Massachusetts-based band, All That Remains is an American metalcore band established in 1998. The band was formed by guitarist Oli Herbert and vocalist Philip Labonte and made their debut in 2002 with their throat-tearing vocals album “Behind Silence and Solitude.”
After the death of Oli Herbert and the departure of some old members, more members joined the band. All That Remains currently consists of vocalist Philip Labonte, guitarist Matt Deis, drummer Jason Costa, Mike Martin, and guitarist Jason Richardson.
The band’s blistering and melodic-infused hardcore death metal sound has earned them millions of fans globally. All That Remains has graced the American music industry for a solid 25 years and the band is currently signed to Razor and Tie record label.
Many fans have always questioned the religious status of All That Remains, especially with the band not always leaving out the theme of hope in most of their songs. Listeners have asked if All That Remains is a Christian band. To get this clear, this article will analyze the themes and lyrics embedded in their songs and will also evaluate comments made by members of the band concerning this issue.
Is All That Remains a Religious Band?
To be religious means to believe and put your faith in a particular religion. To decipher if All That Remains is a Religious band, we will evaluate some comments by band members and the themes embedded in their songs.
Many have rumored that Philip Labonte is an atheist. In an interview with Sandman of Loudwire Radio, the band’s vocalist, Labonte reveals that he does not believe in religion.
In his words: “A lot of geopolitical perspective in the Middle East, which is where most of the tension is, a lot of it is based on their religion, which, I don’t believe in any ‘steady guy in the sky’. I don’t care whether it’s Phoebus or Muhammad or whatever, I don’t care. I think when you’re dead you’re done, and that’s cool. So, I don’t worry about offending your silly god, I don’t worry about if Jesus is going to come back because you not and if he does it’s only going to be a charismatic guy who’s going to be able to fool the Christians into thinking “See? It won’t end. I’m Jesus again!” and doing a sweet dance, or whatever”
In an interview with Sick Drummer Magazine, the band’s drummer Jason Costa also reveals that he does not practice any religion and the band is not a Christian band as purported. According to him “I don’t practice any religion”.
Other members of the band have not made public comments about their religious status and no information has been captured about their religious background. However, the few that have made it to the media are not religious and have clarified that the band is not religious.
Nevertheless, we’ve discovered some songs by All that Remains that contain some supposedly religious messages. For instance, in “Not Alone” by All That Remains, the songwriters use ambiguous lyrics to send a somewhat religious message. Many have interpreted the song to be about Jesus Christ who is the central figure of Christianity while others have disagreed on this.
We believe that this song can be interpreted differently by different people in a way that makes sense to them. To us, the song is more like the songwriter affirming that there is a supreme and invisible being that is always around guiding us, and his mighty touch makes us whole again. Below are the lyrics:
“No more
From the strength that
Never has the blood in my veins
Flown so fiercely as when I feel this around me
I am whole
And I’m not alone
With the touch of your hand, I am whole again
Now I feel the passion burning
This will drive me
My results will push me further
And I believe that I am not alone
I’m not alone”
We’ll love to reiterate that the song above can mean different things to different people.
The song “A Call to All Non-believers” by All That Remains contains some religious messages. However, the song is a criticism of religion. It is basically about resisting religion. The songwriters express grief, anger, and disgust towards religion, although they have not clearly stated the religion they are addressing. Below are the lyrics:
“Dominate subjugation the end
Decimate destruction is the real trend
Fabricate enemies as your friends
Profligate worthless is life in the end
I know your false God
I’ve seen his works and his deeds
Your Angry False God
And violence is his creed
A call to all non-believers
This is a call
A call to stand up and fight
A call to all non-believers
This is a call
A call to stand for what’s right “
What kind of Music Band is All That Remains?
All That Remains is an American Metalcore band. Their style of metalcore constitutes melodic metalcore and melodic death metal. Melodic death metal also known as Melo death is a subgenre of death metal that incorporates the use of highly melodic guitar riffs, occasional blast beats, distorted guitars, fast double bass drumming, high-pitched vocals, and low-pitch growls.
Later in their career, the band progressed from Melo death to melodic metalcore which is a fusion of elements of metalcore and melodic death metal. This genre is characterized by melodic instrumentation, blast beats, double bass drumming, distorted guitars, aggressive screaming, death growls, and clean vocals.
All That Remains has been able to blend these elements into its songs to produce infectious and cathartic sounds that appeal to large secular audiences. Songs by the band revolve around themes like; betrayal, grief, love and heartbreak, fear, hope, personal struggles, politics and political conflict, crime, nature and philosophy, and societal issues amongst others.
All That Remains have released 9 studio albums and several singles and the band has been nominated as the most outstanding metal band of the year by Boston Music Awards and as the best breakthrough artist by Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in 2009.
Is All That Remains a Christian Band?
A Christian is a person whose lifestyle reflects the teachings and practices of Christianity. Christianity is based on the life, teachings, beliefs, and practices of Jesus Christ who is considered the founder and central figure of Christianity. The activities of a true Christian are supposed to be guided by the laws of Christianity.
Similarly, a Christian band is a band that has publicly declared its status as a “Christian band.” The band must have members who are Christians and have collectively decided their faith as a band. Members should lead a lifestyle that depicts true Christianity. Also, the lyrical composition of their songs should portray Christian beliefs, must contain Christian terms and themes, and should make references to the Bible. Such songs are usually used to spread the gospel and share Christian messages of hope, love, redemption, peace, and salvation.
All That Remains is not a Christian band. Some members of the band have stated clearly that the band is not a Christian band. In an interview with the band’s vocalist and frontman, Philip Labonte, he revealed that All that Remain is not a Christian band. Jason Costa in his interview with Sick Drummer Magazine also mentioned that All that Remains is not a Christian band. In his words: “All That Remains is not a Christian band at all. I don’t practice any faith, to be honest.”
From an analysis of songs by All That Remains and comments from band members, we believe that the band is not a Christian band.
All That Remains Christian Songs
All That Remains has no Christian songs. Songs by the band do not meet the criteria to be labeled Christian songs. Their songs are not intended to share Christian messages with Christians. The band is a secular band as such they don’t make Christian music.
Is All That Remains a Satanic Band?
A satanic band is a band that believes in Satan, who is considered the head of Satanism. Songs by a Satanic band glorify the devil, promote demon worship and contain dark and horrendous themes.
Though some songs by All That Remains contain dark themes, we don’t see the band as a Satanic band. Also, members of the band have not publicly associated themselves with Satanic practices that will prompt the band to be labeled a Satanic band.
Conclusion
Music is universal and can evoke powerful emotions from listeners. Songs by All That Remains are not left out of this contention. The band has been described as a notable act within the new wave of American heavy metal that has been able to evoke different emotions from listeners.
All that Remains has identified itself as an anti-religious band. The band members have mentioned that they do not subscribe to any religion and their band is not a Christian band. The band has adopted a unique metal style and has also explored other music styles to make their songs appealing and etched into the hearts of listeners.
Think we were wrong? Write your reasoning in the comments and prove us wrong!