Renowned vocalist Darwin Hobbs is making a highly anticipated return to music with the release of Set List Vol. 1 (HeartArt Music / Tyscot), his first album in 16 years. “It’s a grouping of songs that work well within a set list that any worship leader in the church can use,” he says.

The six-track, six-video digital album was produced by Hobbs alongside 20-year-old producer Jaden Baker (his grandmother is celebrated pastor Sheryl Brady) and millennial Rachel James. They bring a variety of influences and flavors to this sweeping set of elaborately orchestrated praise and worship songs that fuse the bigness of Elevation Worship with the dramatic heartiness of Shekinah Glory Ministry.

It opens with a beautiful instrumental entitled, “Overture” and then sets the atmosphere with a soulful cover of “Be Glorified,” a 1991 Ron Kenoly cut. “Ron Kenoly made it popular, and I always liked it and wanted to record it,” Hobbs says. “I’ve been singing it for 20 years. We spruced it up some and added a tag that I created.”

The live album was recorded at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s a powerful suite of songs designed to lead congregations into heartfelt worship such as “I Command My Soul,” featuring the riveting vocals of Antavia Jackson; the triumphant congregational anthem “Hallelujah to the King,” co-written by Hobbs; and “Hallelujah (Praise Be to God).”

The album concludes with “All the Glory Is Yours,” written by Israel Houghton and featuring gospel powerhouse Latrice Pace, whose power and glory line from “The Lord’s Prayer” on the coda, provides a breathtaking climax to the recording. The project was captured before a passionate audience and has been divided into two separate album releases, beginning with Set List Vol. 1 which features six audio tracks and six music videos.

Worship Singer Darwin Hobbs of “He’s Able” Fame Releases First Album in 16 Years 

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Although, he’s often called a worship leader, Hobbs rejects the concept. “I can’t lead worship,” he protests. “When we limit the idea of worship to music, we miss it. Worship isn’t just holding a microphone and singing songs. It’s how you live. I’m a song leader. I lead songs – not worship.”

In the past, Hobbs was hailed as the “Luther Vandross of Gospel” for his distinctive vocal tone but for the last decade, he’s been devoted to Sunday morning church music. Over the course of that decade, he’s been mentoring and training worship teams at prominent churches across the United States. He’s the Global Worship pastor for the New York-based Christian Cultural Center (CCC) fellowship that has campuses across the United States. “I oversee all of that for the church.”

Over the years, Hobbs’ signature hit, “He’s Able,” his duet “Nobody But Jesus” with Shirley Murdock and other songs have kept Hobbs’ voice on the minds and hearts of many. Now, Set List Vol. 1 promises to keep these songs on the hearts and minds of church music departments and congregations all over the world.

 Worship leaders Phil Wickham and Pat Barrett have released a new live recording of “Praise The Lord Forever,” capturing the in-person worship that has made the song an anthem in churches and arenas across the country. Recorded during a special appearance by Barrett on Wickham’s Song of the Saints Tour stop in Minneapolis, the release highlights a moment both artists knew they wanted to share long after the night was over.

Praise The Lord Forever – Phil Wickham & Pat Barrett

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The worship anthem was originally co-written for Barrett’s latest album, I’ve Got A Fire, by Wickham, Barrett, Jonathan Smith, Benjamin William Hastings, and Ben Smith. “Praise The Lord Forever” quickly became a favorite for both artists. As Barrett began leading the song each night on Brandon Lake’s King of Hearts Tour, he regularly texted Wickham about the powerful response it was receiving and how deeply it was resonating with audiences across the country.

When Barrett joined Wickham onstage in Minneapolis last month, the two friends finally had the opportunity to lead the song together. The worship-filled moment was marked by thousands of voices singing the simple refrain, “Praise the Lord,” which was captured live, creating a recording that reflects the joy, unity, and hope the song has inspired since it was first written.

