American metalcore band, For Today, came into existence in 2005. The now-disbanded music band was formed in Sioux City, Iowa by Ryan Leitru, Mike Reynolds, David Morrison, Jon Lauters, and Matt Tyler who joined shortly after the band was formed. The band lasted for just 10 years before coming to an end sometime in 2016.
Many artists joined and left the band before its disbandment. However, the band’s last lineup included; vocalist Mattie Montgomery, guitarist Ryan Leitru, guitarist Jim Hughes, bassist Brandon Leitru and drummer David Puckett.
For Today was prominent in the religious music scene and was signed to religious record labels like; Facedown, Razor and Tie, and Nuclear Blast. The band produced a significant body of work that made waves in the American music industry and earned the band millions of followers.
Music lovers are continuously in search of music bands they can turn to for their music needs. Many have thrown questions like; Is For Today a Christian band? If you are also in search of this, you are at the right place. This article will examine factors like; the band’s beliefs, comments on Christianity as well as their song lyrics and themes to provide answers to this question.
Is For Today a Religious Band?
Songs by a religious band are influenced by the beliefs and ideals of a particular religious group. For their 10 years of existence, For Today was known as a religious band that was very active in the religious music scene and was linked to different religion-based record labels.
The band has always been linked with religion. When they first came into the limelight, just one member of the band belonged to a religious body but with time, more religious people became a part of the band.
In an interview with Metalluminati and the band’s ex-vocalist Montgomery, he revealed that religion has always been a part of their music and they are not ashamed to preach about it in all their songs. In his words:
“Thankfully, God has been faithful to bring people into our lives (for me, it’s my wife, my sons, and my spiritual father) to remind us of who we to hold us accountable to remember that this band is not about us — it’s about making Jesus famous in this music scene, and giving people the opportunity to meet Him.
We all know that something in our culture desperately needs to change, and change doesn’t come without controversy. I have seen Jesus set addicts free in a moment, and transform suicidal addicts into new people with one encounter — and one of those people was me! So, I preach Jesus because our world needs to change.”
In another interview with Anthony Vasquez of The Academy Times, vocalist Mattie shared some views on religion and showed how much the band values faith. Here were his words “Absolutely. We love to meet people who have different faiths, or who have never had faith before. I’m so happy to see people when they meet Jesus and can proclaim him as their Lord and Savior.”
Members of the band had all been associated with religious groups and many songs by the band are not without religious elements and influences. Throughout their existence, the band took charge to share religious messages earnestly. They shared their religion with people in different places like bars, parks, and amongst secular audiences and have imprinted their names in the hearts of many.
What kind of music band is For Today?
For Today was recognized as an American Christian metalcore band. Christian metal genre, also known as heavenly metal or Jesus metal is a genre of music identified by Christian-themed songs and deep lyrics that portray Christianity. Christian metal music is performed by dedicated Christians who have affirmed their faith in God and the Christian faith.
Songs by Christian metal bands are usually distributed through Christian networks. This genre of music was created in the 1970s as a means of evangelism and was pioneered by the American metal band “Resurrection.” For Christian metal bands that employ other subjects in their songs, such subjects are usually melded with Christian themes to give the song a religious undertone.
Christian metal bands use their songs to share positive religious messages which sometimes may not show a direct connection to Christianity, but are subtly referring to the religion. Aside from faith and religion, For Today, also explored many other themes in their songs. Such include; hope, passion, recovery, crisis, revolution, war, anxiety, death, loss, forgiveness, and love amongst others.
Before the split up, the band had released 6 studio albums, 12 music videos, and 2 EPs. Their last studio album “Wake” was released in 2015. The album was released under Nuclear Blast records and featured 13 hard-hitting Christian metal songs that appeal to both faith-driven and secular audiences.
Is For Today a Christian Band?
Christianity is a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ who is believed to be the founder of the religion. Christians live according to the teachings and principles of the religion and they believe in God, Jesus Christ, and other structures of Christianity.
A Christian band has Christian members who have publicly affirmed their faith in the religion. Members of a Christian band must be Christians and must have lifestyles that reflect true Christianity. Songs by the band must anchor on the teachings and practices of Christianity.
Songs by a Christian band usually include biblical references and are used to evangelize and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. The songs share positive Christian messages of hope, salvation, love, perseverance, and redemption.
Aside from the conventional hymns or praise and worship styles that were mostly used by Christian music artists, Christian bands have now adopted other genres to fit into the contemporary Christian music scene. Such genres include; Christian metal, blues, rap, hardcore, punk, and folk.
All through their years of making music, For Today was always identified as a Christian band. Members of the band had affiliations with Christianity and had boldly stated it. The band tends to be strict on its beliefs and takes stern actions against members who do not uphold the beliefs.
In an interview with Mattie Montgomery and Indie Vision Music, he revealed that the band is a Christian band and even the band’s name portrays some Christian meaning.
According to the artists: “We’ve tried to give it meaning over the years. The band wasn’t always a Christian band in the beginning, I think before I joined only one of them was a Christian. They picked the name because it sounded cool. We’ve kind of tried to base it around the scripture of Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what today may bring.”
Before the split up, the band shared a farewell message of faith with their fans. Below is the message:
“If there’s one thing I hope people think of when they think of our band forever, it’s Jesus. I have seen and toured with a lot of different bands with a lot of different agendas, messages, and personas. The reality of this thing is, for 10 years we’ve taken this as an opportunity to share the hope that we’ve found.”
For Today Christian Songs
As a band that upholds its faith and believes in the teachings and practices of Christianity, its songs are embedded with Christian themes and messages. The band was signed to Christian records labels and their songs have been listed on Christian music websites and charts.
As a Christian band, their songs come with Christian imagery and spiritual meanings. Here are a few songs by the band:
- Isaiah (The Willing)
“Here I am, God.
Send me to the world.
There is a burden on my heart to let the
world know that You are God.
From You, the mighty King of Kings,
I learn the word that sustains the weary
heart. But, I have been silent for far too
long. I love them too much to sit back and
watch them die.”
- From Zion
“Every living thing
will bow down at his feet.
And every enemy
will suffer defeat.
Our deliverer has come.”
- Crown of Thorns
“We crown Him with the crown of thorns
This is the end of a life that’s been poured out for all mankind (for all mankind)
In suffering, manifest glory has come at the fullness of time
King of Kings, beaten and broken down
Why would He live like a servant?
King of Kings, descending lower now”
Is For Today a Satanic Band?
No! For Today was not a Satanic band. The band was very expressive of their love for God and Jesus Christ and their beliefs in the Christian faith.
A Satanic band is identified by its portrayal of satanic practices. The lyrical composition and music videos of a Satanic band promote demon worship. The song lyrics are usually dark and creepy and most times condemn God.
For Today has not been linked with Satanism. They proudly support Christianity and spread the Gospel of God with their music. As such, we do not regard For Today as a Satanic band.
Conclusion
Though For Today has explored other themes in their songs, the band has stated that their songs ultimately spread the Gospel, give hope to people and help them overcome certain life challenges. Some of their songs tackle depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. They also address political and societal issues. The band tries to bring religious influences into each song they make.
The band has been very clear on its stance as a Christian band and after our analysis, we’ve come to the conclusion that For Today was a Christian band.
Think we were wrong? Write your reasoning in the comments and prove us wrong!