Guitarist from Catonsville. In his early years he studied piano, and classical and jazz guitar. Attended Catonsville High School, Peabody Conservatory of Music, and Towson State University. High school bands included rock band Blind Ambition.
Drummer London May (Reptile House) introduced Knoll to Glenn Danzig. Knoll relocated to New Jersey in 1987 where he joined Danzig in punk metal group Samhain. The group went through some personnel changes and was renamed Danzig. Knoll took on the stage name John Christ for Danzig’s first studio album “Danzig” (1988). Knoll remained a member of Danzig until departing in 1995 and is featured on subsequent record releases “Lucifige” (1990), “Danzig III: How the Gods Kill” (1992), “Thrall: Demonsweatlive” (1993 EP), and Danzig 4” (1994). Additionally, he is featured on the Samhain album “Final Descent” released in 1990.
After leaving Danzig, Christ was member of Juice 13 with ex-Ozzie Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo.
In 1999 he released his first solo album “Flesh Caffeine” recorded at A&M Studios, Hollywood. John played all guitars, bass and keys, with Stefan Svensson providing drums.
Christ was featured on song “For Christ’s Sake” (included on 1994 metal comp “Guitar Practicing Musicians), “One Song” (on 1996 comp “Guitars That Rule the World, Vol. 2”), and “Enter Sandman” (on 2001 Metallica tribute comp). A 2004 Guitar World poll listed Christ as one of the Top 100 metal guitarists of all-time. A tribute to his versatility, John also worked with ABC TV, and Australian network TV where he backed pop artists Lou Rawls, Tom Jones, and others.
His playing career nearly ended after a serious auto accident in 1994. On November 27, 2009, after extensive rehab, he made a well-received return concert appearance in Essex with local band Silvertung opening.
