METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

GALE FORCE, New Band Featuring Mike Lee Of BARREN CROSS:
A group without a doubt embodying the return of real rock, GALE FORCE will be releasing its debut album Subhuman in January of 2021 .  The group is a driving rock band with something to say, combining infectious guitars & vocals, emotional melodies, gutsy rhythms and time relevant lyrics with lineup to include vocalist Mike Lee (BARREN CROSS), guitarist Tracy G (DIO), bassist Randy Ovideo and rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Paul Alfery.

As noted in the GALE FORCE press material:

GALE FORCE met together as a band for the first time in a Los Angeles restaurant called the "Cheesecake Factory" (Pasadena, CA) on March 24, 2019.  The very first song that they wrote as a band (even before they were officially a band) was "Crash & Burn", which turned out to be the first official video as well.  The guys collaborated together recording their parts in their studios, and Michael wrote his vocal parts and recorded them in his studio, then presented the completed track to the rest of the band. 

Melding different musical styles together, the chemistry between them was obvious. Shortly thereafter, they officially joined together and became a family, and GALE FORCE was born.  The guys worked hard on the album for the next year and a half, and Subhuman was officially complete in its entirety on October 14, 2020; a date which also happens to be Michael Drive's late father's birthday.  "I wish he could have heard this, he would have been proud" said Michael.  Throughout those first 19 months - song by song, the results of their musical chemistry became clear: 

GALE FORCE is NOT just another band.  They have something real, and something special!

Subhuman track listing:

1. “Crash & Burn”
2. “Subhuman
3. “Master Machine”
4. “Red Line”
5. “Dystopia”
6. “Never Say Goodbye”
7. “Rate Race”
8. “Where Am I Going?”
9. “Fire In The Hole”
10. “Alter Ego”
11. “Riot Act”

GALE FORCE online: https://galeforceband.com/home & www.facebook.com/galeforceband

NEWS BRIEFS

* Christian Molten Metal online interview with John Evans and Jenny Stokes of EVANS & STOKES: https://christianmoltenmetalbands.weebly.com/evans--stokes-interview.html?fbclid=IwAR21HunYtLHghphGvBbvvg-n_4yc2eIPu-K0CvQh6r4bpvtcEkPxhf5ckAg

* “Loser”, B-side from NORTHERN FLAME digital single “Fuel My Heart”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HBl5jqsQc0

Song comes off the group’s new album (December 2020 digital release; January 2021 CD release) Twisted Reality.

* OBLIVION MYTH & Friends release Christmas single “What Child Is This”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2RSTklpFY8

* “From Ashes I Rise”, single from Finnish band ONE MUST FALL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EdGXf9HYbc

The group has also recorded covers of songs from STRYPER (“To Hell With The Devil”) and NARNIA (“Inner Sanctum”): www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGLTJopytcM & www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgfTLvDIv0E

*Roxx Records will be re-issuing in the spring a re-mastered version to guitarist Björn Stigsson’s 1989 solo album Together With Friends.  Further details forthcoming.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

MIKE BOTELLO Premiers “Sunday Faces” Official Video:
Press Release / The fourth single off the new album Indigenous has been released! “Sunday Faces”. This is a tune that reflects on the hypocrisy of individuals who attend Sunday morning church as a means to “forgive” their sinful habits and are never addressed through conviction and true repentance; the stronghold of a “Jezebel” spirit that only focuses on self and never accepting the true Christ like lifestyle of servant hood. - The music video is on YouTube (PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL) and the single is available everywhere!

Indigenous is schedule to be released on January 19, 2021.  According to the 85% Angelic Warlord review, the album ‘represents Botello’s most powerful work to date, drawing upon full on metal territory while strongly influenced by the musical leanings of his past.’  It is also concept related (as noted by the artist):

“From the first track to the last, it takes a path beginning with our carnal nature, leading to the consequences of sin, “Euphellum” to “Americaust”, leading to a warning in “Heed the Warning”, following a continuation of our self centeredness in “Sunday Faces” and “Secret Identity”, leading to being bound by this sinful life in “In the Midst of Chaos”, followed by salvation in “Serenity”, leading to a reckoning with our creator in “Evanescent” to preparing ourselves in being “The Remnant” that is described in the book of Revelation and in the book of Enoch.”

A video to a track off Indigenous entitled “Euphellum” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTKpInREztU

For more info, please visit: www.BotelloMusic.com

Diary Of The Damned, A New Release From EVANS & STOKES:
Press Release / On the heels of last year's Children of God (90% Angelic Warlord review), multi-genre metal collaboration EVANS AND STOKES is back, releasing their fourth and strongest album yet, Diary of the Damned.  The album takes the listener on a journey through the peaks and valleys of human existence from a Christian perspective, starting in the post-apocalyptic wastelands found in songs with titles such as “Into the Badlands” and “Eternal Punishment” and ending with the more uplifting and hopeful “A Child of Light” and “Dawn Ascending.” This album sees a more varied vocal style from Jenny Stokes ranging from aggressive and gritty to clean and sweet, while John Evans continues to demonstrate his talent for writing original and engaging riffs that will not disappoint.

Diary of the Damned delivers crushing riffs, big hooks, and meaningful lyrics, created by a band that has its own unique songwriting style that seamlessly crosses metal subgenres as diverse as thrash, progressive and doom metal.

