An Interview with Phil King of Undead Ministries: On Undead Revival Music Festival 2026
The spooky essence of October serves as the main creative spark behind Undead Revival. Undead is a Christian metal all-day music festival located in Ohio that features an amazing lineup from top to bottom. We had a chance to reach out to Phil King, the director of the festival and Undead Ministries to ask him about the inspiration behind the name, the goals of the event and how he envisions the future.
Solid Rock Unplugged: What is Undead Revival?
Phil: The Undead Revival is the annual, grass-roots music festival in Northern Ohio hosted by Undead Ministries (a 501c3 nonprofit) who promotes the Gospel, Christian Metal and mental health awareness.
Solid Rock Unplugged: What is the inspiration behind the name “Undead”? What is the story behind the festival?
Phil: Undead is inspired by 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” I have always had a fascination with post-apocalyptic books and zombie movies. So, when I was looking to name the ministry and came across those verses, it just felt appropriate for a fall festival in October. The skeleton and zombie imagery, artwork and decorations are a metaphor for Christ bringing the lost from spiritual death to an abundant life in Him aka WE ARE UNDEAD. The zombie hand in the logo represents: surrender, worship and revival (the medical term for bringing someone back from the dead). I like to think the story is still being written, but it started with taking one step of faith and allowing him to show up in ways I never imaged.
Solid Rock Unplugged: What are the goals for Undead Revival? What are you hoping to see?
Phil: Our goal is to use heavy riffs, aggressive vocals with faith-driven lyrics and moshing to break down barriers that may impede others from exploring their faith in a more traditional church setting. It’s about fostering the community and building something that glorifies God. Lives changed by the power of Christ. It’s 100% about reaching others struggling with the difficulties of life and telling them the Good News.
Solid Rock Unplugged: What have been some exciting God moments that you’ve seen or heard happen at “Undead?”
Phil: I miss a lot of the action because I’m working the event, but the pits get pretty wild at Undead. RJ and I got baptized by Kashif from Irae and Danny of No Treaty last year. That was a blessing. Hoping more people are inspired to do so this year.
Solid Rock Unplugged: What are you looking forward to at this year’s festival?
Phil: I’m excited about adding the pre-party on Friday and the Christcore Bible study Sunday. You can never go wrong with more metal and more God.
Solid Rock Unplugged: What could the future hold for the festival?
Phil: I don’t know. Never do. I plan the show I would love to see, then sit back and see how God shapes it. He opens some doors and he closes others. I trust He knows best. Personally, I would love to 2 full stages on Friday and Saturday next year, but only if it is His will.
This year’s Undead Revival is expanding into a full, weekend-long event from October 16th - 18th. Friday night will feature a kickoff event that is included with all Saturday ticket purchases and will showcase Symphony in Peril and Sequoia. The main draw begins on Saturday, October 17th that features an incredible lineup with the likes of Convictions, Plead the Widow’s Cause and Pipe Bomb. ChristCore Brethren will lead a Sunday service the following day. This is an action-packed, Spirit-filled weekend highlighting some of the up and coming names in Christian metal, along with providing a place filled with community and support. If you’re on the fence about attending, this is your sign to get your ticket and GO!
Buy tickets for Undead Revival 2026 or check them out on Facebook!
