Our story begins here :
Meet the Heaven’s Metal staff writers. Stay tuned as we add more…
Doug Van Pelt
Here’s my three-minute bio. I’m a child of God. My greatest identity is in Him. I want to maintain my childlike innocence and treat my Father in heaven like He’s my daddy. I was born in the ’60s, raised in the ’70s, didn’t grow up in the ’80s and here I am in 2016 with the emotional maturity of a 17-year-old. Ha. Hopefully, that’s not true, but I love music, I love humor. I love this life God gave me. I’ve had my share of suffering and setbacks, however, I have found that Jesus is Emmanuel (God is with us) and I have found great healing power in music. I was thrilled to launch Heaven’s Metal Magazine back in June of 1985, thrilled to watch my dreams come true and see Heaven’s Metal all over the world. Now I’m excited to see what happens with this re-launch. I’m thinking “team effort.” Want to get involved? There’s many ways to do that. Talk to me. I’m reachable at dougvanpelt@gmail.com.
Chris Gatto
A bearded, kilted, tattooed wonder, frequently spotted concert hopping in his natural habitat in the wilds of the Philly suburbs. Believed to be in his 50’s, Gatto values his family and his faith, makes aerospace heavy metal for a living, and then lives and breathes heavy metal all hours of the day and night. He loves a wide variety of music, spanning from Deep Purple to death metal, with a little blues and classic rock thrown in just to spice things up. Hiking, foreign languages, ice hockey, reading, and writing make up his other passions. Writing since high school, Chris has been writing for Heaven’s Metal and HM for 20 years, twice serving as managing editor of Heaven’s Metal. Before that, he ran his own rock magazine, Nor’Easter Mag. With a BS in world missions, he is called to bring a pastor’s heart to the heavy metal subculture.
Jeff McCormack
In 1985 I rededicated my life and walk to the Lord by trashing my huge metal album collection, keeping only one simple album that had been contained therein – Stryper’s “Yellow and Black Attack.” I then began building a new collection, buying up any and all hard rock/metal available at that time, which included Saint, Messiah Prophet, Leviticus, Barnabas, Daniel Band, and Philadelphia to name a few. Throughout the rest of the 80’s I bought tons of “demo” tapes and supported any Christian music I could get my hands on, as well as consuming issues of Heaven’s Metal, White Throne and other such magazines.
In 1988 I took over an underground mag that was going under (God’s Banging Banner – anyone remember that mag?) and with that mailing list in hand I launched “The Pendragon.” For the next five years publishing music reviews, news and articles, before it finally folded too. During the time, making many contacts and friends in the Christian music community, and creating great memories.
Then, around 2005 Doug relaunched Heaven’s Metal as a separate entity from HM, and I joined the Heaven’s Metal crew, and here I am still. Also that same year I joined the Christian Alt Rock band Hemotheory, recording one single release – Zeta – that is still available out there digitally if you wish to check it out for kicks and giggles.
Aside from being a maniacal music hoarder, I have been the husband of one wife since 1986, father to six children, elder at my church, an avid reader of deep theology and historical studies, and a hard rocking drummer anytime I get the chance.
In 2017 I rejoined the vinyl addict world (more music hoarding), and a year or so later, jumped on the YouTube vlogger track discussing vinyl and music in general. Check me out HERE.
Jonathan “Doc” Swank
Former managing editor and current regular contributor to Heaven’s Metal Magazine. I am a husband, father, brother, son, grandfather (“Poppy”) and physician humbly trying to follow in the footsteps of the Great Physician. It is readily apparent (based on the amount of time I invest in this stuff during my “free” time) that I immensely enjoy listening to, analyzing and writing about music (mostly rock and metal these days), as well as reading, running and drumming.
I love writing for Heaven’s Metal and have been hooked up with this karew since 2006 or somewhere in there. I do have a background in music since I was like 9 (trumpet early, drums later) and have played in various symphonic, marching, percussion and wind ensembles and jazz bands through high school and college. I joined the Army in 1989 and served on a reserve commission during medical school (Philadelphia), and then on active commission in 1993 as a medical officer at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio during my residency in Internal Medicine, then served at Fort Hood, TX until 2000 when I resigned my commission to enter civilian medical practice in Virginia, where I have served the community since.