Diary of the Damned releases digitally on December 24th with pre-orders for physical CDs open on Monday, December 14th. The pre-order package is an exclusive pre-release package with lots of extras and limited quantity. Details are on the band's website: www.evansandstokes.com

EVANS & STOKES lineup:

John Evans - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Jenny Stokes - Lead Vocals, Piano, Keyboards & Lyrics

Diary of The Damned track listing:

1. “Mortal Agony”
2. “Into The Badlands”
3. “Overlord”
4. “Demon Of The Wood”
5. “Man, Beast, And Creeping Things”
6. “The Sorrow”
7. “Eternal Punishment”
8. “Army Of The Dead”
9. “Breath Of Light”
10. “Dawn Ascending”
11. “A Child Of Light”
12. “In Dreams”
13. “Deep Calls To Deep”

Social Media Links:

www.evansandstokes.com
www.facebook.com/evansandstokes
www.instagram.com/evansandstokes
www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCYB0H83cE0nC7qpe_lbXA

MILLENNIAL REIGN Announce New EP, Carry The Fire Again:
Press Release / MILLENNIAL REIGN will be re-releasing a limited edition 4 song EP from their first album Carry The Fire, which has been aptly named Carry The Fire Again. The songs are updated with new vocal tracks by their current vocalist, Tiffany Galchutt in addition to being completely remixed and re-mastered. Tiffany fronted the band as they supported international acts ACCEPT, STRYPER and Y&T in late 2019 to early 2020. A single from the upcoming EP will be released to all social media in the next few weeks. The tentative release date is scheduled for January 15th, depending on the production company and the current state of world affairs. The EP will be a limited run of physical CDs and downloads via Bandcamp only. MILLENNIAL REIGN is currently in the studio recording their forthcoming album, planned for a 2021 release.

Scheduled Dates:

Elements of Rock Switzerland- March 19-21, 2021
Exodo Fest Mexico - April 1-3, 2021

MILLENNIAL REIGN lineup:

Tiffany Galchutt - Lead Vocals
Dave Harvey - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Neil Bertrand - Bass, Backing Vocals
Steve Nichols – Drums

Carry The Fire Again track listing:

1. “Way Up High
2. “Millennia Reign”
3. “Innocent Cry”
4. “Men Stand Alone”

MILLENNIAL REIGN online: www.millennialreign.com & www.facebook.com/millennialreign

NEWS BRIEFS

* WYTCH HAZEL, behind the scenes “Spirit & Fire” music video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fURvFl7lhO0

* New album Angel Born update from IMAGES OF EDEN (Facebook - December 10, 2020):

“Well… after a LOT of blood, sweat and tears, we are extremely pleased to announce that Angel Born is completely finished and being delivered to the label (Pavement Entertainment) to officially schedule a release date.  A big thanks to the crew at Pavement as well as our producer, Bill Metoyer, for an exceptional album mix.  Once we have a concrete release date and have nailed down other key dates (video releases, promo/ PR, radio submission, etc), we will be able to do an official press release, reveal artwork, etc.  We feel very strongly that this is our best work yet, and fans of Soulrise will really understand why.  We even have a few surprises in store.”

* Sophomore NORTHERN FLAME full-length album Twisted Reality is scheduled for release January of next year.  It will include the following tracks: “Twisted Reality” (instrumental), “Sanctification Of The World”, “To The Throne”, “Shimmering Solstice”, “Glowing Flower”, “Broken Soul”, “Stone Of Grace”, “Fuel My Heart”, “Heaven & Hell”, “Starfall On A Cold Winter's Night” (instrumental), “Beautiful”, “Paradise”

An extended version to the song “Broken Soul” is the most recent single off the album: www.youtube.com/watch?v=663t2fI1jtE

* SIGNUM REGIS released its new EP Flag Of Hope on December 11, 2020.  It is now available on Spotify and other digital platforms.  The EP was mixed by bassist Ronnie Konig and mastered by Filip Koluš.

Vocalists Göran Edman, Mayo Petranin and Matt Smith guest on the first single from the EP, “Flag Of Hope”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXn9kWpAeas

Flag Of Hope track listing: “Give Up For Lost”, “Stand Away” (ANGRA cover), “Voyage To The Distant Shores”, “Flag Of Hope”, Ave Maria” (Bach/Gounod)

* MICHAEL SWEET plans to record a worship album (Instagram - December 7, 2020):

"Something I've always wanted to do is to record a worship album. I led worship at my home church for a few years a while back and it was one of the most gratifying moments of my musical history. It strengthened my own faith and brought me closer to God. I'm definitely planning on recording one and I hope you all will join me on this journey. It will be my first 'official' worship album and I've got a really good feeling about this one". He went on to say that the record would consist of "all originals".

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

MIKE BOTELLO - Indigenous
Indigenous represents Botello’s most powerful work to date, drawing upon full on metal territory - much to our delight! - while strongly influenced by the musical leanings of his past.  Read Full Review >>

DELIVERANCE - Deliverance (Retroactive Records Gold Disc Edition re-issue)
Thanks to Deliverance, ‘melodic thrash’ is no longer an oxymoron.  Read Full Review >>

PARADOX - Power & Glory (Retroactive re-issue)
It’s been a long time coming.  After literally decades of waiting, the Paradox back catalog has finally seen proper re-issue.  Read Full Review >>

PASTOR BRAD - Have A Metal Christmas
If in doubt, Pastor Brad pulls no punches in turning Have A Metal Christmas into the real deal with a musical direction I identify with as eighties influenced traditional metal with a melodic metal edge.  Read Full Review >> 

SACRED WARRIOR - Master’s Command (Retroactive Gold Disc Edition re-issue)
Sacred Warrior followed up in 1989 (also Intense) with sophomore effort Master’s Command, which while not top heavy with as many great tracks, potentially delivers greater continuity from further building upon the technical power metal laced with light progressive themes (in my opinion either way).  Read Full Review >> 

SWINGLE & THOMPSON ORDAINED - The Thunder That Rocks The World
Never one to rest on his laurels, iconic vocalist Dale Thompson has started branching out from his signature band Bride into other projects.  Read Full Review >>

