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Many listeners of Christian heavy metal refer to this type of music as more of a movement rather than a style or genre of music.

Christian heavy metal bands are comprised of believers of Jesus Christ and depend on their lyrics to deliver their faith of Christianity. In their lyrics, they may use Christ's teachings from the Bible, metaphors, or personal faith experiences to deliver their message.

Christian heavy metal bands have been around since the 1970s but have recently taken a huge leap of popularity. The amazing aspect of Christian metal bands is that they attract non-believers. The band is able to put forth their talent and send their message to both Christians and non-Christians alike. Many popular Christian bands have made their debut on secular radio stations and travel on-tour with many non-Christian bands.

For example, Thousand Foot Krutch, P.O.D. and Red are currently popular Christian bands that have all had their spotlight on secular radio as well as tour with secular bands.

The most popular up-and-coming Christian heavy metal bands are Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet, Chevelle, and Red. Currently, Chevelle has opened for Nickelback, a popular secular band and Red has opened for Three Days Grace, another popular secular band.

By opening with secular bands, Christian bands have become associated with the "secular" forms of lyrics and practices. However, this is not true at all if you observe closely. Christian bands may not speak of believing in Christ during the concert, but that is only because they wish to speak through their lyrics rather than preach to the crowd. They feel if they preach they will turn away their listeners and lose the chance of sending their message through their lyrics.

Many people become confused by the term "Christianity" being tacked on to the genre "heavy metal." This is because in the 1960s bands like Black Sabbath and KISS combined heavy metal with occult symbols, lewd lyrics, and Devil worshiping. And even more recently heavy metal bands have combined heavy metal with sex, drugs, and violence.

Christian heavy metal bands have come along and been able to break the stereotype of rock music being associated with Satanic worship, sex, drugs, and violence. The Christian bands have opened the eyes of listeners for a positive alternative to these other types of bands. Listeners of heavy metal can now enjoy a positive message with a positive influence and yet get the same style of music they enjoy.

Learn more about this author, Ashley M Woods.
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