Feature: Staff Writer Seth Metoyer’s June Christian Metal Jams
June brought the heat, and not just outside. This past month I dove into a stack of heavy Christian albums that held their own against everything else in my regular rotation (yes, even the secular riff-lords). From brutal death to melodic hard rock, this list isn’t about genre boundaries, it’s about what hit hard, stayed stuck in my head, and maybe even stirred something spiritual in the chaos.
Whether you’re looking for old-school thrash, nautical grunge, or extreme metal with theological teeth, there’s something here for you. Below are brief write-ups for each album I had on repeat this month—some new, some classic, all worth your time.
Let’s dig in. \m/
Vengeance Rising – Released Upon the Earth
This 1992 thrash‑death hybrid comes across like a last squall from Roger Martinez before he diverged spiritually. Relentless, bottom‑heavy riffs crawl through the album, with guttural vocals buried in the storm. It’s aggressive, direct, and lyrically drenched in apocalyptic Christian imagery, a polarizing but compelling final chapter in their catalog. The 2015 remaster sharpens the edges a bit. A raw but potent statement. RIP, Roger Martinez.
CHRISTORMENT – Crowned in Torment
A blistering 2025 EP from Nashville’s brutal death metal/slam project, led by Zack Plunkett from Abated Mass of Flesh, who delivers all the guttural roars and instruments. Seven tracks pack non-stop brutal death metal, think sonic pickaxes repeatedly gouging at your skull, all wrapped in Christian-themed suffering and redemption. Each song blasts in under three minutes, totaling just over 14 minutes of ear‑bleeding intensity. Perfect for those moments when your devotional time needs a turbocharged soundtrack.
Disclaimer: Christorment explores Christian themes from an artistic lens. While not an overtly faith-driven album, according to Plunkett, it doesn’t seem to mock the message either. It walks that line between fascination and reverence, drawing from intense biblical imagery without offering a clear theological stance. The project comes from Zack Plunkett, guitarist of Abated Mass of Flesh, a name known in Christian brutal death circles as someone who has left the Christian faith. With that background, the album feels more like spiritual grappling than anti-Christian posturing. Worth a listen, especially for fans of extreme metal with layered, introspective undertones. Plunkett had this to say about the album: “It’s just Christian themed, not revering or reveling. Just exploring topics that I find interesting.”
Deliverance – Deliverance The debut release that exploded onto the Christian metal scene with thrash velocity. Sleek, Metallica‑/Testament‑influenced riffing and aggressive harmonies earned it serious credibility; it still ranks on Metal Hammer and HM’s greatest Christian metal lists. Tracks like “If You Will” and “The Call” became genre touchstones, mixing spiritual lyrics with speed‑metal intensity. It’s a foundational record that pulled Christian thrash out of niche obscurity.
Rusty Shipp – Capsized Empire
A sprawling, mile‑high concept journey from this hard‑rock outfit, with 17 tracks and nautical storytelling galore. Think grungy riffs colliding with surf‑rock solos (“Aquamoto” wins that crown), heartfelt lyrics, and standout punches like “All Aboard!” Musically tight and lyrically ambitious, it’s their most detailed outing in years, though if you weren’t a fan before, it won’t win you over. Still, for us, it’s a bold, messy, heartfelt trip.
Reign of Glory – All Shall Bow
A 2022 American‑style power‑metal prayer, driven by pro‑level musicianship (featuring ex‑Vengeance Rising/Die‑Happy/Vengeance players). Crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and battle‑ready themes (“Forever and Ever,” “Samson’s Kryptonite”) channel Savatage/Riot V essences, but with a USA punch. The production is polished, balanced, and uplifting—basically the coolest church service you’ll ever attend.
Seraphic Wrath – Self‑Titled
A scorching new entry from Minneapolis (b. 2024), this debut EP nails down the raw fury of 80s Teutonic thrash fused with spiritual fire. Influences include Sodom, Kreator, and Carcass, with vocals and riffs laced in redeeming wrath. Jesusfreakhideout hails it as bringing “strength of 80s thrash into the present” with literal righteous intensity. A feral yet reflective blast.
Wytch Hazel – V: Lamentations
I already love this album. A lush return on July 4, 2025 (yes, it’s a July release but I had an early listen), this record channels early‑70s proto‑metal (think Wishbone Ash/Blue Öyster Cult) with modern melodic craftsmanship. With tracks like “Healing Power” and “Heavy Load” delivering Mellotron‑tinged harmonies, Maiden‑fluency, and multilayered vocals, it’s a cinematic, uplifting rock‑metal tapestry. Critics praise its joy‑filled worship-atmosphere and nostalgic riffs, warm, triumphant, but still rocking.
King’s Hammer – To Speak in Tongues A brutal yet atmospheric five‑track EP from Richmond’s own, dropped June 13, 2025. Chuck Weatherman’s riffs pummel expertly, with vocal and sonic extremity aimed right at the spiritual enemy. Think Mortification meets Pantera—saw‑edge aggression with crusade‑style lyrics. Heavily praised for its raw old-school death metal production and grim palette, this EP is a ruthless sermon in death metal form.
Disciple – Skeleton Psalms
I absolutely love this album! Dropped in April 2023 after a four‑year hiatus, Disciple’s 13th album fuses hard rock, alt‑metal, and candid faith‑forward psalms. Produced in‑house by guitarist Josiah Prince, it carries singles like “The Executioner,” “Promise to Live,” and “Bad Words.” The deluxe edition (Apr 25, 2025) adds live and acoustic cuts. It’s raw, emotional, polished, and guitar-driven worship for a modern audience.
This is my favorite Disciple album since By God.
Let me know what Christian Metal albums you listened to this month!
About Author
Old Man Dead “The Weight Of The Cross” and Exalted Saviour “Blood Sacrifice “ are what I’ve been spinning this month so far.