THE WAYMAKER - The Waymaker
The Waymaker and its Melodic Passion Records September of 2020 self-titled debut arrives with great expectations, not the least which being how its lineup includes veteran vocalist Christian Liljegren (Narnia, Audiovision & Golden Resurrection) and multi-instrumentalist Jani Stefanovic (Miseration, Renascent & Solution .45).  Read Full Review >>

DAVID ZAFFIRO - Retroactive Solo Album Re-issues
Zaffiro proceeded to record one solo album with Alarma Records, The Other Side (1989), one with Intense, In Scarlet Storm (1990), and two with Frontline, Surrender Absolute (1992) and Yesterday’s Left Behind (1994).  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Solo Album On The Way From CHRISTIAN LILJEGREN, Melodic Passion:
Album release: Spring of 2021

Christian Liljegren, one of the hardest working artists in hard rock and heavy metal, is here with his new album Melodic Passion.  With 35 years as an artist and nearly 40 albums to his credit, having worked with NARNIA, AUDIOVISION, THE WAYMAKER, DIVINEFIRE, GOLDEN RESURRECTION and others, LILJEGREN has recorded in Melodic Passion the album he has wanted to for many years- 20 songs of melodic passion!

According to the artist, he recorded the album, ‘to strengthen people in this chaotic time around the world.  This album is filled with Heavenly Love directed to mankind. Blessings to you all.’

For fans of classic hard rock and metal in the vein of RAINBOW, DIO, MSG, STRYPER, EUROPE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN’S RISING FORCE, DEEP PURPLE, WHITESNAKE, URIAH HEEP, THIN LIZZY, QUEEN and THE SWEET.

CJ Grimmark handled mastering and Jonatan Samuelsson graphic artwork and layout.  Sound Pollution Distribution will distribute the album.

Melodic Passion lineup:

Christian Liljegren - Lead Vocals
Stephen Carlson – Guitars
Per Schelander - Bass
Olov Andersson - Keyboards
Andreas Johansson – Drums

Melodic Passion CD pre-order: https://melodicpassion.com/produkt/christian-liljegren-melodic-passion-cd

Melodic Passion black vinyl pre-order: https://melodicpassion.com/produkt/christian-liljegren-melodic-passion-black-lp

Melodic Passion purple vinyl pre-order: https://melodicpassion.com/produkt/christian-liljegren-melodic-passion-purple-lp

WE ARE RESOLUTE Release “Why I Cry” Lyric Video:
Multi-national metal and hard rock act WE ARE RESOLUE premiered this past week a lyric video to the track “Why I Cry”, the second single off its debut album Shine The Light, which it released via Roxx Records on July 31, 2020.

Consisting of New Zealand based veteran vocalist Dale Thompson (BRIDE, THE WORLD WILL BURN & PERPETUAL PARANOIA) and Holland, Michigan natives guitarist and bassist Bryan Carman and drummer John Mokma, WE ARE RESOLUTE specializes in a ‘bluesy merging of melodic metal and hard rock’ (as noted in the 80% Angelic Warlord review).

According to the group press material, its ‘aim is to use music to draw people to the knowledge of Jesus. For those who know Him, encouragement and for those who don't, a light unto their hearts!’

A lyric video to debut single “Mad At God” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwendhiHvJ8

Shine The Light track listing:

1. “Inside”
2. “Chasing Shadows”
3. “Crazy”
4. “Shine The Light”
5. “Your Enemy”
6. “Don’t Listen”
7. “Why I Cry”
8. “Mad At God”:
9. “Kingdom Of Heaven”
10. “We Will See Him”

WE ARE RESOLUTE online: www.facebook.com/weareresolutemusic

NEWS BRIEFS

* Femme Metal Webzine online interview with Katja Stefanovic (THE WAYMAKER): www.femmemetalwebzine.net/interviews/the-waymaker-an-interview-with-katja-stefanovic

* “The Motorcycle Man”, new lyric video from REASSONICA www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4AjRdZvAek

The song will appear on the Fortaleza, Brazil based metal/hard rock acts upcoming album, which is scheduled for release next year.  The REASSONICA lineup consists of Rogério Soares (guitar), Rômulo bastos (bass), Márcio (vocals), and Felipe (drums).

* Update from vocalist Chaz Bond regarding his BIOGENESIS and BLACK IRON CROWN projects (Facebook - 12/04/2020):

“The upcoming (BIOGENESIS) concept album Rise Of The Phoenix has been fully written!  Only a few minor tweeks here and there and the album goes for final drums and bass.  Then it is off to pre production, mixing and mastering by Tiago James de Souza.  This album took one year to write.  The story is very heavy and emotional lows and highs.  As I've stated before I am hoping for a late winter release.  This may be the most powerful lyrics that I have ever pinned.  Tiago and I have discussed another Bio record down the road.  If you like the musical direction we have headed into let us know!”

“For those of you who are unaware, (BLACK IRON CROWN) is a new project with Jacobs guitarist John Berry.  I was the vocalist for Jacobs Dream for 10 years.  I appeared on 3 of the band's 6 albums, Drama Of The Ages, Dominion Of Darkness and Beneath The Shadows.  A few years after I left the band John approached me about doing a new project together.

“Although we expect this project to appeal to JD fans especially the fans of my era, this project will not be identical but similar.  Very melodic.  Lyrics dealing with relatable struggles of the human spirit.  If you liked Beneath The Shadows you will love this project.  Several songs have been written and demos have been recorded.  With John being busy with JD and me having other projects, Black Iron Crown is a labor of love that John and I work on when we can.  That being said, if you are a fan of ultra melodic rock/metal then you need to keep an eye out for this album.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

“Sunday Faces”, New Single From Mike Botello Coming December 8, 2020:
Press Release / The fourth single off the new album Indigenous is scheduled for release on December 8th, 2020, “Sunday Faces”. This is a tune that reflects on the hypocrisy of individuals who attend Sunday morning church as a means to ‘forgive’ their sinful habits and are never addressed through conviction and true repentance; the stronghold of a “Jezebel” spirit that only focuses on self and never accepting the true Christ like lifestyle of servant hood.  The music video will be released on YouTube (PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL) and the single will be available everywhere.

