SETH METOYER: Too Brutal for Believers ?(Op-Ed)

By Seth Metoyer

I’ve noticed a growing conversation around whether extreme Christian metal visuals push boundaries too far. As someone who has spent years working with extreme bands, and as a member of the extreme metal band Mangled Carpenter, I’ve personally faced this debate head-on. Whether it’s the brutal artwork or the heavy sound, there are some in the Christian metal community who feel this approach is “too much,” questioning if it belongs alongside more traditional Christian metal.

But this isn’t a new conversation by any means. I remember back in the early ‘90s when people in my youth group had similar reactions to the album covers and the music of Christian metal bands like Mortification, and Vengeance Rising. Back then, the idea that Christian bands could have aggressive, confrontational imagery and sound was met with a lot of pushback. And here we are, over 30 years later, and the same gatekeeping is still happening.

Take, for instance, our Broken Curfew Records artist, Come to Pass, and their latest single, “Demon Splitter.” The artwork, which depicts a demon being split in half, is a direct appeal to fans of extreme death metal, specifically, secular fans—people who already connect with the brutal visuals of secular bands like Exhumed, Mortician, Skinless, Putrid Pile, Cannibal Corpse, Devourment, Kraanium and so on. The reaction from some Christian metal fans has been harsh. I’ve heard criticisms like, “The band is trying too hard to be Cannibal Corpse,” or that this kind of imagery crosses a line that Christian music shouldn’t approach.

But the reality is that bands like Come to Pass and Mangled Carpenter aren’t trying to win over the traditional Christian metal crowd. The goal is to reach people who might never have thought twice about Christian music. Fans who are deep into the secular extreme metal scene see this kind of imagery all the time, and by presenting them with something familiar—yet infused with a message of Christ—Come to Pass is opening the door for spiritual conversations that might otherwise never happen. The ministry behind this music is about meeting people where they are, even if it’s through blast beats, guttural vocals, and extreme art.

Lyrics from the song “Demon Splitter” by Come to Pass:

Hurling in with force,

Splitting the vile entities,

The ones that diminish themselves,

Dwelling in surrender,

Broken, torn, I smash them with blunt force.

Speaking the holy words,

Combating the shadow,

In times of trouble,

The Lord answers my cry.

God of Jacob, keep me strong,

Build my foundation.

I am the Demon Splitter.

This is also part of our vision at Broken Curfew Records. While we’re not exclusively a Christian label, we proudly support the ministries of our Christian bands, many of which take an extreme approach to music and art. Whether it’s Come to Pass or my band, Mangled Carpenter, the goal is the same: to bring the message of Christ to the corners of the world that often get overlooked by more conventional approaches. And let’s be real—some people will never walk through the doors of a church, but they might find themselves drawn to a brutal death metal track that speaks to the battle between good and evil, which could lead to deeper conversations about faith and salvation.

In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul says, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” That’s what extreme Christian metal is about—using the sound and the art that this community connects with to reach those who might never give Christianity a second look. It’s not about watering down the message; it’s about amplifying it through a different set of tools.

It’s important to also recognize that we need to be careful about gatekeeping Christian music. There’s a danger in thinking that Christian music must look or sound a certain way. Romans 14:13 reminds us, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.” We need to make sure we’re not creating barriers for people who might find their way to Christ through unconventional means like extreme metal.

I get it—extreme music and visuals aren’t for everyone. But for those who connect with it, this kind of art can be a powerful way to share the message of Christ. The goal is always to bring light into dark places, even if that means using some brutal music and visuals along the way.

Thanks for hearing me out. I know this style of music and its message can be a tough pill for some to swallow, but I believe there’s a place for extreme Christian metal with brutal visuals, and it’s making an impact.

About the Author:

Seth Metoyer is the owner of Broken Curfew Records and has worked in the music industry for over 25 years, with experience at record labels such as Sony Music Group, Essential Records, Reunion Records, Absolute Records, Rugged Records, and Provident Music Group. In addition to running his label, Seth is also the guitarist and vocalist in Mangled Carpenter, Pulpit Vomit, and Brain Matter. He is actively involved in the film industry as a producer and music composer, having produced over 20 films and scored three feature-length features. For inquiries, contact Seth at metoyerseth@gmail.com. Bands interested in being considered for signing by Broken Curfew Records can reach out at brokencurfewrecords@gmail.com. Visit SethMetoyer.com and BrokenCurfewRecords.com for additional information.

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