Christianity and rock n’ roll are often seen as opposites. The hall of fame representing rock also has a questionable history. For example, Justin Beiber is more likely to get in before Pantera. I am writing this article, pretending that I respect it as a legitimate hall of fame. Ignoring the fact that most of their latest inductions aren’t rock bands at all! It’s also worth noting that several Christian artists that deserved to be inducted, are members. This includes U2 and the pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The following are bands that have had a major influence on music and sold millions of albums worldwide that impacted the world. Great bands such as Red and Flyleaf will not be included as they are less influential, despite having massive mainstream success early in their respective careers.
Stryper
12 million units sold worldwide, a Grammy nomination, 4 #1 MTV Music Videos, the first band to have two Top 10 Music videos at the same time on MTV, ruling Dial MTV in 1987, two albums that sold over a million copies worldwide, (over two million according to some sources), the first Christian band with a platinum worldwide. They are fluent not only in Christian music, but in power metal, hair metal, and rock. Many successful artists are fans or even were inspired by them. This includes them being referenced by Babymetal, and Twiggy Ramirez. Lady Gaga has also been seen wearing a Stryper shirt and several yellow and black striped outfits, imitating their style. They brought Christianity to the masses through metal, which had never been done before, and reached critical acclaim, often being seen as one of the best hair metal bands of all time. The Metal Hall of Fame has inducted them, showing how respected they are, outside of trolls.
Petra
This band helped influence bands such as Skillet. They helped Christian music grow but mostly stayed inside Christian circles. The band mixed worship, and a heavier type of rock from most gospel groups, which drew criticism from both sides, like Stryper. Despite this and never having a Platinum album, they have sold 10 million units and won multiple Grammy awards as a band that has made music since the early 1970s.
P.O.D.
Payable On Death is wildly considered one of the greatest and most influential nu-metal bands of all time. This critically acclaimed unit released the best-selling Christian metal album (Satellite) of all time! It sold over 7 million copies and received 3 Grammy nominations while producing a top 40 hit and another single peaking at 41. They would have their music in successful films such as The Matrix series, and Here Comes The Boom. The band is highly influential in both metal and rap music, with over 12 million albums sold. Many who hate rap metal make an exception for this group.
Skillet
With over 12 million albums sold worldwide, and a ton of singles success. They have been listened to on YouTube, Pandora, and Spotify BILLIONS of times each. From Comatose (2006) until Unleashed (2016) every album was Certified at least Gold in the United States and had at least one certified Gold single! That’s a run of 4 consecutive albums! During those 4 albums, they received 1 Multi-Platinum album, 1 Platinum, and 2 Gold. The singles from that period achieved 4 Multi-Platinum, 2 Platinum, and 4 Gold songs, totaling over 12 million total. This EASILY makes them the best-selling heavy Christian band of all time! They also had three consecutive albums debut in the top 5 on the Billboard 200 charts. Since 2006, they have been one of the most successful and influential rock acts in the world.
Impellitteri
Chris Impellitteri started one of the most influential speed metal bands of all time in 1987. While in America they are mostly unknown, the band has achieved legendary status in Japan and success in Europe, selling millions of albums. Their influence overseas is unquestionable, and Chris is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock/Metal axemen to ever shred. He has won numerous guitar-playing awards and is generally listed as one of the fastest players. Rob Rock, their main vocalist also is one of the most respected metal singers you’ve probably never heard of.
Article written by John Ward
