Feature: Inside Bloodlines — Faith, Metal, and the Message of Hope
Stephanie Jordan talks with drummer Matthew Benavides about the music, mission, and life on the road.
I was first introduced to Bloodlines at a metal Bible study with their song “Ruah,” and I immediately fell in love with the message of this band. Their passion for incredible music, supported by powerful lyrics, keeps everyone coming back for more. This description on Bloodlines’ page at their label, Facedown Records, sums them up perfectly: “Their music is more than just a sonic assault—it’s a vessel for a greater purpose. The band’s mission is as clear as their sound is brutal: to spread the hope and love of Jesus Christ.” This mission statement is not just a footnote but a driving force behind every riff, every lyric, and every explosive breakdown that defines their music.
The members of Bloodlines each bring their gifts and talents to the music, but even more importantly their hearts for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. I had the pleasure of sitting down with drummer Matthew Benavides to talk about music, the challenges of touring on the road, and the incredible gift of hearing life stories from people across the country. Matthew also sings some of the melodic parts in the songs alongside lead vocalist Alexis Rodriguez. Daniel Camacho and Aldo Mayorga handle guitars, and Danny Vitola on bass rounds out what is truly a powerhouse lineup of musical talent.
Their album Hevel, which is Hebrew meaning “vapor” or “breath,” captures the very idea of the word’s definition by examining how the pursuits of life may be futile when viewed from a broader perspective. The five songs on this album encourage, challenge, and shake you to your spiritual core. Even though it was their breakout album in 2021, I have a feeling these songs will still make it onto many listeners’ most-played Spotify playlists in 2026.
Hostile Minds is a seven-song album of ear snacks. “Spiritual Warfare,” which has a more melodic sound than some of the heavier tracks, is relatable to anyone who has felt like the garbage of life just will not end. Sometimes when life is taking you under and you feel like there is nowhere else to turn, this song will pull you back to the surface and breathe life into you again. This entire album is repeat-worthy if you indeed have a hostile mind. In the raging seas of modern culture and the challenges we are facing, the grounding this album encourages is well needed.
Holiness Cries, the band’s most recent release, is a call to the Bride of Jesus Christ to come back to our Groom. Every song is packed with headbanging-worthy beats and lyrics you will find yourself screaming along to in order to cleanse your soul. There is a call to holiness for the body of believers, and this album gives us the riffs and rhythms to help walk it out. Memorize the lyrics and play them on repeat in your mind when the world is crumbling around you and you are tired and weary.
Matthew promises that we will get two new songs this year. I cannot wait to hear what Bloodlines has in store for us. If there is one thing I am certain of, anything they produce will be worth your time to check out. You may even hear the new songs on their upcoming tour. I make no promises, but I would not be surprised if some crowds get to hear them first.
Check out their website listed above to get all the latest tour dates. They are joining up with some incredible bands on this tour. Florida, you are not going to want to miss the lineup coming your way, so head over to their site and grab your tickets. The tour will mostly cover the Southeast with a bit of the Midwest, so if you do not live in those areas, get your travel plans ready and do not forget to tell Matthew how far you came. If you are the farthest traveler, he might even get you a Bloodlines shirt.
Please keep these guys and all the touring bands in your prayers during the upcoming touring and festival season. If you would like to support Bloodlines but cannot make it to a show, their merch is available on their website. You can also check out their music on YouTube or on all major streaming platforms. Go download their albums and start listening to a band whose songs you will want to know by heart.
Matthew Benavides sat down to share a few more thoughts about Bloodlines’ journey, their calling as a band, and what it means to carry both faith and intensity into the modern metal scene. In the interview below, Matthew reflects on the band’s music, touring life, and the deeper mission that continues to drive Bloodlines forward.
Follow Bloodlines
Website: https://facedownrecords.com/family/bloodlines/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bloodlines6484/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesTexas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloodlinestexas/
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