Oh, Sleeper is an American metalcore band established in Fort Worth, Texas in 2006. The band was created by former members of the defunct “Terminal” band, drummer Ryan Conley, bassist Lucas Starr, guitarist James Erwin, and vocalist Micah Kinard along with guitarist Shane Blay, a former member of “Between the Buried and Me” band.
The band’s current lineup consists of; vocalist Micah Kinard, guitarist Shane Blay, drummer Zac Mayfield, and bassist Seth Webster. For over a decade, the band has toured worldwide and has released songs with their unique, clean or screaming, and soul-lifting vocals which have earned them millions of fans in both Christian and secular audiences.
The band went on hiatus in 2013 after dropping their third studio album “Children of Fire” and reconvened in 2019.
When Oh, Sleeper first came to the limelight, the band was signed to Solid State records, a Christian metalcore record label, and the band was regarded as a Christian band. However, after disassociating themselves from the record label and introducing new themes into their recent songs, many began to wonder if the band is still a Christian band or not. Listeners are continuously throwing the question: is Oh, Sleeper a Christian band? An analysis of factors like the band’s lyrical composition, themes, and comments from band members in this article will provide answers to this question.
Is Oh, Sleeper a Religious Band?
From the band’s name, one can easily get a picture that the band is religious, even though this might not be accurate in some cases. Oh, Sleeper’s choice of the name says a lot about the religious status of the band. In an interview with the band’s frontman, vocalist Micah Kinard, he mentioned that the band’s name was taken from the holy Bible. The name was derived from Ephesians 5:14 which says “Because of this, it is said: ‘wake up Oh, sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you”.
Apart from the band’s name, some members of the band belong to a religious organization. In interviews, some members of the band have publicly subscribed to a religious group.
In an interview with vocalist Micah and Stephen M. of Indie Vision Music, the artist revealed that members of the band are Christians but they are all at different points in their spiritual lives and he won’t speak on behalf of them because he does not have the details. Micah mentioned that he is a Christian but he is not religious, though he has a close personal relationship with Christ which can be seen in the songs he writes.
The artist revealed also that the band’s songs are showered with prayers for those that want to connect and dive deeper spiritually. In his words;
“We write music for people who want to dive deeper and read into and discover their connection to the songs. Everything that is written lyrically for this band is showered in prayer and I believe that God has the power to reach people through it.”
Almost all songs released by the band contain religious themes and messages and they use these spiritual and religious themes with their melodic vocals to send messages of hope, spread the gospel, and connect with listeners who want to dive deeper and connect with God.
What Kind of Music Band is Oh, Sleeper?
Oh, Sleeper is an American metalcore band. Metalcore is a genre of music that merges elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. This genre of music is known for its use of breakdowns, heavy riffs, stop-start guitar playing, double bass drumming, occasional blast beats, thrash vocals, clean vocals, and sometimes death growls.
When the band was still signed into Solid State records and was releasing songs that were considered strictly Christian songs, the band was described as a Christian metal band, a genre of music characterized by Christian-themed song lyrics and Christian members who are very dedicated to the religion.
For a Christian metal band, every other theme in their songs is melded with Christian messages to give the song a religious undertone. Songs by a Christian bands usually share positive messages with listeners. They tell interesting stories using DIY ethics and the artistic style of Christian punk/metal hardcore.
Songs by Oh, Sleeper flow intelligently with deep, touching, impactful, and soul-lifting lyrics that resonate with diverse listeners. Their songs revolve around themes like; love, God’s mercy, forgiveness, religion, conflict, pain and regrets, passion, fear and disappointments, relationships, government and leadership, justice, and life events amongst others.
Listeners have described the band’s guitar sounds, lyrical composition, and the ecstatic atmosphere they create on stage as an outstanding experience. Oh, Sleeper currently has 4 full-length albums, with the most recent “Bloodied/Unbowed” released in 2019, two extended plays, and some singles. Their songs/albums have topped several American Christian music charts and have also crept into other music category charts.
Is Oh, Sleeper a Christian Band?
Earlier in their career, Oh, Sleeper was popularly known as a Christian band. Members of the band were Christians and used their messages to speak to people in unique and powerful ways. However, the change in lineup influenced the band’s status as a Christian band.
