Convictions

A Christian metalcore unit based out of Fremont, Ohio, Convictions describe themselves as specializing in "aggressive worship music" that employs "an emotional mix of spirit-filled hardcore and ambiance." Citing contemporaries like Underoath and Bring Me the Horizon as influences, the group debuted in 2012 with the independently released I Am Nothing, leading to a deal with InVogue Records, which issued the band's sophomore effort, I Will Become, in 2016. Founded in 2012 by Michael Felker (vocals), John Fleishmann (bass, vocals), Josh Canode (guitar), Tommy Silva (guitar), and Zach Schwochow (drums), Convictions issued their first effort, the self-released I Am Nothing, in 2012. Featuring a guest spot by Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire, I Am Nothing debuted the band's spiritual approach, challenging the Christian worship norm by singing about darker, honest themes such as forgiveness, salvation, humility, and unworthiness. Their first EP, Unworthy, was released in 2013 and featured Ryan Kirby (Fit for a King) on the brutal "Heart of Fire." Their second EP, 2015's Hallowed Spirit/Violent Divide, debuted in the Top 10 Heavy Metal Albums chart on iTunes, which led to the band signing with InVogue Records. Their sophomore LP, I Will Become, arrived in 2016 and charted in the Top 20 on Billboard's Heatseekers list. The album featured labelmate Rory Rodriguez (Dayseeker) on track "Brothers Blood." 2018 saw the release of the band's third studio long-player, Hope for the Broken, which featured guest appearances by Chris Rotter of Like Moths to Flames and JT Woodruff of Hawthorne Heights. ~ Neil Z. Yeung