Today’s metal scene is a very dark place. Social networking sites are littered with bands that revel in their own depression, emptiness and isolation. Other bands only emulate their peers by making a bunch of noise with zero lyrical or musical substance to speak of, hoping that the kids in the crowd will hear something they like in their “music.” But Biola’s own Phinehas have a different mentality when it comes to playing metal, complete with a unique and talented sound.

Since forming in 2003, the changing members of Phinehas have all believed that their message is more important than fame; that is quite oppositional to the current metal scene’s way of thinking.

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The main idea that sparked the formation of Phinehas was the “huge demographic of people being witnessed to by Christians going to Christian events and Harvest Crusades,” explained Biola alum guitarist Glenn Gizzi.

“[There is] just a huge over-saturation of evangelism, and we were sick of it. Our hearts went out to all those kids who wouldn’t want to go to those things.”

With a sense of compassion towards people outside the Christian community, Phinehas has worked to interact with those who have been hurt by Christianity and religion.

“[It] feels like [Christians] almost aren’t willing to go out to the dark parts,” said Biola senior drummer Lee Humerian.

Phinehas is willing to go there. In fact, they feel called to it.

There are many reasons why non-believers may be interested in Phinehas’ brand of metal.

“With innocence being taken away at such a young age, and sex [being] introduced much younger, the wisdom of the world is more in place,” said Gizzi. “The harsher side of life is introduced sooner, and kids aren’t getting any answers.”

Instead of pretending life is easy, and everything works out, Phinehas strive for a clearer perspective of reality.

Gizzi explained how believers who go to Christian events view Christianity.

“You work hard, and your family will be great,” he said. “When really, life is hard, it’s not gentle, and kids want to know how we’re able to feel happy in life, and I think it transcends out of our music.”

The years spent developing their ministry prepared Phinehas for sharing the Gospel with the metal scene, and it’s safe to say that the hard work has been well worth it. Although the task at hand may seem daunting with the dismal worldview of the metal crowd, Phinehas is optimistic that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ will reach those who need to hear it.

“Christians aren’t supposed to be tolerant or intolerant of people,” Gizzi said. “A lot of Christians say, ‘I don’t listen to this music, I don’t watch these movies, I don’t smoke.’ But we don’t care and God doesn’t care about that stuff.”

The guys in Phinehas are passionate about accepting everyone in their music and performances, especially those that feel there is no place for them in the church.

Unlike their hardcore peers, Phinehas’ music is not intense just to keep up with a trend; their love for Christ and others is the source of their passion.

“It’s our form of worship,” said vocalist Sean McCulloch. “Non-Christians can see that and they wonder ‘what’s behind that?’ Kids want to know why we’re being so intense.”

With the release of their self-titled EP featuring crowd favorites such as “The Jungle,” “PanHammer” and a new track titled “I Am the Lion,” the men of Phinehas are gearing up for much bigger things. Recently, they have started writing and recording a full-length album titled, “The God Machine.”

“We all have things we put in front of God, whether it’s music, school, money, there are a ton of things that people worship,” said McCulloch, explaining the vision for the full-length. “What we strive for shows what our gods are, and that’s something to be terrified about.”

The full-length album is looking at a summer release, and will features 10 to 12 tracks of blistering riffs, pounding rhythms and, of course, a message of hope for the hurting and unloved.