Believer (band)
American technical thrash metal band with symphonic and progressive elements.
Believer is an American technical thrash metal band from Pennsylvania, formed in 1986. The band blends thrash and progressive metal, incorporating symphonic elements, and addresses philosophy, theology, and social issues in its lyrics. They are noted for their innovative use of classical instrumentation in extreme metal.
Quick Facts
- Also known as
- Deceiver (1985–1986)
- Origin
- Colebrook Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Genre
- Thrash metal
- progressive metal
- Christian metal
- Years active
- 1986–1994, 2005–2017 (on hiatus)
- Label
- Metal Blade
- R.E.X.
- Roadrunner
- Current members
- Kurt Bachman
- Joey Daub
- Jeff King
- Kevin Leaman
- Past members
- Dave Baddorf
- Howe Kraft
- Scott Laird
- Wyatt Robertson
- Jim Winters
- Elton Nestler
Facts from the source article.
History
Believer was formed in Colebrook, Pennsylvania in 1986 by drummer Joey Daub and vocalist-guitarist Kurt Bachman, joined by Howe Kraft (bass) and David Baddorf (guitar). Originally called Deceiver, the band played covers of Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Judas Priest before changing its name to Believer after hearing the Ozzy Osbourne song of the same name. They released the cassette The Return in 1987 and shifted to thrash metal, as the band felt they could write thrash better than other styles. In high school, Bachman met Scott Laird, a music instructor who composed an orchestral intro for the title track of their first studio album. Believer signed with R.E.X. Records in 1989, which released Extraction from Mortality; the album was distributed mainly to Christian bookstores but gained popularity, establishing Believer as a leading Christian metal group. The song "Not Even One" appeared on Roadrunner Records' compilation At Death's Door in 1990, leading to a contract with Roadrunner.
Music and legacy
Believer's music features raw distortion, time changes, technical riffs, and raspy vocals, with ambience from industrial elements and occasional classical strings. Their song structures are complicated and progressive; the debut is straightforward thrash, while Sanity Obscure is more technical and progressive, and Dimensions is experimental and avant-garde. Gabriel is described as a natural progression from Dimensions, with more processed voices and sound effects but fewer symphonic elements, and Bachman's vocals are notably higher. The band is recognized for employing female vocals, violins, cellos, and choirs before it was common in metal. Jeff Wagner noted that the song "Dies Irae" was a creative watershed, merging classical elements with extreme metal and foreshadowing bands like Therion and Nightwish. Believer has influenced acts such as Extol, Living Sacrifice, and Killswitch Engage.
Christianity
Regarding whether Believer is a Christian band, Daub stated in a 2009 interview that the answer is both yes and no, explaining that he and Bachman disliked being limited to a certain belief or style. He said the key focus is to encourage people to think for themselves, and that on Extraction they used Bible-based themes but did not want to preach. Bachman commented that they never wanted to be known as a Christian band, noting that the record company promoted that angle as something unique. He added that he has always tried to avoid labeling the band, considering it entertainment, and that labels can cause people to dismiss the music based on genre. Both members expressed discomfort with being categorized, whether by belief or musical style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Believer (band) from?
Believer originated in Colebrook Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Which record labels has Believer (band) released music on?
Believer has released music on Metal Blade, R.E.X. and Roadrunner.
Who are the current members of Believer (band)?
The current members of Believer are listed as Kurt Bachman, Joey Daub, Jeff King and Kevin Leaman.
More in American Progressive Metal Musical Groups
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