Through Good Friday and Easter this weekend, we honor Jesus's sacrifice on the cross and celebrate His resurrection. One way we can honor and celebrate is through music. So here is a brief list of songs by Christian metal bands that are about Jesus's death and resurrection and the hope we now have because of Him.
1."Man of Sorrows" - Wolves At The Gate
This song spares no detail in telling the story of Christ’s death and resurrection, and it ends in proclaiming God’s glory. It’s one that moves me every time I hear it, and I could not think of a list of songs for Easter without including it.
Inspiring Lyric: Laid below the ground You knew it couldn’t hold You / They thought that You were bound by nature’s laws
2. "What is Truth" - Meadows
Melodic-hardcore band Meadows captures Pilate’s conversation with Jesus (John 18:33-38 and 19:9-11) in their new song. “What is Truth” talks about how Pilate struggles to grasp how Jesus is so calm during His trial. Pilate feels like he holds Jesus’s life in his hands, but in reality, Jesus knows that God is the only One who is in control.
Inspiring Lyric: In the stillness, You move / In the distance You’re close
3. "Crown of Thorns" - For Today
"Crown of Thorns" focuses on Jesus’s humility displayed in his death. The song reminds me of Matthew 20:28 in which Jesus said, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus dying for us when we didn’t deserve it is the ultimate example of humility.
Inspiring Lyric: No one can take His life / He laid it down for me / That twisted wreath of thorns / Yeah He took that crown for me
4. "Easter" - Theocracy
Of course we have to include a song called "Easter" on this list! Christian power metal band Theocracy contrasts the despair felt at Jesus's death to the hope that comes from His resurrection in a song that ranges almost 10 minutes. Full of powerful vocals and guitar solos, the song's cinematic feeling concludes by praising Christ's glory.
Inspiring Lyric: Glory! Glory! / Hope is alive / And lifted up before your eyes
5. "Self Existent" - Becoming the Archetype
This song is about Jesus’s resurrection and ends by proclaiming “He is alive” with a beautiful blend of metal and piano. A reminder of the hope that Jesus’s resurrection brings, this song is great to listen to year-round, but it feels even more powerful at Easter.
Inspiring Lyric: He is alive! / He’ll reign forever
6. "On My Side" - Demon Hunter
"On My Side" celebrates the victory we have over death now that Jesus has conquered the grave. With Jesus’s resurrection, we no longer have to fear death since death is now just a step to spending eternity with Jesus.
Inspiring Lyric: Where is the enemy when death is on my side?
7. "Creed" - HolyName
As implied by the title, “Creed” lists our beliefs as Christians, including our belief in Jesus’s sacrificial death and resurrection. The lyrics also worship God and emphasize our own eventual resurrection.
Inspiring Lyric: Let Your declaration and praise ring through the upper room
8. "Collapse" - War of Ages
This song by War of Ages is about how we no longer have to feel alone and ashamed because of our past mistakes. Jesus took on all of our sin and shame when He died for us, so when we choose to believe in Him, we no longer have that burden.
Inspiring Lyric: Through the blood of a Savior / Our death shall set us free
Happy Easter! Know that because of Jesus' victory over death, we now have hope instead of fear.