Artists|January 03, 2014 12:20 EST
Breathecast's Top 7 Christian Rock Albums of 2013 - Skillet, Stryper, and More
Christian rock music had a great year in 2013, and with a bunch of new albums on the way this year, let's take a look back at the top 7 ROCK ALBUMS of 2013. This list was compiled by sorting through comments, other top lists, and the overall popularity of the bands. The names appear in no particular order, but these albums all helped shed some light into the darkness with grinding guitars, turned up distortion, and God-inspired hooks.
1. Stryper - No More Hell to Pay (Nov. 5)
Stryper celebrated their 30 year anniversary with No More Hell to Pay, and came roaring back into the sounds that made them one of Christian music's biggest acts in the 80s. The 11th studio album for the band garnered a ton of praise from fans and various outlets.
"The message is equally as powerful as it offers hope and inspiration to anyone listening. If you're a Stryper fan, it'll make you proud to be one. If you're not, listen with caution as you may actually become one," lead singer Michael Sweet said in a press release.
2. Skillet - Rise (June 22)
Perhaps currently the most popular band on the list, Skillet, has been a Christian rock mainstay for nearly 20 years. Over the last few years they really have been able to break out into the mainstream, infiltrating their songs into video games, WWE PPV events, nationally televised sporting events, and sold-out concerts nationwide; all the while proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ.
The new record is not afraid to tackle some tough issues that everyday people are going through.
"[The album is] a story of an average American teenager coming into adulthood and being faced with the world's problems - just the shocking, terrible events that occur, seemingly, every month, every week," said singer/bassist John Cooper, according to USA Today. "School shootings. Bombings. Hurricanes. Tornadoes. It seems like things are going bad and getting worse."
Skillet had the honor of watching two of their albums go platinum this year, and won a Dove Award.
3. Norma Jean - Wrongdoers (Aug. 6)
Norma Jean 'Wrongdoers' album covers.
The heaviest band on this list, Norma Jean's metalcore sound has helped shape one of the biggest rock scenes over the last couple of years. Pulsing double bass drum hits, blistering breakdowns, and heavy growls, Norma Jean's complexity and creativeness in their music is pushing them ahead of the curve.
The band had a highly successful tour this summer, and is looking to build on impressive first week record sales.
4. Love and Death - Between Here & Lost (Jan. 22)
Love and Death
Love and Death's Between Here & Lost is an inspiring foray into the world of former Korn member, Brian "Head" Welch's mind and past demons as he transitioned into a Christian. The message conveyed through the album is about finding a way through being stuck between complacency and misdirection.
Welch takes the nu metal sound his former band was known for and adds his own twist as he delves deep into not only heavy rock, but heavy emotions.
"This record was birthed from trials, tribulations, pain, suffering, anxiety, depression, and drama," said Welch in a press release. "However, we came out on top and the end result is a very real, raw & honest record."
5. The Almost - Fear Inside Our Bones (June 11)
The Almost was created out of UnderOath's drummer/singer Aaron Gillespie's desire to make more alternative rock rather than the hardcore/metal he was making with his very successful other band. The Almost saw him swap the drums for the guitar as he was now a frontman.
Fear Inside Our Bones was the group's first album since 2009's Monster Monster, and spawned the lead single "I'm Down," which was picked up by ESPN for world premiere.
6. Relient K - Collapsible Lung (July 2)
Relient K 'Collapsible Lung' album title.
Relient K has been rocking all sorts of punk, pop-punk, alternative since their inception in the late 90s, but their newest release is the most different, both musically and for its content.
Always staying carefully close to their Christian roots, this album strays away from conventional Christian themes and talks about very real topics such as infidelity and drunken nights among other things. Although many were disappointed with the subject material, what the band managed to create was honest and raw material that does show that even Christians have flaws.
The album debuted at number one on iTunes, and cracked the top 20 on the Billboard charts.
7. Spoken - Illusion (Feb. 12)
Spoken 'Illusion' album cover.
Another band that has been churning out Christian rock for nearly 20 years, Spoken has evolved both musically and as a band, shifting members a couple of times. However, lead singer and mainstay, Matt Baird, continues to make heartfelt and powerful rock music that focuses the listener to their creator.
Illusion takes the listener through ups and downs sonically with bouts of heaviness, ballads, and midtempo coming in clusters. They are not afraid to touch on important spiritual topics such as forgiveness, healing, and change and do so with much honesty.
What Christian rock albums were in your top list in 2013? Please share with us!
