Ten Classic Christian Rock Bands You've Never Heard Of

Okay, maybe you have heard of some of these bands, but chances are you may have never heard of these gems. Christian Rock music had quite a rocky start back in the 60's. It wasn't really accepted until the 80's when the GMA Dove Awards opened a category for rock music and even then it was still a very widely disputed topic about whether it was okay or not. I know rock music started as something not so great, filled with a lot of unGodly content. But as we know from many Biblical stories and through our own lives; God can take something that seems terrible and use it for His glory and that is exactly what has happened with Christian rock music. Now the genre has exploded and Christian rock music is very popular and continues to gain momentum.

If you enjoy rock music you probably have some select favorite bands, for secular music it might be Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, or Nirvana. For Christian music it might be Red, Skillet, or Switchfoot. But to understand secular rock music you have to look at it's roots which starts with bands like Boston, Journey, Kansas, and loads more. The same has to be done with Christian rock music. So here are Ten Classic Christian Rock Bands You've (Probably) Never Heard Of!

(Remember to share this with friends that you know enjoy rock music.)

10. Jacob's Trouble

The above photo comes from the band that actually got a feature in Rolling Stones Magazine! This band is attributed to be one of the starters of screamo/hardcore rock music for Christian music. Listen to their popular song "Wild, Wild Ride" and you will understand why.

9. Mylon Lefevre & Broken Heart

If you enjoy catchy rock ballads you will love Mylon Lefevre & Broken Heart especially their hit song, "Crack The Sky". Known for their great vocals and entertaining showmanship. This rock band will not disappoint those who enjoy what classic rock music is all about.

8. Rez Band

This band is really one of the pioneers for Christian rock music. If you are a Christian rocker you should really appreciate this awesome band that started in the 70's and lasted for over 20 years!

Known for their rough vocals that is lead by Glenn Kaiser and Wendi Kaiser. They are a great blues rock band that were ground breakers for Christian rock music.

7. Allies

Allies was a more short-lived Christian rock band, but their music is still some of the stuff that makes classic Christian rock great! Lead vocalist, Bob Carlisle, went on to be a great solo Christian artist including topping the Billboard Hot 100 with his song, "Butterfly Kisses".

Allies is known for solid vocals and catchy ballads. Their song "Surrender" is my all time favorite and it really showcases what this band was all about.

6. Jerusalem

Another founding band for Christian rock music, Jerusalem, like Rez Band, had their start in the early 70's. They also follow with more of the blues rock that Rez Band had. Great pioneers for Christian rock music and a great band that I am sure any rocker can get into. Known for their unusual vocals and use of techno music in their songs.

5. Whiteheart

Another band with very solid vocals, Whiteheart is a very talented rock band that helps fill the niche of rock ballads. They are known as one of Christian rock music's best!

4. Guardian

Now we enter into Christian rock music's elite bands. These bands have the best vocals, the best lead breaks, and the best hair! *wink wink* Guardian is probably one of my all time favorite Christian rock bands. The album "Fire & Love" really got this band going and it is sad to think that people really weren't ready for such talent and artistry. At least we can appreciate it now. This band had it's start in the 80's, but didn't really get popular until the early 90's. Enjoy the sweet vocals from Jamie Rowe and the awesome lead breaks from Tony Palacios!

3. SHOUT

SHOUT is definitely one of the most technically sound bands, their guitar sound surpasses many Christian and Secular bands that were around during the same time. Ken Tamplin, lead singer and guitarist, still does work now and he continues to be an influence on Christian rock music. SHOUT is probably one of the most beloved Christian rock bands of all time and they are known for coming out with amazing rock anthems for Christian music.

2. Whitecross

The Aussie band, Whitecross, is another band known for coming out with awesome rock anthems and they are another great technically sound band. Lead singer, Scott Wenzel, and guitarist, Rex Carrol, really brought the band popularity. Their best album is most likely "In The Kingdom", if you enjoy classic rock music this band will definitely impress. Known as one of the first rock bands to incorporate rap music in one of their songs, "Holy War".

1. Stryper

If you have heard of any of the bands on this list Styper has to be on of them. Absolute ground breakers for showmanship and classic rock attire. Stryper is probably one of the most popular rock bands other then Petra. They also came out with several rock anthems including their hit, "To Hell With The Devil". But with their popularity came a lot of controversy, they are easily also the most hated Christian rock bands. When Christian rock music was still gaining traction, Stryper was breaking records and performing in Japan and getting features left and right by Rolling Stones Magazine. Because of this popularity, Stryper received a lot of hate from Christians who didn't agree with having rock music in the Church. However the band stood firm and they are still performing today. In fact they recently released a new album called, "Fallen" and the famous band still tours to date.