From the moment they wrote it, both artists sensed “Praise The Lord Forever” was one of those rare worship songs that feels like you’ve known it for years, simple, timeless, and filled with joy.

“I love this song. Ever since Pat and I wrote it, we both felt there was something special about it,” shares Phil Wickham. “Leading this song together on the Song of the Saints Tour was an unforgettable moment for me. There was such a tangible sense of joy in the room. Hearing thousands of people sing the simple words, ‘Praise the Lord,’ was beautiful. It never gets old. I can’t wait for y’all to hear this moment we captured.”

Barrett adds, “This song is incredibly meaningful to me, and I’ve loved getting to lead it in rooms all across the country this past year. It was so fun to share this moment with Phil and record this special version. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

Uniniafore Benita Jegede, known professionally as NiniJegz, is a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter, and worship leader based in Regina, Saskatchewan. With more than 13 years of experience serving in choirs, music groups, worship ministries, and solo music projects, she has spent much of her life using music to inspire, connect, and tell stories of faith, hope, and personal growth.

Drawing from her experiences as an artist, songwriter, and leader within her local church community, NiniJegz creates music that speaks to the realities of everyday life while pointing listeners toward God’s purpose and love. Her journey has taken her through various musical expressions, but in this new season she is embracing a deeper calling to share the message of Christ through gospel music.

Her debut gospel single, Better, is a heartfelt declaration of God’s transforming power and faithfulness. Inspired by her own journey of surrender and growth, the song serves as a reminder that no matter where life begins, God is able to lead us into something greater. Through her music, NiniJegz hopes to encourage those who feel lost, overlooked, or uncertain of their purpose, helping them discover that they were created intentionally and are deeply loved by God.

Better marks the beginning of a new chapter for NiniJegz and the first of many songs dedicated to sharing faith, hope, and the goodness of God with the world.

Better – NiniJegz 

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AOH Music announces the release of their new worship single, “In Your Presence,” available worldwide on Friday, June 26, 2026. Written by Brianne Nealon and Jack Garno, the song is a heartfelt prayer of reverence and gratitude — rooted in a real-life encounter with Christ and crafted to lead listeners from the noise of everyday life into the peace of God’s presence.

Featuring worship artists Brianne and Fernando Torres, “In Your Presence” was born from a routine and stressful day that became anything but ordinary. While walking through Jersey City, one of the writers, Brianne Nealon, passed a church with doors wide open. Drawn inside, she found herself before Jesus in adoration overwhelmed by the gift of being welcomed into His presence. That moment became the seed of the song: an invitation to step away from the busyness of life and encounter the living God.

In Your Presence – AOH Music Feat. Brianne & Fernando Torres

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The single captures the movement from chaos to stillness, from striving to surrender. With lyrics centered on the Cross, the power of Christ’s sacrifice and the healing found in His presence, the song proclaims freedom and victory for every listener. The bridge builds communally — “In Your presence there is hope / In Your presence healing flows / In Your presence chains will fall / As we come together to worship You” — making clear that this is not just a personal devotional but a congregational anthem, designed to be sung together in worship.

Both intimate and communal, “In Your Presence” reflects the DNA of AOH Music — worship that is raw, Spirit-led and accessible. The song reminds listeners that God’s presence is not distant: He calls us by name, meets us where we are and invites us to kneel before Him in awe of all He has done.

“What began as an ordinary afternoon became a powerful reminder of the gift of being in the presence of the Living God. Our prayer is that this song draws every listener into His presence, where hope, healing and freedom are always found.”

— Brianne Nealon, AOH Music

“In Your Presence” follows the February 2026 release of BEHOLD (Acoustic Live), Vol. 2, AOH Music’s critically praised live worship album that showcased the band’s ability to capture authentic, Spirit-led moments of prayer and encounter.