I find something to appreciate in just about every kind of music but mostly enjoy the heavier side of rock and the more progressive side of metal, the latter probably because it incorporates more elements from my early musician years in classical and jazz genres, as well as those well-developed lyrics and concepts … and because its heavy! I don’t restrict my tastes to only “Christian” music because not only has that label become somewhat irrelevant in the current music scene, but more importantly, I believe music is a gift from God and that like any gift, it can be used or misused. I say, leave it to the artists and listeners to discern what is “helpful” and what is not.
In addition to contributing reviews, and doing an artist interview here and there, I’ve been able to contribute a few “case studies” (links below) as well and hope to add to these in the future as time allows. As always, thanks for checking out Heaven’s Metal and taking an interest in our ministry and the bands we support. Case #1 (Christian Metal) Case#2 (Collector’s Obsession).
Keven Crothers
It has been a long circuitous path to get where I am now… A founding staff writer for White Throne Magazine back in the 80’s, host to the White Metal Show prior to that (an underground cassette only show, remember those!!, show that went global). I served as part of the Soldier road crew from 1987-1989, care taker to the equipment of one Rick Hunter.
Had the opportunity to attend the first HIS Festival, the one and only Metal Mardi Gras, the 2nd HIS Festival and Metal Midnight shows in Southern California. Fortunate enough to see both Deliverance and Vengeance Rising before they were signed, what a wild ride!! Attended both Cornerstone 89 & 90, survived a wild mid west thunder storm in 1990!!
Checked out of the music seen in early 90’s but checked back in 2008… Started back up White Throne as a review blog, hosted the Heaven’s Metal podcast and White Throne Radio podcast… I am now hosting The Throne Room on Heaven’s Metal Radio. Periodically I am contributing occasional reviews and commentary to the Heaven’s Metal web zine and have been part of the Heaven’s Metal karew since around 2010…
A father to three young adults, I served as an associate pastor for 3 years before life circumstances moved into other things. You can find all kinds of hobby type stuff in my home, everything from Japanese Sci-Fi films (go go Godzilla!), superhero stuff, Books related to military aircraft and history. Camping gear and items related to astronomy.
Thanks for taking the time to check this out and learn a bit more about this rather odd staff writer…
J.H. Tomblin
As of 2019 I’m new to Heaven’s Metal, but the magazine was a huge part of my life during its first run. I’ve played drums and been involved in music since 1985 and I’ve been a Christian since 1989. Over the course of my musical career I’ve played for church congregations, at youth group retreats, in bars and clubs and at plenty of festivals (including Cornerstone). In addition to the outreach of some of my own bands, I also worked as a volunteer for a ministry that would exclusively promote Christian musicians and make sure that the Gospel was presented at every concert. They promoted everything from pop to the heaviest metal. During this time, I had the opportunity to meet many bands and artists that I had followed or read about and I gained even more respect for what they do. This period of volunteering and performing gave me a unique opportunity to witness what these bands do and to gain an understanding of what they are all about.
A love of music is one thing, but paying the bills is another. When I wasn’t busy playing music, I spent some time as a Christian Education Director and youth leader before moving on to a career in public service.
I am married, with an eternally supportive wife and three incredible kids. Outside of music I’m a sports fan and I love my Ohio teams. My passion for music is only rivaled by my love for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of the crew here at Heaven’s Metal and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
On Twitter: J.H. Tomblin@tomblinjh
Brad Bowman
I was raised a poor fundamentalist in the deep southwest of Ohio. Not permitted by my church to listen to rock music, I made do by jamming to the Gaither’s and Sandi Patty. Stumbling upon a cassette called Moving Pictures in 1982, my mind melted and I was transformed from a mild-mannered fundy, into the super-fan of all things crunch, metal and loud.
After a new found freedom in Jesus, high school brought me into the world of, “GASP”, Christian rock! Rez Band, Petra and Prodigal fueled my inner rocker until the heroes of the striped attack showed me the true metal way. The King’s Place became my destination as I attended show after show. The great metal bands of the ’80s and ’90s fueled my obsession.
Now here I am, a mild mannered filmmaker with a crippling infatuation with the entire music industry from recording to promotion to performance. And I am thrilled that Doug lets me write for this magazine.
