Looking for Christian NWOBHM.

Anyone know any current or old Christian bands with the NWOBHM sound?

I'm not too familiar with the many older bands that play this style (like Saint, Bloodgood, Barren Cross, etc.) so I'll let someone else make recommendations in that direction, but there are a few pretty good ones that are more new to the scene that I enjoy.

I really enjoy Sardis.  At their core, they're classic heavy metal with a slight retro feel, though they also mix elements of thrash, death, and power metal.  Their singer is a member here though hasn't come around for a little while.
https://sardisband.bandcamp.com/album/escape

I also highly recommend Wytch Hazel.  While they're not a "Christian band," the singer and primary songwriter is a Christian and the lyrics are blatantly so.
https://wytchhazel.bandcamp.com/album/prelude

Four Star Revival has some good tunes too.  Their bassist is a member here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUr59trbjzw

Thanks Kerrick I have checked them out liking all 3. Thanks for the tips.

The U.K band Stairway could easily fit that description.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQHKvXcv2_c

Thanks thats another great suggestion totally forgot about them

Armageddon's album Money Mask, Messiah Prophet Band's Master of the Metal and Neon Cross's self titled would fit the bill.

I also came across a band called True Strength is anyone hasnt heard of them. They have a little Judas Priest vibe to me but the vocals are no where near Halford level

Yeah, I have heard about True Strength. The vocals totally ruined their sound, in my opinion. I lost interest in this band after hearing some samples.
Before they release their first album, they announced Ski would be doing the vocals for the band. He is an amazing singer, but sadly he declined before recording.

If you enjoy Halford's vocals, I would certainly reccomend Saint. Great band, with Priest vibe and great singer, as well.

I can also reccomend Bloodgood (for fans of Stryper) and Sacred Warrior (for fans of Maiden, Queensryche).

Great bands with agressive sound and powerfull christian lyrics.

Staybrite wrote:The U.K band Stairway could easily fit that description.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQHKvXcv2_c

Vocalist sounds like Ted Pilot of Fifth Angel.  Very good NWOBHM band that's, wow *gasp*, actually from Britain.

So far, you got some good suggestions.....heres a favorite of mine.....

....another favorite...

Then, I would suggest leviticus, even though it's more like hard rock...

Where should I start with Jerusalem?

Disappointed no one has mentioned Warlord! An acclaimed US band with the NWOBHM sound.

While not strictly speaking a Christian band back in the 80s, their new albums have been officially canonized as Christian metal. Of course, the best is their debut EP "Deliver Us". The title track is certainly inspired by Christianity, the Lord's Prayer, etc.



Again, not sure exactly what changed, but their new albums are more clearly Christian metal, like the following The Holy Empire:

Man thanks Warlord is killer

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Just posted in the other thread about Chaotic Resemblance, but they are current and active. They have a Crue/Poison sound and are blatantly Christian. Great guys too!

https://youtu.be/zG93gyhMdxU

Warlord is one of my absolute favorite bands.

Would Valor, Zaxas, XINR, or Apostle count?

Good call on Zaxas, I think they have a new album coming out.

Temple of Blood wrote:Warlord is one of my absolute favorite bands.

Would Valor, Zaxas, XINR, or Apostle count?

I wouldn't call Apostle that.  While maybe in that vein, they wouldn't be classified as such because they were from Florida.  The whole concept of the NWOBHM is British Heavy Metal.  I know--many non-British bands got leaped into this category because of how they sounded.  However, the early movement was all about bands coming out of England.

Bands should only be categorized by how they sound, not what geographic region they are from.

Are Death, Savatage, and Crimson Glory "southern metal" bands?  They are from the US South.

NWOBHM is one of those weird period/geographic location genres, but mothy clarified he's looking for the "NWOBHM sound." I don't think any Christian NWOBHM exists if we're being so strict as wanting a British band from the early 80s.

There are a few bands listed on the Metal Archives from the UK with Christian lyrics from the '80s:

https://www.metal-archives.com/search/advanced/searching/bands?bandName=&genre=heavy+metal&country=GB&yearCreationFrom=&yearCreationTo=1990&bandNotes=&status=&themes=Christian*+-anti&location=&bandLabelName=#bands

Priest! Can't forget SAINT!

Found this older thread by accident.  I felt like I could add something to it so decided to resurrect it.

I have some great choices for Christian NWOBHM-sounding bands / albums, and some that are not that great.  
But you be the judge, since everyone's tastes are different.


1.  Angelic Forces - E.P.  (2018, Netherlands)

Excellent new band.  Considered part of the NWOTHM.  
It seems that very few have heard of them though, which is a shame.
Great E.P., very old school Priest/Maiden metal.




2.  A.N.D. - Get Real  (1994, U.K.)

Little known gem from 1994.   They also had a prior album called "200 Hours" from 1990.
On "Get Real," the best stuff happens after the first song....







3.  Chariot - Step Into Light  (1987, ?)

There is sadly very little info about this band, but this record is their only one and is pretty good in spots.   







4.  Creed - E.P.  (1986, Germany)

Yes, this is the same band that recorded "The Sign Of Victory."  
The E.P. might be a better choice though, for that NWOBHM sound.





5.  Force 3 - Warrior Of Light  (1988, U.K.)

Old school NWOBHM all the way.   




6.  100% Proof - 100% Proof (1981, U.K.)

Not great, more boogie metal like Vardis or Le Griffe, but a piece of Christian metal history since it came out in 1981.   
Actually these guys eventually became Force 3.




7.  Motherlode - The Sanctuary  (1986, Sweden)

This is Sonny Larsson's band before Leviticus or XT.  The Motherlode albums (like the XT albums) are spotty, but there are some good songs to be found here and there.,




8.  Nouveaux - Beginnings  (U.S., 1994) 

Under-rated band that came out on Benson records during an unfortunate time for hard rock.  
They had a very Def Leppard kind of sound to them, and some songs from the album are quite good.
This would be the most commercial of the bands on this list.  They had a 2nd album which was a total departure from this type of sound, and it is more acoustic rock I believe.






9.  Contagious - Free Indeed   (1988, U.S.)

This record was not received too well when it came out.  Production is not great, song-writing needs work.
However it has a certain charm to it in spots.




10.   Mercy Rule - Overruled   (1989, U.S.)

Another record that was not received all that well when it came out.  
I don't think it is that bad though, it definitely has it's moments.   
Decent, chunky, straight forward metal.  Really good guitar solos.




There are other good choices like Wytch Hazel, Zion, Avalanche - Pray For The Sinner, and a few others but this is all I have time for now.