The frontman of a Grammy-nominated Christian metal band who plotted to have his wife killed admitted he's an atheist but lied about his faith to sell records.

Timothy Lambesis, lead singer and founder of the band As I Lay Dying, was sentenced to six years prison last month for trying to hire a hitman to murder his estranged wife Meggan Lambesis.

The 33-year-old's conviction shocked his devoted fans, some of whom prayed with the singer after concerts believing he was a devout Christian.

However in an exclusive interview with Alternative Press, the Californian confessed he described himself to fans as 'not a Satanist' in order to avoid saying he was an atheist.