Ashes Awaken Release New Single and Performance Video 'Hallelujah'
Christian metal project, Ashes Awaken have released their latest single and performance video, 'Hallelujah,' available now on all major streaming platforms. Featured on the band’s debut album, Rise, the song transforms a beloved praise anthem into a soaring modern metal worship experience, combining powerful melodies, driving guitars, and an unmistakable message of faith.
Written by Michael Stover, “Hallelujah” already has a proven history of connecting with listeners. The song was previously recorded by Stover’s Christian country project Dust and Grace, where it became a Top 5 hit on the CDX Positive Country chart. Now, Ashes Awaken have reimagined the song through a heavier lens, creating an uplifting declaration of praise designed to unite listeners across genres and generations.
Built around the infectious refrain, “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Everybody praise the Lord,” the song serves as one of the most celebratory moments on Rise. While much of the album chronicles themes of addiction, recovery, redemption, and spiritual renewal, “Hallelujah” stands as a joyful reminder that every victory, every breakthrough, and every second chance deserves a response of gratitude and worship.
“I wrote this song shortly after I overcame addiction,” says Stover. “The Dust and Grace version connected with listeners in a big way, and I knew it would be incredible to hear it through the heavier sound of Ashes Awaken. At its heart, it’s about gratitude. It’s about recognizing what God has done in your life and responding with praise.”
The accompanying performance video takes that vision to an entirely new level. Created using advanced AI technology, the video depicts Stover standing before a massive crowd of worshippers, leading thousands of voices in a powerful celebration of faith. Combining concert-style visuals with cinematic imagery and large-scale worship scenes, the video creates an immersive experience that captures the song’s spirit of unity, praise, and spiritual revival.
“The idea behind the video was to create the ultimate worship gathering,” says Stover. “I wanted viewers to feel like they were standing in the middle of a crowd of believers, all lifting their voices together in praise. AI gave us the ability to create something larger than life while still staying true to the heart of the song.”
Stover also hopes the video sparks a broader conversation about the role of technology in Christian ministry.
“I think a lot of people-especially fellow Christian musicians-are missing the point entirely when it comes to AI,” Stover says. “As believers, we say that God can use anything for His glory. If that’s true, then why not AI? The technology itself isn’t good or evil-it’s simply a tool. What matters is how it’s used and what message it’s delivering.”
“If an AI-generated video helps someone hear the Gospel, if a song reaches a person who’s struggling with addiction, depression, or hopelessness and points them toward Jesus Christ, then why are we criticizing the method? We’re called to spread the Good News by every means available. It’s about the message, not the mode of delivery. If someone finds salvation, healing, or hope because they connected with this music or this video, then that’s what matters most.”
The release follows a string of acclaimed singles from Rise, including “A Better Way,” “For You,” and “Amazing Grace, Again.” Together, these songs have established Ashes Awaken as one of Christian metal’s most compelling new voices, blending hard-hitting music with authentic messages of faith, hope, and restoration.
