Written by James Wall
There are some people who still believe that Christian metal is an oxymoron or even blasphemy. But to the Indiana-based Crown of Mercy, their spiritual faith is profoundly linked to their love of rock music. In this case, their progressive metal stylings is their way of pronouncing their religious beliefs. If you don’t share their Biblical leanings, don’t let it bias you before you hear their music. Crown of Mercy’s album New Beginnings has the guitar wallop of prime Blue Oyster Cult with the dreamy majesty of Queensrÿche.
James Wall: The whole idea of Christian metal is often misunderstood and not always accepted by the spiritual community because of certain hard rock groups’ association with Satanism and witchcraft in the past. Has Crown of Mercy experienced any resentment from conservative Christians because of metal’s notorious reputation?

Crown of Mercy: Hopefully, we can change that stereotype. We just want to use the humble gifts we have to glorify God. There will always be people who don’t like what we do. We can’t focus on that. We have to play what we feel in our souls. We pray that we touch and reach people for Christ. That’s all.
Wall: What secular metal or progressive rock bands do you think come closest to the philosophies that Crown of Mercy embodies?
COM: I do not believe any metal or progressive rock bands come close to our “philosophy.” Our focus is to tell the world about Jesus Christ and his grace. Crown of Mercy’s philosophy is to love God, love others, and all else follows. That is the only real philosophy that we follow. We speak with our music.
Wall: What artists were particularly influential on Crown of Mercy?
COM: (Dirk Werner) Lynch, Schenker, Satriani, Pettrucci, Van Halen, Brad Gillis. (Rick Johnson) Queensrÿche, Dream Theater, Journey with [Steve] Perry, Kansas, Night Ranger. (Mike Reed) Dream Theater, Rush, Kansas, Return to Forever and Spyro Gyra. (Jeremy Richardson) Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold, Godsmack, Disturbed, Tool.
Wall: The group Stryper were probably the most famous in using heavy metal to deliver Biblical teachings. Do you feel any kinship with them on a musical level?
COM: Not really. We’re both categorized as Christian rock bands but that is about the only thing that is similar about us. Their style leans more to “hair metal” whereas we follow more of the progressive rock sound. I will admit that Michael Sweet has a great voice. I like their music; they are a good band, and I wouldn’t mind hanging out with them.
Wall: How did Crown of Mercy get together?
COM: God said “Dirk call Mike and Rick and start a band.”
Wall: Did you grow up in a Christian family? How did they feel about you listening to heavy metal? Were there any problems?

COM: (Rick Johnson) Crown of Mercy is a perfect example of God’s love. We all came from different backgrounds but ended up on the same mission. Were there any problems? Of course there were, for example Mike’s mom bought him Nazareth’s Hair of the Dog thinking it was a Christian album; Dirk heard “turn it down” a lot; Jeremy’s mom didn’t want him listening to hard rock, Mike helped change that, and Rick’s mom punched him in the mouth. None of these problems were too big for God.
http://www.crownofmercy.com
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