Indigenous is schedule to be released on January 19, 2021.  According to the 85% Angelic Warlord review, the album ‘represents Botello’s most powerful work to date, drawing upon full on metal territory while strongly influenced by the musical leanings of his past.’  It is also concept related (as noted by the artist):

“From the first track to the last, it takes a path beginning with our carnal nature, leading to the consequences of sin, “Euphellum” to “Americaust”, leading to a warning in “Heed the Warning”, following a continuation of our self centeredness in “Sunday Faces” and “Secret Identity”, leading to being bound by this sinful life in “In the Midst of Chaos”, followed by salvation in “Serenity”, leading to a reckoning with our creator in “Evanescent” to preparing ourselves in being “The Remnant” that is described in the book of Revelation and in the book of Enoch.”

A video to a track off Indigenous entitled “Euphellum” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTKpInREztU

For more info, please visit: www.BotelloMusic.com

BRIDE Premier “Demon Speed” Lyric Video:
Press Release / BRIDE has been releasing music for more than 30 years, and they are still going strong! Here Is Your God , the band’s 16th studio album, is scheduled to be released on December 15, 2020. It picks up where Snake Eyes (15th album from 2018) left off and takes it to a whole new level. This album has major cojones! Here Is Your God seamlessly blends elements from the first six BRIDE albums, creating nothing short of an epic hard rock and metal masterpiece.  It’s heavy as a freight train, and it’s as melodic as Kinetic Faith & Snakes in the Playground. 

A lyric video to the track “Demon Speed” can be viewed above.

Some bands play around with sound, trying to appeal to modern fans, but BRIDE went back to their roots with Here Is Your God. This just might be the band’s most accomplished moment and best release - ever.  It’s that good.  Trust us!  Expect a heavier, grittier sound more in line with mid-period MOTLEY CRUE (Girls, Girls, Girls & Dr. Feelgood eras). The Thompson brothers (Dale, lead vocals; Troy, guitars) are skilled professionals in both style and execution, and this is one more BRIDE album that shows exactly why this band is the single most prolific Christian hard rock band ever - period. No band does heavy riffs, screaming guitar solos, and belting vocals better than BRIDE. The album captures all the brilliance of classic Bride, while reminding fans this band is definitely getting better with age. 

While it may be true that Here Is Your God could be the last push for these ground-breaking/genre-defining rockers, there is no denying the age-defying quality and intensity contained within these 12 songs. Dale sounds better than ever - his vocals right high up in the mix - and the venerable guitars of Troy cut through with conviction like it was 1990/1991 all over again. Brazilian timekeeper Aposan delivers a nice mix of speed and traditional classic hard rock/metal drumming, and Nenel’s bass rumble drives BRIDE’s rhythm as steady and prolific as it comes. The jewel case CD version comes with a 12-page booklet and each CD has one foil stamped trading card (either Dale or Troy Thompson - collect them both!). 

Here Is Your God track listing:

1. “Demon Speed”
2. “Here Is Your God”
3. “In My Own Time”
4. “The Unhallowed”
5. In the End
6. “Like I Never Was”
7. “Shine On You”
8. “I Promise”
9. “What Will the End Be”
10. “Send Your Angels”
11. “Letter Of Light”
12. “Burning From Within”

Here Is Your God CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-here-is-your-god-new-cd-2021-retroactive-records-pre-order

Here Is Your God orange vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-here-is-your-god-new-orange-vinyl-2021-retroactive-records-pre-order

Here Is Your God digiwallet pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-here-is-your-god-digiwallet-new-cd-2020-retroactive-records-funders

MESSENGER Announce New Album, In To Win:
Arlington, Virginia based classic hard rock meets traditional metal act MESSENGER announce the December 18, 2020 independent release of its third full-length album, In To Win.  The album is released in follow up to the groups 2008 debut I’m Talking To You and 2012 sophomore effort You Choose (both also independent). 

The In To Win songwriting attributes to vocalist Frank Clifton Herring and guitarist Vlad Gurin, whom both produced the album in addition to handling all recording, mixing and mastering.  Rich Sandoval and Mike Zahorchak contributed studio bass and drums, respectively.

MESSENGER has already released several singles off the album.  “Blind Sided” describes the challenges that we face when our plans are interrupted by unexpected circumstances: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikcj2jA5Tls

“Crows And The Hawk” is about ‘how America and the world need racial harmony. With the racial tensions we have right now, we must bring our issues into terms that will help us handle the problem. We need to understand ourselves and each other with harmony as the goal. One race - the human race. "He made us to embrace, He made us to enjoy - each other!’

A lyric video to “Crows And The Hawk” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW3I-UQ5lbg

Angelic Warlord describes I’m Talking To You (80% review) as ‘a throwback sound that hearkens back to the eighties’.  However, by throwback ‘we are not necessarily referring to the fluffy hair metal that was prevalent at the time but rather a heavier and more muscular side to the decade’ or more specifically a ‘joining of guitar driven hard rock (similar to Rez Band) and old school heavy metal (not unlike Saint)’.

You Choose (also graded at 80%), ‘screams of classic hard rock meets traditional heavy metal: An assertive joining of bludgeoning guitars, subterranean bass lines and tenacious drumming that allows for a surpassing heaviness but an element of accessibility at the same time’.

