I don’t know if there are many folks in the Christian hardcore scene that have not heard XLooking ForwardX. If you haven’t, then you are missing out. I had the opportunity to chat with Josh from XLooking ForwardX to see what the band is up to and what future plans XLooking ForwardX has.
For those not familiar with XLooking ForwardX, let me help you out. If you listen to XLooking ForwardX you will quickly pick up on the fact that they have been able to fuse hardcore with an old school thrash sound (ala Anthrax “State of Euphoria” days). Their lyrics are unforgiving and put Christ front and center. In my opinion “The Path We Tread,” their latest album, is one of the most inspirational Christian hardcore albums out there.
Band Name: XLooking ForwardX
Music Style: Hardcore
Location (Home Base): Bel Air, MD
Q: How long has XLooking FowardX been together? Where did the name come from?
A: xLFx formed in September of 1999. We came up with the name during a brainstorming session. I liked the name because of its multiple positive meanings – looking forward, as in to anticipate something, and looking forward, and not dwelling on your past.
Q: When did you decide to form XLooking ForwardX as a Christian hardcore band?
A: We really made that decision in between our first and second albums. We felt that God was putting it on our hearts that we needed to become bolder, and saw a real need in the scene for a Christian presence. Especially in our local scene, where the “God-free” movement was starting to make a surge. We wanted to show kids that there was more to making a decision about the existence of God than just looking cool in front of your friends.
Q: What is everyone in the XLooking ForwardX up to now?
A: Justin and his wife are expecting their second child, due in early July. Kevin D got married late last year, and his wife just graduated from college. Kevin O has accepted a promotion at his work, and is out longboarding with Kevin D and friends in their spare time. I have taken a job as a sales and marketing director at my father’s business, and have handed my video game business over to my wife. Our merchandise is at Back To The Garden. We sell all sorts of video games and CDs. The business has been blessed more now than it has been in years. I feel that it is God showing my wife and I that we are doing what he wants us to do with our lives.
Q: When is XLooking ForwardX getting back into the studio? Does XLooking ForwardX have any plans to tour any time soon?
A: xLFx has no plans to return to the studio, and we have finished touring. I haven’t really felt any motivation or inspiration on any level outside of ministry regarding xlfx, and I feel like God is leading me in another direction. I’m in a place in my life right now where God is completely changing my life up, and I’m totally at peace with that. I want to be ready for whatever he has planned for me, and I think he’s been all but clear that xlfx wont be a part of it.
Cool XLooking ForwardX Video From Youtube
Q: How was playing the Facedown festival in March?
A: It was a lot of fun. We always feel welcome whenever we play in California, and this show was no exception. Getting the chance to hang out with our friends out west was just as awesome. We don’t get to see those guys often enough.
Q: You guys have a great hardcore sound and I can definitely hear the Anthrax influence in there, What other great hardcore bands does XLooking ForwardX look up to?
A: We were really into the aggressive music from the 90s. Anything from Helmet and Orange 9mm, to Earth Crisis and Downset. We were big Cause For Alarm and Shutdown fans, too. Kev O brought over a lot of punk influence like the Misfits and Rancid that really rubbed off on all of us, too. I brought over some thrash metal influences like Sacrament and Believer that are apparent in our sound, as well.
Q: In between “What This Means to Me” and “The Path We Tread” it seems like XLooking ForwardX literally had a “come to Jesus” moment, what changed between those two albums for you guys?
A: It really was touring. We saw how many other scenes were out there that needed to hear about Jesus, and we felt that He had blessed us with this band so that we could spread the Word. That is when it really dawned on us that we could make an impact, and we did not want to disappoint.
Q: What books of the bible or verses does XLooking ForwardX draw its inspiration from?
A: I’m a huge fan of Ephesians 5:15-21. I think it’s a great mission statement for the band. Also, reading the book of Acts is a good start for any Christian band. After all, the apostles were out on the road spreading the word, as well, and their experiences are very influential.