I can be found posting all kinds of silliness and deep thoughts on Facebook at facebook.com/brad.bowman.105.
Loyd Harp
Husband of over 20 years and father of three, former missionary (UK), former youth pastor (of 20+ years) and current lead pastor. I love international foods (the spicier the better!) and good coffee. I’ve been writing for Heaven’s Metal since 2007 and love most styles of metal, but lean towards the extreme end of metal: thrash, death metal, grindcore, black metal, doom/sludge, and the occasional traditional heavy metal. I also love other forms of music (indie rock, punk, hardcore, jazz, and even classic country). Currently live in Mason City, Iowa where I’m pastor at Rhythm Church (www.rhythmchurch.org). Wrote a book on youth ministry, published in 2022 via Monarch Books, called Middle Space Youth Work.
Seth Metoyer
Senior Writer and Assistant Editor of Heaven’s Metal Magazine. I’ve been in the Christian Metal Ministry for 40 years and have worked in the secular and Christian music industry for over 25 years, wearing many hats as a writer, graphic designer, film producer, and founder of Broken Curfew Records.
I’m also the vocalist and guitarist for the extreme Christian metal bands Mangled Carpenter, Pulpit Vomit, and Brain Matter. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with labels like Essential Records, Rugged Records, Absolute Records, Reunion Records, and Sony Music Group.
Outside of music, I’ve produced over 20 feature films and composed music for three of them. I’m passionate about supporting underground metal and enjoy working with bands in the Christian extreme metal scene to help them find their audience.
If you’d like to learn more, you can visit sethmetoyer.com. And if you have heavy or extreme music news—or an album you’d like reviewed—feel free to email me at heavensmetalseth@gmail.com!
Jason McLaren
Hi! My name is Jason, and I’m ultra-humbled to be on the team here at Heaven’s Metal. I’m an Orthodox Christian (what most know as “Eastern Orthodox”), a husband, and have a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies with a focus in Spiritual Theology, alongside degrees in Creative Writing and English. Writing is a passion of mine, and I love to share my discoveries in music with others.
Long story short, heavy metal music and culture has been a massive part of my life for roughly a quarter of a century. I was a youth during the height of the nu-metal era, and like many during this time, bands like Slipknot and Korn functioned as gateways into heavier music. My taste in metal is almost exclusively of the “extreme” variety, but I specifically enjoy old-school death metal and the more raw, atmospheric side of black metal the most; that said, classic gothic death/doom and even some melodic death metal make their way into my regular listening as well. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering for coffee hour at my parish, reading works of theology, philosophy, church history and classic literature, and playing chess.
Jimmy Lamar Sorrells
I’m proud to call God’s country—South Carolina—home. I’ve been married to my best friend since 2003, and together we’ve been blessed with four amazing kids. I joined this incredible karew in 2025 and have felt right at home ever since.
My love for music runs deep. It all started with Metallica’s self-titled Black Album, which opened the door to the world of metal for me. I gave my life to Jesus Christ at age 13 in a small Baptist church in South Georgia. My first church concert was Ray Boltz, and after moving back to South Carolina, I got to see Carman live with my youth group. That kicked off a journey through Christian music—Audio Adrenaline, The Supertones, DC Talk, and eventually harder acts like P.O.D., Project 86, Living Sacrifice, and Gospel Gangstaz—thanks to Tooth & Nail Records samplers and other compilations we’d get in the youth room.
I went on to attend North Greenville College, where I became involved in the pro-life movement. That passion led me to become the South Carolina chapter leader of Rock For Life, booking shows and working with incredible artists like Disciple, Mars Ill, L.A. Symphony, Rock and Roll Worship Circle, Luti-Kriss, Pillar, The Benjamin Gate, Joy Electric, Calibretto 13, and many more. I also traveled to festivals and concerts, setting up Rock For Life booths to connect with others and spread the message.
After college, I settled into married life and a full-time job, which led me to take a step back from promoting shows. But my love for music never left. I began collecting physical media—reel-to-reel, 8-tracks, cassettes, CDs, and my favorite format: vinyl. I also collect music-related memorabilia like comic books, stickers, buttons, patches, and of course, Heaven’s Metal/HM Magazine. I even started a local record swap meet in my area to build community around that passion.