In To Win track listing:

1. “Time Machine”
2. “Blind Sided”
3. “Take Flight”
4. “Give A Shout!”
5. “Crows And The Hawk”
6. “Messenger At Arms”
7. “Satan’s Nightmare”
8. “When I Go”
9. “July 5 (The Politician’s Song)”
10. “Anchor”
11. “Trial And Triumph”
12. “Last Supper”
13. “Fear No Evil”         

MESSENGER online:

www.MessengerRock.com
www.YouTube.com/MessengerOnline
www.Facebook.com/MessengerMetal
www.Facebook.com/MessengerDanceRockParty
www.instagram.com/MessengerRock
www.Twitter.com/MessengerMetal
www.Reverbnation.com/MessengerMetal
www.MessengerMetal.com

NEWS BRIEFS

* Sample of the song “Dawn Ascending” off the upcoming fourth Evans & Stokes album, Diary Of The Damned: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbL8B8kKMAY

* New song from LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE, “Rosie Grace”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN6gnEzDrYA

* Teaser for Christian Liljegren solo album Melodic Passion (due for release in spring 2021): www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZfUPeGFB1w

* “Fuel My Heart” is a new song off the upcoming NORTHERN FLAME sophomore album (untitled at the time of this writing): www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_D-jPr7VbI

* New FEAR NOT album on the way for 2021 per update from Roxx Records:

Roxx Records is very thankful for you, especially at this time of year when we look back and give thanks to those around us. We are thankful we have been able to keep bringing you some of the best Christian music being released today, and thankful for all the artists that work with us and allow us to help share their music and message to the world.

Well today on Thanksgiving day, we are so very excited to announce as we continue on in to the new year and to see what it brings, that we will once again be working with one of the best Christian melodic rock bands out there. We are very excited to announce that we will be releasing the brand new album from FEAR NOT in 2021, and we cant wait for you to hear what the band has been working on, it is sounding amazing.

For now, we reflect back on the most recently released EP For The Wounded Heart and share with you this previously unreleased version of “Carry Me” with this very special Orchestral Mix dedicated to the memory of Sean Miller and available digitally everywhere: https://youtu.be/MAMWPl2QVWc

Have a wonderful holiday season and get ready as in 2021 we work with FEAR NOT to bring you their much anticipated full length album as 2021 will see the full return of FEAR NOT

 

INTERVIEWS

New OBLIVION MYTH Interview Online:
Angelic Warlord had the recent opportunity to interview OBLIVION MYTH lead vocalist Tim McDonald, who goes into detail about the about the bands new album In Your Arms, the vocalists that have most inspired him and advantages and disadvantages to being an independent artist.  Following is an excerpt:

Please go into detail about the musical direction to In Your Arms.  How does it compare to Inside The Mirror?
The truth is that we have a backlog of songs, so we’re just pulling tunes from our catalogs and making them finally real recordings.   ITM was a lot of backlog from Keith, and IYA is backlog from me.  But there are always new songs that appear right during the production - “Battle Angels” was a brand new song that came out of nowhere during the ITM production, and “Thousand Years” was the new one that came out of nowhere this time.  It amuses me that they’re both very triumphant Scandinavian power metal kind of musical melodies, this is definitely a kind of music I enjoy, and writing songs in that genre seems to be something I must do or probably explode.” 

Read full interview: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

SOMBRE HOLIDAY Announce New Album, The Failed Sun:
Digital album release: November 13, 2020

Who is SOMBRE HOLIDAY:

A multinational act consisting of brothers Terry (Canada) and Trevor (California) Friesen, SOMBRE HOLIDAY has impressed over the years with its outside the box and inventive approach to the hard music scene- traversing dark and moody musical territory few if any dare to tread.  Consider how the group aligns multifarious forms of metal and hard rock to create a sound both melancholic and subdued (sort of like mid-period DELIVERANCE) but also strongly slanted towards a Gothic influenced progressiveness (think SAVIOUR MACHINE).  Further blend an equal emphasizing of the intricately woven and doom-like (VENI DOMINE comes to mind) with the richly melodic (somewhat akin to STRYPER) and the SOMBRE HOLIDAY portrait is complete.

Details about The Failed Sun:

Released on November 13, 2020, The Failed Sun is the fifth full-length album from SOMBRE HOLIDAY, and although the content is specifically tied to its predecessor, The Sea of Distance, the new album stands on its own. Containing twelve new songs that give the response to the despair of The Sea of Distance, The Failed Sun delivers a solid punch of aggressive prog metal. While leaning more heavily towards a classic heavy metal sound, The Failed Sun reveals the power of hope in a unique way.

A book-ended album, SOMBRE HOLIDAY's latest offering builds on and adapts its musical themes around its lyrical content, allowing the listener to develop new insights through diverse musical experiences. Where the previous album (The Sea of Distance) focused on the brokenness of all relationships, whether with God or with people, The Failed Sun promotes the potential power of restoration in all relationships.

Using a blend of guitars, keyboards, drums, and violin, The Failed Sun is 70 minutes of intense, soul-wrestling and deep contemplation - the largest offering from SOMBRE HOLIDAY thus far - a powerful melodic metal journey.

"God made humans for a purpose: not simply for themselves, not simply so that they could be in relationship with Him, but so that through them, as his image-bearers, he could bring his wise, glad, fruitful order to the world. And the closing scenes of Scripture, in the Book of Revelation, are not about human beings going off to heaven to be in a close and intimate relationship with God, but about heaven coming to earth. The intimate relationship with God which is indeed promised and celebrated in that great scene of the New Jerusalem issues at once in an out flowing, a further healing creativity, the river of the water of life flowing out from the city and the tree of life springing up, with leaves that are for the healing of the nations." 

