Vertical Horizon was created as a folk-based acoustic band in 1991. The American rock band was formed in Washington, D.C. by guitarists Matt Scannell and Keith Kane who were students at Georgetown University.
The duo released their debut album “There and Back Again” in 1992, toured, and remained as a duo until drummer Ed Toth joined the band in 1996. The lineup of the band has changed severally throughout its years of operation, the band currently houses; lead vocalist Matt Scannell, drummer Ron LaVella, bassist Mark Pacificar, and guitarist John Wesley.
Vertical Horizon was not so popular until 1999 when the band released its breakthrough single “Everything You Want” which peaked at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100, and Billboard Adult Top 40 and was the most-played single of 2000.
Some songs by Vertical Horizon contain religious overtones which have led listeners to question the band’s religious stance. An analysis of some relevant factors in this article will provide answers to the question: Is Vertical Horizon a Christian band?
Is Vertical Horizon a Religious Band?

Songs by Vertical Horizon have been perceived to contain some religious themes and messages. Not all members of the band have publicly shared information on their religious stance, so not much is known about their religious status.
However, the band’s frontman, vocalist Scannell has shared some vital information on his religious beliefs and background. In an interview with Scannell and Shawna Ortega, Scannell revealed that he was raised in a religious home and still holds some religious beliefs. In his words:
“Yeah, I know. There are plenty of people who would be able to speak more eloquently to it than I can, but I think one of the things about religion is it causes a certain fervor, and you want your belief to be constantly renewed or reinforced, have them made to seem true. I was raised Catholic. I don’t go to church every Sunday, but I go to church on Sundays. And there are things about religion that are beautiful. But it’s a very personal thing for me. And I’m just not interested in projecting that outward through my music. I just don’t come from that place at all. And I’m amazed at how many people try to put it there. But that’s fine. If they want it to be there, that’s fine. I just would hate for someone to listen to “You’re A God” and think that it’s a song about letting go of religion.”
The religious background of other band members remains unknown, as they have not made public comments about it or publicly associated with religious organizations.
Notwithstanding, some songs by the band make use of religious imagery and inferences that give them a religious overtone. Some such songs include;
“You Are a God” by Vertical Horizon
“Cause you’re a god
And I am not
And I just thought
That you would know
You’re a god
And I am not
And I just thought
I’d let you go”
Though the song above might mean something very different from religion, we’ve been attracted to the use of religious imagery in the song by the band to share the intended message.
In “When You Cry” by Vertical Horizon, the songwriter employs some religious terms to pass a message to listeners. Below are the lyrics:
“Heaven knows that you’re with me now
Heaven knows that you’re here
I feel your breath all around me now
And all the pain just disappears
It goes away, it goes away “
“Everything You Want” has always sparked debates among listeners. Many have interpreted the song to be a religious song and the “He” referring to God, while others believe it is more about love and relationship. Here are the lyrics:
“But under-skinned knees and the skid marks
Past the places where you used to learn
You howl and listen
Listen and wait for the
Echoes of angels who won’t return
He’s everything you want
He’s everything you need
He’s everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
He says all the right things
At exactly the right time
But he means nothing to you
And you don’t know why”
Songs by Vertical Horizon are usually vague and creative. Their songs are ambiguous and the band has mentioned that listeners could interpret the songs in ways that soothe them.
What Kind of Music Band is Vertical Horizon?
Vertical Horizon is an alternative rock band. The band started as a folk and acoustic band before evolving gradually into a rock and pop outfit. Alternative music bands are classified as those whose songs are not subject to commercialization. It refers to a music genre, distinct from mainstream or commercial rock.
Most alternative rock bands are signed to independent record labels and receive limited or no attention from the mainstream. Vertical Horizon’s music is a fusion genre of post-grunge, alternative rock, pop rock, and acoustic rock. These genres are characterized by distorted guitars, less intense and abrasive tones, professional songwriting, and the use of acoustic instruments.
Songs by Vertical Horizon are laced around a plethora of themes, some of which are; love and relationship, sarcasm, trust and friendship, faith, regrets and pain, and religion and spirituality amongst others.
Vertical Horizon has been in the American music scene for as long as 32 years and it is one of the oldest music bands in the country. The band released 3 full-length albums before getting signed into RCA records. The band’s breakthrough album “Everything You Want” was released in 1999 and over 2 million copies were sold.
Many of the band’s songs have topped several US charts. “Everything You Want” peaked at no. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and was the band’s most-played single in 2000. The band is known for its vagueness and ambiguity in writing songs.
Is Vertical Horizon a Christian Band?

Christianity is a religion based on the practices, lifestyle, and teachings of Jesus Christ, the founder and head of the faith. True Christians believe in the teachings, pillars, and structure of the Christian religion and their lives should reflect these teachings and practices.
Similarly, a Christian band has accepted the ideals and beliefs of Christianity. Members of a Christian band are mostly Christians that have openly affirmed their faith in the religion and their lifestyles reflect Christianity.
To be labeled a Christian band, such a band must have been publicly identified as one. Their music and concepts must reflect the beliefs of Christianity.
Vertical Horizon is known for exploring a variety of themes in its songs, one of which is religion. The band has made use of Christian symbolism and themes in some of their songs. These themes are most times portrayed ambiguously, leaving listeners to rack their brains on what the songs mean.
No member of the band except Scannell has identified with Christianity. In an interview with Scannell and Songfacts, the vocalist revealed that he was brought up in a catholic home, he goes to church and the religion is beautiful to him. However, he stated that his Christian beliefs are personal to him because not all members of the band share the same beliefs.
He asserted also that he is not interested in projecting his Christianity in his music but upholds them personally which somehow influences the songs he writes. This implies that Vertical Horizon is not a Christian band.
Ex-member of the band, drummer Ed Toth stated clearly that the band is not a Christian band. In a question and answer session with fans, members of the band said that the notion of Vertical Horizon being a Christian band is a false rumor.
Nonetheless, members of the band have agreed that some of their songs have some religious overtones and reflect some Christian practices and beliefs. One such song is “Prayer for an Innocent Man.” Below are the lyrics:
“Oh won’t you listen O Lord to my plea for justice
Can’t you hear my cry for help
Try to heed my honest prayer
And judge me in my favor
‘Cause you know my heart
You have come to me at night
But it’s so hard to speak no evil
In a hole deprived of light
So I pray for you to answer
And to turn to me and smile
Shower me with love to save me
From demons deep inside
Protect me as you would your own eyes
In the shadows of your wings
And learn to know the sound that echoes
When an innocent man sings”
Vertical Horizon Christian Songs
Though they make use of Christian imagery in some of their songs, songs by Vertical Horizon are not classified as Christian songs. They do not meet the requirements to be labeled as a Christian song as such, Vertical Horizon has no Christian songs.
Is Vertical Horizon a Satanic Band?

A Satanic band is one whose songs reflect the practices of Satanism which is usually characterized by dark and creepy themes, demon worship, or promotion of satanic practices through their videos, graphics, performances, and other musical elements.
Vertical Horizon does not portray the features mentioned above, as such, we do not consider the band a Satanic band.
Conclusion
Though some songs by Vertical Horizon make references to Christianity, the band does not fancy being pigeonholed as a Christian band. They have outrightly stated that they do not operate under that “Christian” umbrella and have urged listeners to develop personal interpretations of the songs. We’ve also noticed that most songs by the band cannot be categorized as Christian songs, as such we don’t consider Vertical Horizon to be a Christian band.
Think we were wrong? Write your reasoning in the comments and prove us wrong!