 Rising Christian sister duo The Band JAREN continues their ascent in the CCM space with the release of their stirring new single, “A Symphony,” available everywhere now. Combining cinematic orchestration, soaring melodies, and an authentic message of surrender, the song serves as a powerful reminder that every gift, talent, and season of life is ultimately meant to point back to Jesus.

A Symphony – The Band Jaren

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Written during a deeply personal season of seeking God’s direction, “A Symphony” reflects the band’s journey of learning what it means to lay down personal ambition and allow Christ to take center stage.

“‘A Symphony’ was born out of alone time with the Lord,” shares The Band JAREN. “It captures a season where God was teaching us what it looks like to surrender our own plans and trust His. We had spent years pursuing music our own way, striving and pushing through disappointment, until the Lord asked us to step back and completely redirect the focus. Since then, we’ve seen His faithfulness every step of the way.”

Inspired in part by a Psalm that calls for every instrument to praise the Lord, the song paints a vivid picture of creation joining together in worship. The imagery of heartstrings woven into a symphony became a central theme, symbolizing the surrender of one’s heart to God’s greater purpose. Drawing from their extensive backgrounds in classical music, the sisters infused the track with orchestral elements rarely heard in contemporary Christian pop and rock.

“We both grew up playing in symphonies and have always had a deep respect for classical music,” the duo explains. “This is the first time we’ve incorporated a full range of symphonic instruments into one of our songs, including strings, horns, woodwinds, flutes, tubas, timpani, and orchestral arrangements.”

A standout moment arrives in the bridge, featuring a prominent violin solo that highlights those classical roots while elevating the song’s emotional and spiritual impact.

Following the success of recent releases including “Poetic” and “just look at HIM,” The Band JAREN continues to establish themselves as one of Christian music’s most compelling emerging acts. Partnered with BrickHouse Entertainment for management and Hit and Run Music for label services, the duo has amassed more than 25 million career streams while building a passionate audience through authentic, faith-centered content.

Through viral series such as “Did You Read Your Bible Today?” and a growing presence across social platforms, The Band JAREN is connecting with a generation hungry for truth, authenticity, and hope.

2026 Festival Appearances:
July 9 – Lifest – Oshkosh, WI
August 15 – Sidney, OH
August 22 – Fort Payne, AL
August 29 – Sabetha, KS

ABOUT THE BAND JAREN: The Band JAREN is a powerhouse sister duo from Michigan, driven by a bold mission to call wandering hearts back to Christ through passionate, faith-filled music. Raised in a home where love for Jesus and music ran deep, sisters Jaren and Jade were reading sheet music before they could read English.

With backgrounds in piano, guitar, classical violin, and songwriting, their talents and testimonies intertwine to create a sound that’s both anthemic and authentic. After seasons of surrender and rediscovery, the two joined forces to form The Band JAREN, an all-female act unafraid to confront lukewarm Christianity and the darkness of the secular world with light, fun, and spiritual boldness.

Their music resonates especially with Gen Z, blending raw honesty, vibrant energy, and unwavering hope in Jesus. At their core, The Band JAREN exists to inspire faith and ignite revival. BrickHouse Entertainment manages the Band JAREN.

ABOUT HIT AND RUN MUSIC:
Hit and Run Music is a dynamic label dedicated to accelerating the marketing and distribution of artists’ music. Spearheaded by the expertise of industry leaders Scott Brickell, Ron Smith, and Chase Swayze, Hit and Run Music combines extensive industry knowledge with exceptional music to reach listeners and grow artists’ careers. “We believe that great songs open doors of opportunity and can truly change the world.”

Lazarus Casket enter the summer of 2026 with real momentum: a confirmed cycle of shows in various Southern California markets, a fresh official lyric video for “Me vs. Me,” they are currently writing, recording, and mixing a brand new EP in 2026, and they continue to push their debut EP ‘Spiritual Warfare’ (2025) from The Charon Collective that continues to strengthen their place in modern faith-driven extreme metal.

