Feature: Bursting Into Flame – Emitting sparks of Fire with Ignescent
By Stephanie Jordan, Heaven’s Metal Magazine
Ignescent is igniting the metal scene with their powerful, spiritual warfare lyrics and beats that will make you bang your head. Their influences are Flyleaf, Evanescence, Jinjer, and Skillet. Founded and fronted by Jennifer Benson who brings passion, grit, and moxie to every single song, alongside her band mates, Andre Leon on guitar, Kohl Coryell on drums, Mikey Greenya on bass, they are building a reputation that women deserve a place in the Christian metal scene. According to their website, www.ignescentmusic.com,”Not Today” hit #1 on Christian Rock Billboard Charts and Ignescent’s single, “Remnant”, hit #46 on Billboard Rock Charts.
Coming out on January 26, 2026, is Ignescent’s newest song called “Chariot of Fire” co-written with Sevendust’s Clint Lowery. Lowery has recently become a Christian, and when Jennifer reached out to see if he would be interested in a collaboration, he agreed. Both Jennifer and Clint sing on the track, and don’t miss out on the video that will be released the same day. You can find it through Frontiers Music Srl.
I asked Jennifer why this song is important, and her response is powerful and relatable. She states, “The song is important because it’s about many situations I have been in that God has rescued me from. I was mentally abused by my ex-husband who was a police officer—who told me I couldn’t start a band and even forced me and my daughter out of our home. He had lied about me and put a restraining order on me so we couldn’t live in the house I helped buy. I discovered he was unfaithful. That moment became a turning point, and God did many amazing things and miracles during that time in my life. I moved back in with my parents and finally stepped into the calling God placed on my life by starting Ignescent. Ignescent drummer, Kohl, was a drug addict and served time in jail. He gave his life to Jesus in 2021 and God changed his life. God has rescued us in so many situations. I want everyone to know He loves them and is there for them.” The heart behind this song is that all who are facing trials and hard times will continue to find hope in God’s love for them.
“The vision for the band is to be a light in a dark world and to be more than a band. We want to love and encourage people that are struggling and hurt and let them know about God’s love for them,” says Jennifer. Humor is always helpful in healing and with band shenanigans, there is no shortage of laughs. “We were on tour driving through Wisconsin and a Mayfly hit our windshield. Mikey was like that stinks and then, a few seconds after that, a whole swarm of them hit and covered the whole trailer, car, and windshield. Mikey was driving and the look on his face was priceless. He’s like that never happened before. It just kind of happened out of the blue and was hilarious and unexpected. I laughed for a week because of the look of shock on his face.”
Being a woman in a male dominated world like Christian metal has its challenges. As much as we would like to think being led by the term “Christian” would neutralize the negative experiences, it doesn’t. The only way we can make a change is to be aware, and be self aware, and make an impact in our sphere. I appreciate these powerhouse women being willing to share their experiences. I asked Jennifer what challenges she has experienced within the scene, and I hope that her answer will spark you to pray for the scene and the hearts within it. She says, “Yes. Many. It’s a boys’ club. Bands are not wanting to do shows with us because we are female led or certain churches and people have said some nasty things to me. Some think females shouldn’t be doing rock or metal, which is pretty shocking considering we are in 2026. Though we have met some amazing people as well who are extremely encouraging and supportive.” Her answer to how can we resolve this is gracious and powerful, and most of all true. She says, “The only solution is to work harder and don’t let it discourage you. Pray and trust God for help, for guidance, and for Him to defend you.” Indeed Jennifer! Thank you.
Head over to their Facebook or to Frontiers Youtube (linked above) and check out this newest single “Chariot of Fire”!
Watch staff writer Stephnie Jordan’s interview with Jennifer Benson of Ignescent.
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