Q: When you guys released “The Path We Tread” were a lot of fans shocked that the Christian message and Christ was so in your face?
A: I didn’t really get that impression. I think people who really knew us back then were pretty clear on what we were about by the time “The Path We Tread” came out. And anyone who didn’t know who we were before that album couldn’t miss the message on it. But it’s not like it’s overbearing. It’s a “make no mistake about it” kind of thing, but it’s presented in a fashion that is more like stating our case. That’s all we really want; we want kids to hear our side of the story about Jesus Christ. The world isn’t giving them the straight goods, and we want them to hear the Truth.
Q: Do you reach out to people at shows during your sets? How? Does XLooking ForwardX consider itself a ministry?
A: We have grown bolder as we’ve gone along. I don’t like to let a set go by without relaying something about Jesus to the kids out there watching us. He means so much to us, that we can’t help but tell people about Him. He gave us everything we have in life. He blessed us with this band, and the opportunities we had with the band. He blessed us with each other. We have so much to be thankful for, and the stage is the perfect place to say it.
Q: Who thought of the bonus track on “What This Means To Me”? Was that a blow at all the self proclaimed “hardcore” bands that were popping up?
A: The bonus track was largely my idea, after coming up with the song in the studio in about 5 minutes. Justin found some lyrics to an older song that didn’t make the cut, and made them fit to the music I came up with. We thought it was funny, and poked fun at a trend that was really big at the time.
Q: Having gained some popularity and being on a larger record label, do some people think that you have sold out?
A: I did hear that one time, and I think it was just her boyfriend talking. Not sure what his problem was. 
I don’t really focus on that kind of talk much, simply because it’s so ridiculous. Even if we were on a “larger” record label, would that mean we sold out? If the music and message stays the same, who cares what label you’re on? I think this is one of many flaws of the mentality of some kids in the scene these days. “We want you to do well, but not too well. I don’t want too many people to have heard of you.” I think they base their definition of selling out on how many people have heard of you rather than what you’ve done with your music.
Q: You guys seem to have a lot of fun, Do you think that is the part of the key to your success?
A: Jesus Christ is the key to our success. We have faith in Him fully, which allowed us to relax and have fun while on the road, because we knew He’d take care of us. His hand was really upon us while we were touring. A lot of the horror stories that befell other bands never happened to us. I feel so blessed by that.
Q: Ever get any funny looks from people when you guys tell them XLooking ForwardX is a Christian hardcore band?
A: Not from anyone other than anarchists. I don’t really think anyone really cared that much.
Q: If you had tell someone who was not saved right now about the glory of Christ, what would you guys tell them?
A: It depends, man. God speaks to different people in different ways. Though I do speak from stage, I prefer to speak to people individually, and share with them what God has done for me. I really have a heart for kids in their late teens and early 20s, because I know how tough life is at that time. I’m more than happy to spend time with kids and talk to them. When it comes to God’s word, if they are ready to hear it, it’ll connect. At some point in our lives, everyone on this earth gets at least one chance to accept Jesus, and I believe that wholeheartedly. I want to make that chance count.
Q: Please share some of the awesome bands you have had the
opportunity to play with.
A: That list would be way too long. We are close friends with the guys in Seventh Star, Flatfoot 56, Our Corpse Destroyed, and NIV, among our many label-mates that we loved hanging out with.
Q: What was XLooking ForwardX’s craziest show and why?
A: I don’t think I have the time to write all the details, and it would only make sense if it was explained fully. To all those who know us well, two words: MR. T’S.
Q: What message would you like to send to the hardcore community?
A: Figure out where the scene came from, and what it was built upon, before you watch the whole thing fall apart.
You can check out XLooking ForwardX on their website or on their Myspace page. You can buy their latest album “The Path We Tread on the Facedown Records site
As always, don’t forget to check out the forum for fans of Christian hardcore, ska, punk, and Oi!. Click on the banner below, register and have fun posting!
This is rad!
Agreed!