38th Parallel was a Christian rock/rapcore band formed in Ames, Iowa. Before being signed they received extensive airplay in Iowa markets alongside other CCM Artists. Unknown to them, they were entered into a talent search contest for Christian music giant Word Records. They rejected a contract offer in order to reach a more mainstream market, instead signing with Squint Entertainment.Their name is a play on the 38th parallel north, which divides North Korea from South Korea.