- N.T. Wright, Justification: GOD’S PLAN & PAUL’S VISION

The Failed Sun track listing:

1. “The Second Son”
2. “Man Of The Earth”
3. “Masterpiece”
4. “New Darkness”
5. “That Picture Of You”
6. “The Burning Sky”
7. “This Present Absence”
8. “The Failed Sun”
9. “The Death Of Death”
10. “A Passing Shadow”
11. “Man Of The Sky”
12. “The Last Of All Things”

Social media links:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sombreholiday
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Sombre-Holiday/279793705483378?ref=stream
Bandcamp: https://sombreholiday.bandcamp.com

DELIVERANCE, What A Joke Gold Disc Edition Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album release: December 15, 2020

Originally released in 1991, DELIVERANCE’s third album is a thrash masterpiece along the lines of S.O.D., M.O.D., SACRED REICH, and DEATH ANGEL. Few are free from their lyrical mockery, be it profiteering doomsday preachers, goofy fundamentalists who hate metal because of the sound, skeptics/atheists, the Roman Catholic church, American politicians, or even the whole of American society. Naturally, they've opted to mock just about every type of person who wouldn't likely be at one of their live performances, so the approach is a tad safe, though nevertheless eloquent and effective when compared to much of the marble-mouthed rambling that can infect politically charged or humor-based thrash lyrics.

This album resulted in some of the most unique and interesting work in the band’s catalog. Where before the songs were all serious subject matter and thrash played to perfection, What A Joke saw the band taking themselves and their music a bit less seriously, showing the fun side of metal and taking on topics that could be handled with more humor and still get the message across. Classics like “It’s The Beat” and “Purgatory Sandwich With Mustard” see Jimmy P. Brown II and company tackling topics other bands may have seen as taboo, thus, this album remains an important piece in the DELIVERANCE catalog.

The 2020 CD reissue includes all the original tracks, plus one 2014 re-recorded version of the song “What A Joke” (including George Ochoa).  Everything has been digitally re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound.  It comes on a Gold Disc (to deter against disc rot) in a jewel case and a 12-page insert with lyrics and excellent band pics, and a gold foil stamped DELIVERACNE trading card in every CD. Limited to just 1000 units, get this classic while you can! For fans of classic, elite thrash ala METALLICA, SLAYER, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and M.O.D.  

What Others Are Saying About What A Joke:

“Brown and Ochoa continue to form a dominant guitar team; any momentum from Weapons Of Our Warfare is carried over here.  Brown, in particular, puts on a clinic in terms of intense as all get out riffs and harmonies.  The guy literally wrote the book on tight sounding rhythm guitar playing- done thrash/speed metal style!” 
- Angelic Warlord Reviews

“Perhaps the most musically nuanced and intricate of the bunch is the technical foray "Pseudo Intellectual" which has a riff set dynamic and elaborate enough to pass for something off Twisted Into Form, although presented in more of a Testament flavor and introduced with a similarly creepy atmospheric intro to the ones that were common on The New Order. Not too far behind is the more mixed up speeder "A Product Of Society", which blazes away a good bit after the Eternal Nightmare model, but also mixes in some crushing mid-paced goodness not all that far off from what made Victims Of Deception a formidable swansong for the original thrash movement.”
- The Metal Archives Reviews

“Coming off of their career high, the group produced a transitional piece. What A Joke reveals a band coming apart at the seams, though a cover of Black Sabbath’s “After Forever” remains a highlight, and an ironically noisy rendition of “Silent Night,” a classic novelty”
- Mark Allan Powell, Encyclopedia of CCM

What A Joke track listing:

1. “Intro”
2. “Prophet Of Idiocy”
3. “Pseudo Intellectual”
4. “Cheeseburger Maker Du”
5. “What A Joke”
6 “Chipped Beef”
7. “After Forever”
8. “It’s The Beat”
9. “A Product Of Society”
10. “Happy Star”
11. “J.P.D.”
12. “Pray”
13. “Silent Night”
14. “J.I.G.”
15. “Purgatory Sandwich With Mustard”
16. “Attack”
17. “What A Joke” (2014 bonus track)

What A Joke Gold Disc Edition pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/j

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Retroactive Records Announce New BRIDE Album, Here Is Your God:
Pre-order launch: November 18, 2020; Album release: December 15, 2020

Press Release / BRIDE has been releasing music for more than 30 years, and they are still going strong! Here Is Your God is the band’s 16th studio album. It picks up where Snake Eyes (15th album from 2018) left off and takes it to a whole new level. This album has major cojones! Here Is Your God seamlessly blends elements from the first six BRIDE albums, creating nothing short of an epic hard rock and metal masterpiece.  It’s heavy as a freight train, and it’s as melodic as Kinetic Faith & Snakes in the Playground. 

First single, “Here Is Your God”, is available for streaming above.

Some bands play around with sound, trying to appeal to modern fans, but BRIDE went back to their roots with Here Is Your God. This just might be the band’s most accomplished moment and best release - ever.  It’s that good.  Trust us!  Expect a heavier, grittier sound more in line with mid-period MOTLEY CRUE (Girls, Girls, Girls & Dr. Feelgood eras). The Thompson brothers (Dale, lead vocals; Troy, guitars) are skilled professionals in both style and execution, and this is one more BRIDE album that shows exactly why this band is the single most prolific Christian hard rock band ever - period. No band does heavy riffs, screaming guitar solos, and belting vocals better than BRIDE. The album captures all the brilliance of classic Bride, while reminding fans this band is definitely getting better with age. 

While it may be true that Here Is Your God could be the last push for these ground-breaking/genre-defining rockers, there is no denying the age-defying quality and intensity contained within these 12 songs. Dale sounds better than ever - his vocals right high up in the mix - and the venerable guitars of Troy cut through with conviction like it was 1990/1991 all over again. Brazilian timekeeper Aposan delivers a nice mix of speed and traditional classic hard rock/metal drumming, and Nenel’s bass rumble drives BRIDE’s rhythm as steady and prolific as it comes. The jewel case CD version comes with a 12-page booklet and each CD has one foil stamped trading card (either Dale or Troy Thompson - collect them both!). 