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Spiritual Warfare’ album release cycle #2, playing the album in its entirety, in sequence:

7/31/26 @worldfamousdollhut Anaheim CA

8/01/26 @relentlessbrewing Temecula CA

8/15/26 @thefamousregal Lakewood CA

more winter shows TBA. For booking email: ADHDentertainment562@gmail.com

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

– Proverbs 27:17 NLT

Some bands return quietly. Others come back sounding like unfinished business.

That is the atmosphere surrounding Lazarus Casket right now. The Long Beach, California band are heading into summer 2026 album release shows cycle #2; playing ‘Spiritual Warfare’ in its entirety, in sequence, in various Southern California market’s while pushing forward with the official lyric video for “Me vs. Me”, a track tied to the band’s latest era and to the weighty, compact force of their EP Spiritual Warfare.

For Eternal Flames readers who followed our earlier coverage of the band’s previous release cycle, this new chapter feels less like a random update and more like a continuation of a story already in motion. If you missed that piece, go back to our earlier article: Lazarus Casket “Spiritual Warfare” – A Tribute to Metal and Personal Battles.

In a 2026 metal landscape flooded with content, Lazarus Casket stand out by sounding focused. Their material does not chase trend cycles or algorithmic gimmicks. It leans instead on tension, discipline, and the old heavy truth that metal still matters most when it feels lived rather than manufactured.

“Me vs. Me” and the Visual Weight of the New Era:

The official lyric video for “Me vs. Me” gives Lazarus Casket another strong entry point in 2026. The song carries the same essential traits that have helped define this period of the band: aggressive riffing, a sense of deliberate pressure, and a lyrical approach that does not hide from struggle. The title itself points toward transition, ordeal, and confrontation rather than easy resolution.

That matters because Lazarus Casket do not present heaviness as empty theatre. Their music keeps circling back to battle, endurance, inner fracture, and the possibility of spiritual clarity through conflict. “Me vs. Me” feels consistent with that worldview. It is not metal as costume. It is metal as collision.

Compared to many contemporary extreme releases that disappear into technical excess, Lazarus Casket sound more intentional. The grooves land. The arrangement pushes forward with purpose. The emotional angle is not sentimental, but it is unmistakably present.

From “Spiritual Warfare” to the summer of 2026:

Part of what makes this moment convincing is that it is built on a strong foundation. ‘Spiritual Warfare’, released via The Charon Collective, is not an overlong statement padded for streaming logic. It is a six-track EP running roughly twenty minutes, and that economy works in its favor.

There is a discipline to the record that many heavier releases lack. It attacks quickly, stays focused, and leaves little waste behind. That is one reason it connected beyond the immediate circle of loyal followers. It also helps explain why the band’s momentum now feels earned rather than inflated.

The earlier single “Into Eternity” also gave the band a measurable boost, landing at #9 on the CMW Top 100 Metal/Loud Songs of 2025. For an underground act, that kind of recognition does not rewrite everything overnight, but it does confirm that people are paying attention.

Why This Matters for Christian and Extreme Metal in 2026:

Lazarus Casket sit in an interesting space. They are heavy enough to matter in extreme circles, but their thematic direction also opens a lane inside the wider conversation around faith-driven metal. That does not make them soft. It makes them more layered.

And that is precisely where some of the most compelling Christian metal in 2026 is happening: not in sanitised imitation, but in artists willing to carry spiritual conflict into genuinely aggressive forms. As explored in our wider coverage of Christian metal in 2026, the scene’s strongest material often comes from bands that understand tension better than certainty.

Compared with the polished melodic strain emerging in some parts of the scene, Lazarus Casket feel harsher, more physical, and more rooted in the vocabulary of struggle. That gives them a distinctive place in the current map of faith-aware heavy music.