Then came Facebook, and with it, the birth of the Christian Metal Group, which became a new outlet for staying connected to the scene. Through this ministry, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with and interview Christian bands and believers from all over the world. Our very first interview was with none other than Pastor Bob.
I’ve written articles and reviews for both the Christian Metal Group site, HipRockSoul Network, and SoundLink Magazine, and now I’m thrilled and honored to be contributing to Heaven’s Metal Magazine as well.
A few fun facts about me:
- I’m an entrepreneur and own Upstate Merchant Advocates and Liberty Networking
- I enjoy most genres of music—except for country, classical, and boy bands
- One of my all-time favorite live lineups was Stavesacre, Project 86, and Living Sacrifice
- Spoken is the band I’ve seen live the most—well over 20 times!
- I love camping and spending time outdoors
- I’m a die-hard Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan
Stephanie Jordan
Stephanie Jordan is an author, teacher, speaker, passionate Jesus follower, and mother to five amazing kids. She wants to share this indomitable moxie-filled journey with the world so that others can be inspired, challenged, and encouraged to live their life to the full. Keep your head up and keep moving forward because life will just keep coming, but God always makes a way through the trials. My faith in Jesus put a flame in my heart that anything is possible.
She loves to ride her Harley Davidson Sportster 48. She is the founder of The Garbage Can, a ministry on a quest to solve the Great Mystery that answers the questions: who, what, when, where, why and how for scripture. She is passionate for music and festivals keep her heart beating.
Her author anthology consists of A Dose of Reality, Believing in Boundaries, The Death Tsunami, and The Narcissistic Bride of Christ. You can find her works on Amazon. Please visit her website: thestephaniejordan.com. She is available for speaking and teaching opportunities. Email her at thestephaniejordan@gmail.com
Corran Lategra
I was born In Charlotte,N.C I started playing drums at age 11. Music has always been my passion and goal to accomplish. Growing up; I was encouraged by my band teachers in elementary school to continue in music. As time went on; I developed basic fundamentals of drumming; I began to take my drumming to a
more professional level. My first Professional band was in the early 90’s In Las Vegas; we were a Queensryche,Whitesnake style. After the Era of the 80’s and early,90’s; metal started to decline with the Seattle grunge sound; But playing metal was still my blood. From the the 90’s to early 2000’s I started listening to progressive metal bands like Dream Theater and metalcore bands like Demon Hunter. In 1995 I moved to California join a band that had a Skid Row sound. In 1997 that’s when life changed when I gave my life to Jesus; at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa In 2001 to 2007 God call me on the mission field to serve in St. Petersburg, Russia & Helsinki I served on the worship teams, and outreach bands. A new beginning.
Getting Involved in music journalism and Interviewing bands has become a passion of mind. I’m
grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Heavens Metal Magazine. Blessings!
Contact Info:
Emails: corranlategra@hotmail.com, powernpounders@outlook.com, powernpounders@gmail.com.
Lee Haley
Music has been my life for over 50 years, and the journey’s been one wild ride. I was born in Port Arthur, Texas — same hospital as Janis Joplin — and even share a birthday with John Lennon. Growing up in the Golden Triangle, I was surrounded by legends like ZZ Top, Johnny & Edgar Winter, and Bobby from Toto, so it’s no surprise that rock ’n’ roll runs in my blood. Over the years I’ve played in bands like Reaper, 4 Tress, Fast Charade, Masquerade, Wicked Gypsy, and One Bad Pig, while also organizing huge benefit shows like the first “Life Jam,” which drew 25,000 people.
Beyond the stage, I worked as Director of Advertising at HM Magazine under Doug Van Pelt, writing the “Guitars, Gear & More” column and collaborating with industry pros like David Allen, Jason Dodd, and Johnny Zenith. I’ve interviewed icons including Dog the Bounty Hunter, Relient K, The Lost Dogs, Pillar, and Larry Norman, and even helped debut Alice Cooper’s first feature in HM with his wife Cheryl. I’ve also provided global guitar tech support with MarsMusic.com and spent decades promoting artists and shows. Since 1997 I’ve been with One Bad Pig, leading the band’s successful 2016 Kickstarter that delivered its first album in 25 years. Music isn’t just what I do — it’s who I am, and I’m still as passionate today as when I first picked up a guitar.