Christian's Guide to the Van's Warped Tour

Although Christianity and punk rock music may not seem to fit in the same sentence to most, there is actually a thriving subculture of Christian rockers. With the recent insurgence of a desire for lyrically positive music and the church's willingness to break out of old molds, Christians are finding themselves in successful general market punk, emo, metal, and hardcore bands. And since it is summer, where else do you go to find today's top punk, emo, metal and hardcore bands but to the Van's Warped Tour. Below is a list of bands playing Warped Tour '07 of interest to the Christian punk rocker. The band's below have either publicly referred to themselves as "Christian Bands," are on Christian record labels, or are bands comprised of Christian members.

The Almost -- Recently labeled as a Discover and Download band by Mtv, this Christian band is well on its way to modern rock stardom. The Almost is the brainchild of UnderOath drummer/clean vocalist Aaron Gillespie. On The Almost's debut CD Southern Weather, Gillespie wrote and plays all the instruments and sings. Be sure to check them out on the Warped Tour if you are a fan of eclectic but accessible modern rock.

Anberlin -- These guys have been one of my favorites since their inception. Anberlin play their own brand of modern rock with a tip of the hat to emo, punk, and even new wave. Just coming off of their first, and nearly 100% sold out headlining tour, Anberlin will be putting on a well polished show. Fronted by one of the most unique voices in modern music, Anberlin is a show not to be missed.

As Cities Burn -- If metal-core with a twinge of Southern rock is your thing, then check out these boys. As Cities Burn made their debut on Sold State records pumping out a hard hitting screamo/metal sound, but have backed away from the emocore references in their most recent LP.

As I Lay Dying -- This act is one of metal's main attractions in the secular and Christian markets alike. Double bass and screeching vocals pummel the listener of this tried and true band of Christians playing music that you sure wouldn't expect to hear in church.

The Chariot -- If you're looking for something raw and different, The Chariot may be your thing. This band, fronted by the original Norma Jean growler, turns out a brand of frenetic, spastic, discordant metalcore that will leave you wondering what you just heard. Even through all the crazy music, according to AP magazine # 228, the band stands firm on its beliefs. "Blessed e the Lord, Jesus Christ" is the closing to the pre-show prayer AP writes about. Also quoted in AP 228 is the lead singer saying, "If you come to one of our shows, we're not going to pound you over the head with a Bible...We just want to write music that moves us on stage." They are wildly entertaining and destructive when performing on said stage having been known to throw, break and set fire to their equipment surrounding them.

Family Force 5 -- A relatively new band on the Christian scene, Family Force 5 plays positive but not overly preachy modern rock music. Coming from a Chrisitian persepective, many lyrics can be viewed as words of praise. Also, the band frequently references Jesus at their stage shows.

The Fold -- Playing modern, guitar driven rock a la Jimmy Eat World and Saves the Day, The Fold shine in an overpopulated genre with their great songwriting. Also prevalent in The Fold's music are Christian themes. Listen to the lyrics and you'll find plenty of Jesus in The Fold's rock.

Haste the Day -- Another staple on the Solid State record label, Haste the Day play both sides of the emocore/metal fence. Having just replaced their singer, Warped Tour attendee will be some of the first to hear the new frontman perform live. Early listens to their newest album have me itching to see them perform these emo/metal anthems live.

I Am Ghost -- Although signed to a major secular label, according to HM magazine (the premiere Christian hard music authority), the members of goth/punk band I Am Ghost are Christians. Don't expect to hear alter calls though. I Am Ghost play dark gothic punk rock complete with black attire and makeup. They just do it with the love of Jesus in their hearts!

Jonezetta -- If dance rock and dance punk is your thing, be sure to check out Jonezetta. This band on the Christian label, Tooth & Nail, pumps out energetic rock with enough synths and electronic beats to get you moving. To get a feel, download the track Backstabber from their debut release Poplarity.

Maylene And The Sons of Disaster -- Fronted by the former frontman of UnderOath, MATSOD are Southern metal at its finest. Imagine taking the Southern sound of Lynard Skynard and mixing in the metal of Slayer and you might get an idea of Maylene. This six man band puts on a killer stage show to boot.

Norma Jean -- If you are into metalcore, then you already know Norma Jean. Another member of the Chrstian label, Solid State, Norma Jean is widely accepted as one of the preeminent metalcore bands in both the secular and Christian scenes. They are intense, brutal, and amazing.

Paramore -- Although they do not identify themselves as a Christian band, the members of Paramore are in deed Christians. Fronted by female singer, Haley Williams, Paramore plays a brand of power-pop fitting of their Fuled by Ramen label. Adding to their appeal to some is the fact that they are an extremely young band with an average age of not even 19!

Play Radio Play -- Indie pop electronic rock describes the tunes of 17 year old Dan Hunter, the man behind Play Radio Play. This one-man musical outfit is anything but ordinary. One listen to this electronic montage and high pitched vocals will leave you curious for more. Although Play Radio Play does not play overtly Christian music, Dan is been outspoken about his faith in interviews and will be one to watch as he continues his musical journey.

The Rocket Summer -- Bryce Avery is wizard behind the curtain when it comes to The Rocket Summer. He writes and records every note, every instrument, and every word on his albums. Careful listening to his lyrics will allow you to pick up on spiritual themes and praises sprinkled throughout. This musical prodigy can really write top notch indie power-pop as well. Although his music garners the dreaded "pop" label, it is anything but top 40 radio. His music will get even indie snobs bopping in the pit.

UnderOath -- Probably the flagship of modern Christian hard music, UnderOath play an accessible brand of scremo/hardcore. Still riding the wave of their uber-successful Define the Great Line UnderOath are a force to be reckoned with in both the secular and Christian scenes. I love seeing them play live and respect their unabashed display of Christianity through both their lyrics and their public statement of faith at the end of each show.