Here Is Your God track listing:

1. “Demon Speed”
2. “Here Is Your God”
3. “In My Own Time”
4. “The Unhallowed”
5. In the End
6. “Like I Never Was”
7. “Shine On You”
8. “I Promise”
9. “What Will the End Be”
10. “Send Your Angels”
11. “Letter Of Light”
12. “Burning From Within”

Here Is Your God CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-here-is-your-god-new-cd-2021-retroactive-records-pre-order

Here Is Your God orange vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-here-is-your-god-new-orange-vinyl-2021-retroactive-records-pre-order

Here Is Your God digiwallet pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-here-is-your-god-digiwallet-new-cd-2020-retroactive-records-funders

NEAL MORSE, Jesus Christ - The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018) Details Revealed:
Press Release / Acclaimed prog rocker Neal Morse returns with a new live set, Jesus Christ The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018) on December 4, 2020. As the title suggests, this new live album and DVD/Blu-ray was captured at the annual Morsefest in 2018, where Neal and band performed his then new album, Jesus Christ - The Exorcist in its entirety. Watch a performance of "Love Has Called My Name" (above).

"Performing Jesus Christ - The Exorcist with this extraordinary cast of singers and musicians was an absolute dream come true for me as a composer and musician. The way it came together was nothing short of miraculous! One of the greatest events of my life," says Morse of the performance.

This unique live album presents the entire Jesus Christ - The Exorcist story set as a progressive rock musical. Here, the biggest change from any typical Neal Morse performance was that he was the musical director and not the main performer. The backing band included some of his usual collaborators like Bill Hubauer and Randy George, of course. Eric Gillette, usually the guitarist, was the drummer for the musical and showed off his incredible skills while Paul Bielatowicz was on lead guitar for the show. The orchestra included a horn section, a choir, backing singers, and a string quartet.  The staging and lighting was nothing short of impressive, with the visuals by Christian Rios and sound by Jerry Guidroz (SONS OF APOLLO, NEAL MORSE BAND, HAKEN) taking things to the next level.

The lead role of Jesus was taken by Ted Leonard of ENCHANT and SPOCK’S BEARD. Leonard’s voice is one of the best in rock music and he sounded stellar throughout the night. Joining Leonard was a fantastic collection of singers that included Nick D’Virgilio (SPOCK’S BEARD, BIG BIG TRAIN) along with Jake Livgren (PROTOKAW), Matt Smith (THEOCRACY), John Schlitt (PETRA), Rick Florian (WHITE HEART), Mark Pogue, and Wil Morse.  However, perhaps the one that stole the show was newcomer Talon David, a local Nashville singer who took the role of Mary Magdalene.  She has an incredible voice and brought many to tears during the finale duet with Ted Leonard. A highlight moment during the show was in the first act with the song “Madman of the Gadarenes,” where Morse introduced his Gentle Giant influenced vocal medley with multiple vocalists all singing different lines in unison.

Whether or not an audience member knows or appreciates the subject matter might influence their opinion on the show, but it is impossible not to be impressed by the spectacle of this performance. What Neal Morse was able to write and produce with limited time and rehearsals is nothing short of amazing. The music is the definition of  epic prog and certainly will delight any Morse fan.

Jesus Christ - The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018) pre-order: www.nealmorse.com/product/jesus-christ-the-exorcist-live-at-morsefest-2018

Roxx Records Announce Exclusive Holiday Sampler:
Press Release / This year we have a really cool Christmas CD for everyone that participates in our year end sale. This year we take you on a long Winter’s Journey through this past year and end by taking you in to the new year. On this limited edition disc you get two new exclusive Christmas tunes, 4 new tracks from Roxx Records, 4 new tracks from No Life Til Metal Records, 3 new tracks from artists over at Christian Metal Distro AND it ends with three brand spankin new previously unreleased tracks to get you ready for 2021!
 
First up the lead off Christmas track is a brand new tune from Roxx Records recording artist AFTERWINTER called “Under Fire” don’t let that title fool you, this is a straight up Christmas tune in the vein of classic TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA.  We are excited to be able to share with you the brand new Lux Video production of "Under Fire" (above) just in time for the Christmas holiday!

Up next we feature a previously unreleased instrumental Christmas tune from No Life Til Metal Records recording artist Chris Manning entitled “Winter’s Journey”. Enjoy this amazing and beautiful new holiday track during this holiday season.
 
Then get a little peak into some of the most recent releases from Roxx Records. Starting with the new single from MOTIVIK, which releases this December. (Full release details coming soon) then rounding out the Roxx tracks we have the newest singles from DOMINUS MEUS, RIVETING TRUTH and SWINGLE AND THOMPSON ORDAINED.

After that we move over to No Life Til Metal Records where you get to hear 4 of the latest and greatest tunes released this year including tracks from MADROST, FROM THE RUINS, HELLBENDER and CHRIS MANNING.

Now lets journey over to Christian Metal Distro and hear 3 of some of the best tracks released this year. Boy this was tough to do with all the killer new Christian metal released this year. We narrowed it down to 3 new tracks this year courtesy of SAINT, ADORNED GRAVES and LORDCHAIN.

A very special ending as we give you an exclusive sneak peak at three of our 2021 releases you need to look out for. Featuring new music from ALTARFYRE, BIOGENESIS and AFTERWINTER.

This disc is limited to only those that place an order with us during our annual year-end holiday sale, which is happening this year for 48 hours only on November 21st and 22nd. Keep watching for sale details coming soon!