Lazarus Casket (2026):

Jason Tyler – vocals

Aaron Miller – guitars

Robert Madrigal – bass

Chris Griles O’Reilly – drums

 A collective of the next generation of worship leaders creating songs for the Church steeped in Biblical truth and musical excellence, Decatur, Alabama-based Ezra Worship presents “Same God” (feat. Marco Virtudazo). Spotlighting the Calvin University Gospel Choir, the NCS Records single was penned by Marco Virtudazo, Phoebe Scott, Mary Lazenby Bridges, John Chisum, and George Godwin.

An anthem of humble repentance extolling the Lord’s unending kindness and mercy, “Same God” was produced by GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winner Chris Springer and executive produced by Ezra Worship’s George and Carol Godwin along with NCS Records/Nashville Christian Songwriters founder and president John Chisum.

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The single arrives on the heels of last month’s “Great and Glorious God” (feat. Anne Elise Sherrod), the title-track of Ezra Worship’s forthcoming NCS Records EP. All collaborations with the Calvin University Gospel Choir, the four-song Great and Glorious God set releases July 24 and also includes the gratitude-filled ballad “Faithful Through It All” (feat. Alyssa Campbell) and the soulful “Praise Upon Praise” (feat. Rebekah Trapnell).

“Ezra Worship’s partnership with the Calvin University Gospel Choir was off the charts,” shares NCS Records/Nashville Christian Songwriters founder and president John Chisum. “This was one of the most impactful worship experiences I’ve had in a long time. A special bond exists between the Ezra Worship vocalists and the Calvin choir, and this is a collaboration that I hope endures for years to come.”

Echoing Chisum’s sentiments, Ezra Worship Initiative director George Godwin says, “The collaboration with the Calvin University Gospel Choir brought this vision to life in a powerful way. Hearing diverse voices sing these truths together provides a beautiful picture of God’s people united in worship. The joy and unity of the choir remind us that worship is both deeply personal and wonderfully communal.”

ABOUT EZRA WORSHIP
A division of the Ezra Worship Initiative — a seminary-based internship program in Decatur, Alabama, raising up worship leaders to serve the Church through sound theology, excellent leadership, accomplished musicianship, and practical audio tech training — Ezra Worship is a songwriting collective comprised of college-aged students pursuing bi-vocational or full-time music and worship leadership. Nurturing young writers in the creation of a powerful new stream of modern congregational music and resources, Ezra Worshipblends the best of historical worship with contemporary musical expressions.

ABOUT NASHVILLE CHRISTIAN SONGWRITERS AND NCS RECORDS
Established in 2015 by veteran music industry executive John Chisum to help meet the unique needs of aspiring artists and writers, Nashville Christian Songwriters (NCS) flourishes today as a multifaceted organization with worldwide reach, boasting one of Christian music’s premier training and coaching programs, among other signature services. The company’s label, NCS Records, has quickly amassed a stable of acclaimed artists, including American Idol’s Clark Beckham, award-winning singer/songwriter John Chisum, lauded indie-rockers Eauclaire, and singer/songwriter and worship leader Justin Barnett. Comprised of a world-class recording studio, podcast suite and versatile event space, NCS is located in the heart of Nashville’s Berry Hill creative district.

Emerging Christian recording artist Grace Frances makes a striking first impression with the release of her debut single, “Again,” available today.

Honest and deeply rooted in faith, the song offers a first glimpse of her forthcoming debut album, Clothed With Dignity, due for release in Fall 2026.

While much of today’s Christian music emphasizes triumph, “Again” begins in the middle of the struggle. Written during one of the most difficult seasons of Frances’s life, the song captures the exhaustion of repeating destructive cycles and the longing for lasting change.

Again – Grace Frances

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“I wrote that song during a period where I felt trapped in destructive patterns,” Frances recalls. “I remember crying in my kitchen, exhausted from ending up in the same place over and over again.”

That moment gave birth to the song’s defining lyric: “I’m sick of my own ways, I’m here again in the same place.” Rather than offering easy answers, “Again” invites listeners into an authentic portrait of faith where surrender begins with honesty.

