Christian rock was once considered nothing more than a long-running joke, but with bands like Switchfoot, Relient K and Skillet consistently garnering millions in album and ticket sales, it’s become one of this country’s most popular genres of music, and has even melded with other unlikely genres including punk, rap and metal.

Wednesday’s lineup at the Golden State features three Christian metal bands – Red, Pillar, The Wedding – that upon a first listen, sound as close to Jesus as do Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer.

“[Christian rock] has evolved and changed so much that nowadays it’s a little bit different in our eyes, so call it what you will,” says Red guitarist Anthony Armstrong. “For us, there’s no real Christian moniker involved; we’re Christian guys who write music in a band and play rock songs, so at the end of the day, we’re just a rock band.”

The members of the Nashville-based quartet, also featuring Armstrong’s identical twin brother Randy on bass, have known each other since third grade in Pennsylvania. They grew up listening to big-hair ’80s music before graduating to Christian rock bands like Audio Adrenaline and Jars of Clay.

“They inspired us to do what we’re doing, for sure,” Armstrong says.

Since its start in 2004, each of Red’s two albums has been nominated for a Grammy.

“There are no real words to describe it,” Armstrong says. “The Grammy is the pinnacle of musical awards and the biggest night in music; to be a part of it and be elected by peers is an honor and a really humbling experience.”

“Breathe Into Me” from Red’s debut LP End of Silence, is a bombardment of heavily produced music turned up to 11, with a tinge of industrial electronica. And Armstrong’s right: It’s hard to think of the music as “Christian” rock, though the lyrics include looking to a higher power: “Breathe your life into me/ I still need you/ I’m falling, falling.”

Red’s recent Innocence and Instinct uses the same formula of loud music mixed with insightful lyrics. Armstrong explains that the new video for the song “Death of Me” is about how there are two sides of man and everyone is faced with fighting off the negative side.

The grainy video, shot in Birmingham, Alabama over two days, features scenes of lead singer Michael Barnes and Armstrong alternatively battling and running from their dark sides.

Red plans on spending the next year touring, working on its third album and continuing to inspire the millions of fans attracted to its music like a magnet.

“[Christian rock] was the kind of music that spoke to us the most and it changed who we are,” Armstrong says. “Now we hope to be doing that same thing for the new generation of people listening to Red.”

THE “NOTHING AND EVERYTHING TOUR” begins at 6:30pm Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $15. 297-2472.