Alternate Albums for Holy Week
Happy Easter!
Hi Pal,
I planned to write something for Easter, but I’ve been sick in bed. Thankfully, I had written a similar piece in 2023, and I only had to make a few tweaks and updates to get it out to you. These recommendations are albums inspired by the events of the Holy Week that do not necessarily fit into the Sunday morning music catalogue. Have a wonderful Easter celebration.
Of Man — Cool Hand Luke (2011)
Indie Rock, Alternative Rock, Experimental Rock
Of Man is a concept album that tells the story of the final days of Jesus Christ on earth. It takes some creative leaps to tell the story from various perspectives like on the piano-driven indie rock tune “Are You Coming?” which tells the story of someone who is expecting healing for a family member when Jesus had already been arrested or on “The Confusion of Simon Peter”, a progressive rock ballad that details Peter’s emotional and mental state after the death of Christ.
These creative liberties may not appeal to everyone, but there is no question about the band's intent on this project. It is a reverent album that captures the spirit of the season with songs like “Not the End, Not the End” while managing to exude the despair and tragedy of the occasion with songs like “Goodbye for Now” and “The Last Supper.”
Ghosts Upon The Earth — Gungor (2011)
Experimental Folk
I can’t speak for where Gungor’s career is at the moment, but this album represents the best version of the band, in my opinion. Although this album is not directly Easter themed, it has always captured its spirit in my eyes.
From the depiction of perfect creation in songs like “Let There Be” and “Crags and Clay” to the fall of the human race reflected in songs like “The Fall” and “Ezekiel”, all culminating in a sacrifice being paid on “When Death Dies” and the hopeful bliss contained in songs like “This is Not The End” and “You Are The Beauty”.
This album is a concept album that tells the story of the entirety of the human experience in direct relationship with redeeming grace and love of a saving God.
The Crucifixion of Jesus — Fernando Ortega (2017)
Singer-Songwriter, Contemporary, Narration
Fernando Ortega is well known in CCM. As the title suggests, this album tells the story of pivotal events in Christ’s life that eventually led to his death. Using a mix of music and narrative interludes called “Readings”, Ortega sets the stage with classic Biblical events like the flogging at the temple [in “House of Prayer”], Jesus’ prayer at the garden [in “Stay With Me Here”] and the trial of Jesus ["in “My Song Is Love Unknown”].
From start to finish, this album is an experience I’ll encourage anyone to have at least once.
Frontline Presents: The Passion — Compilation (2014)
Heavy Metal
Widely regarded in the Christian metal scene as the best Easter album to date, this list would not have been complete without speaking about this album. This compilation has contributions from Christian glam metal icons Bloodgood on tracks like “Eat The Flesh” and “Crucify”; the thrash metal sensibilities of Vengeance Rising and Deliverance on songs like “Fill This Place With Blood”, “From The Dead”, “Flesh And Blood” and “Victory”.
This album has something for almost everyone who loves metal, with a balanced range of melodic and gritty tunes. I must admit that the best thing about this compilation is how explicitly Christian the lyrics are, focusing on the weight of the sacrifice and the joy of Christ’s resurrection in equal measure.
Familiar With Pain by Meadows (2024)
Hardcore
Hands down, the best core album released last year, Meadows released this concept album inspired by the final moments of Jesus’ life as He fulfilled his passion. Songs like “Heavy Eyes” draw inspiration from the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and it’s visceral and palpably intense in its approach.
“Life & Death By The Sword” and “Barabbas (Silence of Innocence)” are incredible tracks based on Christ’s words to Peter after he cuts off the ear of the soldier and the defence of Christ before Pilate. It’s a well-crafted album full of passion and grit that should appeal to most fans of the genre.
That’s it for today. I’ll go back to bed rest now.
Until next time!