In a 2009 interview with the band’s vocalists Micah Kinard and Lambgoat, he revealed that the band has received a lot of criticism from people for being so outspoken, lyrically and personally about their Christian faith. He didn’t forget to mention that they were also people that applauded them as well for that.
He revealed that he received encouraging emails from people that don’t believe in God but affirmed that the band’s song lyrics have helped them scale through certain stages in life. He mentioned also that he wasn’t offended by those that do not subscribe to the band because it’s a Christian band. He believes he puts his entire heart into a song and is going to stand by what he believes in without seeking validation from others.
According to the artist “if you’re not a Christian and you don’t believe in God we still want you to listen to the music, maybe you’ll like the music………. If something pisses you off about the music, let us know, but don’t just be judgmental. For all the people who just hear, “Oh, they’re a Christian band,” and say, “I’m not listening to that, it’s trash. We don’t need another one of those.” They’re being just as close-minded and judgmental as the Christians who burn them. We want to welcome anybody. We have friends who are Christians, friends who are not Christians, fans who are Christians, fans who are not Christians, and fans who are completely Atheists and I appreciate having all of them be a part of this. I’d like it if more people would just give it a chance.”
In a 2011 interview with the band’s ex-guitarist, James Erwin, and metal underground, he revealed that Oh, Sleeper is outspoken about their Christian beliefs. According to him “We live by our convictions and beliefs and we don’t apologize for it. If you can’t like our band because we disagree on what we believe, then I guess you never really liked our music, to begin with”.
In 2020, the band revealed that not all new band members share the Christianity belief. However, they support whatever the band brings forth and the beliefs of other members who are Christians. The band’s vocalist, Micah Kinard stated in the interview that the band was initially a Christian band, he is a Christian and values the faith so much. However, the change in lineup and style influenced the Christian status of the band.
His faith has influenced the songs he writes and every member of the band supports whatever they produce. In his words “At the beginning of the band, we were an outspoken Christian band; but as the years have gone by, we have gone through certain member changes. Not all of our members share the Christian view, they support us and our beliefs, but they don’t necessarily engage in that same belief. I am a Christian, and when I write passionately from my heart, that view will still come out, which the band supports. We would be lying if we said we can still operate under the Christian umbrella, and say everything we do is characterized by a Christian motivation.”
A Christian band is a band that has publicly labeled itself ‘Christian”, has Christian members, and their songs and lifestyles reflect the teachings and practices of Christianity. From the analysis above, one could say that Oh, Sleeper is a Christian band. However, since the band has clearly stated that they are no longer operating under the Christian umbrella and have even cut ties with their former Christian record label, we don’t see reasons to disagree with them.
Oh, Sleeper Christian Songs
Almost all songs released by Oh, Sleeper are considered Christian songs, especially those released while the band was still under the Solid State record label. Here are some top Christian songs by the band;
- Endseekers
- We are the Archers
- A world without a Sun
- Children of Fire
- Son of the Morning
- Commissioned by Kings
- The New Breed
- Reveries of Flight, etc
The lyrics below from “Children of Fire” is a typical example of the band’s Christian songs with deep spiritual messages:
“Here I stand, my breath has faded away for the crowd to push and plea
And scream, “Come with me!”
Dear God, live for your promise
He reached a decree that’s bringing me to faith
My faith and sweat have remained to contend with the cramp
Despite the sting, we wait until you bring your fate”
Is Oh, Sleeper a Satanic Band?
To be labeled a Satanic band, such a band must reflect the practices of Satanism in their songs and lifestyle. Oh, Sleeper has no affiliations with Satanism and their songs do not encourage or promote Satanic practices. Some members of the band are Christians and they have been very proud and expressive of their faith. On this note, Oh, Sleeper is not a Satanic band.
Wrapping Up
Oh, Sleeper’s status as a Christian band depends on how a listener chooses to see it. The band was once considered a Christian band and many fans are yet to change that perception. The introduction of new elements into their music and the change in the lineup has caused the band to shift their position on their religious status. Nonetheless, the band’s songs and style are still greatly influenced by Christianity.
Think we were wrong? Write your reasoning in the comments and prove us wrong!