A Miami-based Christian recording artist and songwriter, Grace Frances approaches contemporary Christian music from a refreshingly countercultural perspective. Inspired by the biblical example of the Virtuous Woman in Proverbs 31, she writes songs that explore love, faith, struggle, healing, perseverance, and the everyday realities of walking with God.

Clothed With Dignity documents two transformations happening at once: Grace Frances stepping fully into her Christian faith while simultaneously embracing her calling as a recording

artist. Both journeys unfolded naturally after years of spiritual searching and creative exploration.

Every song on Clothed With Dignity was written solely by Grace Frances before she teamed up with two-time Latin Grammy-nominated and Billboard-charting producer Eddy Beethoven.

Recorded during an intense five-week creative sprint, the album blends peaceful piano ballads, cinematic textures, subtle orchestral arrangements, and moody ambiance into a sound that allows her expressive vocals to remain front and center.

Raised in a nominally Catholic household, Frances spent years searching for spiritual fulfillment before embracing Christianity following a season of prayer and profound personal transformation.

“The true reality of walking with God is that sometimes life is beautiful and everything makes sense,” she says. “But sometimes you feel like you’re just trying to keep your head above water. I write honest and genuine songs. I don’t want to force things to be positive or glamorize them. Each song I write is about something I’ve gone through or endured.”

With “Again,” Grace Frances introduces herself as an artist unafraid to reveal life’s broken places while pointing listeners toward hope, healing, and redemption.

“Before I found my faith, I was driving with no destination,” she says. “Everything I’ve built came after I gave my life to God.”

“Amazing God” by Ronkeji delivers a message that resonates with Christians seeking a deeper relationship with God. Through its inspiring lyrics and beautiful melody, this song encourages listeners to remain steadfast in faith while celebrating God’s goodness and faithfulness.

“Amazing God” is a powerful gospel song that inspires believers to worship God wholeheartedly and trust in His unfailing love. The song carries a rich message of faith, hope, gratitude, and devotion, making it a valuable addition to every gospel music playlist.

“Amazing God” by Ronkeji is suitable for personal devotion and prayer, perfect for church services and worship gatherings. A great addition to your gospel music collection.

If you are looking for uplifting gospel music that strengthens your spiritual walk and creates an atmosphere of worship, “Amazing God” is a song worth listening to.

Amazing God – Ronkeji 

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Gospel minister and worship leader Femi Bakare releases a powerful new single, “When I Pray” — a Spirit-led anthem rooted in Jude 1:20 and the transformative truth of praying in the Holy Ghost.

Femi Bakare, a seasoned gospel  music minister and worship leader, has released a compelling new single titled “When I Pray.” The song is anchored in the scriptural truth of Jude 1:20 — “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit” — and delivers a faith-stirring message about what truly happens when God’s children pray.

 When I Pray – Femi Bakare

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Written from a place of deep spiritual revelation, this is more than a worship song — it is a prophetic declaration that prayer is a divine partnership between the believer and the Holy Spirit, not merely a religious habit or routine.

• Transformative Power of Prayer — The song highlights what shifts in the spiritual realm when a believer prays according to God’s will.
• The Believer’s Position in Prayer — Listeners are reminded of their authority and identity as they approach God in intercession.
• Holy Spirit as Guide and Intercessor — The song draws on Romans 8:26, affirming the Spirit’s role in empowering prayer beyond human ability.
• Building Spiritual Capacity — Prayer is framed as a discipline that grows faith, not just addresses needs.
• Unlocking Divine Purpose — “When I Pray” encourages believers to align with heaven’s agenda through consistent, Spirit-led communion.
  “Prayer is not a spiritual routine — it is a divine partnership that strengthens faith, reveals position, builds capacity, and unlocks God’s purpose.” — Femi Bakare, on When I Pray