Dutch languages and they are currently working hard with Portugese, Italian, Slovak, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Spanish versions.






The contact for this project is Johannes Jonsson and he stated that the purpose of the Metal Bible is:

...to break down prejudices and misconceptions that many metalheads have about the Bible and help people to realize that the Bible is not a boring book but an interesting and living book that has a lot to tell us today. Hopefully many will through this special bible edition see that the Bible and its message is something for them too. 

You can view this Bible by following this LINK

Pray!

Let's join in together pray for this prayer request that I received. Thank you!

There is a boy of nine here in Israel who has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer around his heart. It was discovered because he had a persistent cough that would not go away. Every major medical center -- including top flight places in the US -- that has had its doctors review the pictures (MRI, whatever), has said that it is inoperable. They will not touch it.

The prognosis is so grim that the mother has made a decision to decline chemotherapy, so that he should not be made totally miserable in his last weeks or months.

There is, then, nothing but prayer. And I ask it of each of you, and that you put out the word as extensively as possible. Miracles do happen, and we cannot turn our back to that possibility.

Pray for NOAM JAY BEN INBAR.

Coffee = Christian Crank

Ok, so today was the official last day (by the grace of God of course) that I will ever drink another cup of coffee. This was a hard one for me (and it took a while), before God brought me around to repentance. I drank very consistently for the last 6 years. I enjoyed grinding and picking up a fresh roast of Kenya AA, sometimes right out of the local roaster. I remember twice for sure that I felt like my heart was trying to jump out of my chest on that particular brew.

At that time, I really didn't see anything wrong with it. However, over the last several years, I started to notice that I would go out of my way to get it, almost craving it like an illegal drug. Once I tried to quit "cold turkey" and I remember getting headaches over the course of day 2 and 3 that eventually caused me to almost vomit in the car. We just so happened to be passing a Starbucks so I ran in and picked up a cup. My problem went away almost immediately. There is also apparently a lot of history to caffeine, possibly going back to the book of Job in the Bible. For those of you that drink coffee, you may want to seriously ask God if it's right for you. If you are a drinker and want to stop, here is what I recommend. Gradually take it down to one cup a day for a month or less; make up your mind not to go past that one cup. At the end of that month, start skipping days and then after a week go and throw your favorite cup away along with your brew machine and any coffee that you have. Once you have done that, go to the Lord and ask Him to give you the strength to move on. God bless!

NOTE***DAY 2 - Ok, even with these weaning recommendations, I am experiencing a lack of focus, blurriness and severe back stiffness and pain. Something to think about.

NOTE***Day 8 or 9? - I'm not sure of the exact day since I quit, but I can honestly say that I have more energy and I feel great.

Christian Classic Rock Bands and Jesus Music

Justyn Rees

Newborn     -     Classic Acoustic/ Folk

Mary McKee & The Genesis

The Messengers Of The Cross     -     Jesus Music







































The GospelFolk     -     Rock (1969)  

Flock     -     Groovy Rock

Trinity     -     Rock

God Unlimited     -     Rock

The Sharons      -      Rock

Messengers Of The Cross     -     Jesus Music

The Emmaus Road Band     -     Southern Style Rock

Christbearer     -     Psych Folk

Linda & Betty Lownes     -     Hip Organic Folk Rock

Good Seed     -     Groovin' Power Worship Rock

Exordium     -     British Folk Rock

Valerie Mountain     -     60's Easy Listening

Sonfolk     -     Psychy Rock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barry Woods     -     Country Rock (78)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under New Management     -     "Family Band" Style (73-80)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newbury  Park     -      Jesus Music w/ horns

Lamb     -     Messianic/Folk Rock/Psych/Eclectic

Isabel Baker     -     Twangy Gospel/ Oldies