Exclusive Christmas Jams
 
AFTERWINTER - “Under Fire” (Roxx Records Exclusive)
CHRIS MANNING - “Winter’s Journey” (Instrumental) (NLTM Records Exclusive)
 
Roxx Records: www.RoxxRecords.com

MOTIVIK - “Away” (from the forthcoming album Death Of The Gunmen)
DOMINUS MEUS - “Hunter Killer” (from the album DM1 Revocalized)
RIVETING TRUTH - “The Prison” (from the forthcoming self-titled EP)
*featuring Dennis Cameron
SWINGLE AND THOMPSON ORDAIN - “The Thunder That Rocks The World” from album of the same name)
 
No Life Til Metal Records: www.NoLifeTilMetalRecords.com

MADROST - “To Prevail The Wicked” (from the album Charring The Rotting Earth)
FROM THE RUINS - “No Honor” (from the album Into Chaos)
HELLBENDER - “Rosa” (from the album American Nightmare)
CHRIS MANNING - “Start Over” Now (from the album Destination)
*featuring Bruce Kulick

Christian Metal Distro: www.ChristianMetalDistro.com

SAINT - “Psalm 23” (from the 2020 release The Calf)
ADORNED GRAVE - “United Reliance” (from the 2020 release Being Towards A River)
LORDCHAIN - “No Excuses” (from the 2020 album “The Shadow Project”)
*featuring Greg Minier and Michael Phillips
 
Sneak Peak At 2021 (Bonus Tracks):

ALTARFYRE - “Son Of Man”
BIOGENESIS - “Within These Walls”
AFTERWINTER - “Regression”

NEWS BRIEFS

* CRUCIBLE DIVINE premiered a new song, “Secret Sins”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_Cd6TPyw2g

The group consists of Dale Thompson (lead vocals), Kevin Wale (guitars & vocals), Raymond Christie (guitars), Brad Buell (bass), Ramiro Rosales (drums) and Clint Glazner (backing vocals).

* “The Motor Cycle Man” is the new single from Fortaleza, Brazil based eighties metal/hard rock band REASSONICA: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrbYMD3e5xA

The song will be included on the group’s upcoming album, which is scheduled for a 2021 release.  It is VERY good. If said new album features 8 or 9 additional songs of equal quality, I would write an 85% review (minimum).  The REASSONICA lineup consists of Rogério Soares (guitar), Rômulo bastos (bass), Márcio (vocals), and Felipe (drums).

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

BRIDE - Drop (Girder Music re-issue)
Nineties era hard music fans lament the fact Bride did not pay attention to the old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ in reference to the, Kentucky based acts 1995 seventh album Drop.  Read Full Review >>

FIERCE HEART - War For The World
Not so on Fierce Heart fall of 2020 Dark Star Records sophomore release War For The World, which leaves little doubt it is a metal album from how Carroll’s signature strident rhythm guitar places front and center in the mix.  Read Full Review >>

OBLIVION MYTH - In Your Arms
Nashville, Tennessee based Oblivion Myth is in a state of transition.  Not just in terms of musical direction, as it independently released on October 15, 2020 its most varied work to date in third album In Your Arms, but also from a roster standpoint, having expanded its lineup from three core members to five.  Read Full Review >>

PRODIGAL - Are You Ready!
Phoenix, Arizona is home to a third Prodigal that takes a much heavier musical stance than its similarly named counterparts.  Read Full Review >>

STRYPER - Even The Devil Believes
Summer of 2020 sixth Stryper comeback album and thirteenth overall Even The Devil Believes maintains the musical consistency and continuity that made No More Hell To Pay, Fallen and God Damn Evil such special releases, but it does bring change.   Read Full Review >>

TRUE STRENGTH - The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh
Roxx Records fall of 2020 fourth True Strength album The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh trends similar non-commercial heavy metal territory as its predecessors, comes with the raw but crisp production to go in hand and represents the second conceptual work from the group in a row.  Read Full Review >>

WE ARE RESOLUTE - Shine The Light
For his most recent band We Are Resolute, Thompson unites with guitarist and keyboardist Bryan Carman and drummer, bassist and guitarist John Mokma to sign with Roxx Records for its July of 2020 debut offering Shine The Light.  Read Full Review >>

THOBIAS WIKLUND - Playing Loud
Playing Loud picks up where To Remember The Forgotten leaves off by again combining melodic hard rock vocal numbers and instrumentals, with seven of the former and two latter.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

OBLIVION MYTH Release “Thousand Years” Official Video:
Nashville, Tennessee based power metal band OBLIVION MYTH has premiered a video to the track “Thousand Years”, the second single off its third full-length album In Your Arms, which it independently released on October 15, 2020.

In Your Arms follows on the heals of the groups 2016 sophomore effort Inside The Mirror (95% Angelic Warlord review and album of the year recipient) and 2008 debut full length Between Light And Shadow (80% review).

According to the group, ‘(In Your Arms) is quite a step forward into a more of a European power-metal kind of sound, but, we touch on classic British heavy metal, a song that's kinda Seattle, one that's quite Iron Maiden-ish, a funky Hendrix/Zakk Wylde heavy blues song, and a couple of epics that are just crazy and weird and awesome.  Thrash, symphonic metal, all kinds of surprises await.  60 minutes of metal of various styles and flavors, and all proudly Christian.’

OBLIVION MYTH used the same recording engineer and mixing/mastering team as on Inside The Mirror, Curtis Erdek and Andy Freeman, respectively.

Don Carro directed the video, which was filmed on August 30, 2020 at the historic Capitol Theatre in Lebanon, Tennessee.  The group also shot a video for debut single “In Your Arms” (same director and location): www.youtube.com/watch?v=r85R8imcwS4

OBLIVION MYTH line-up:

Tim McDonald - Lead Vocals
Keith Smith - Guitars
Chris Selby - Guitars
Ryan Mark - Bass
Bob Schultz - Drums

In Your Arms track listing:

1. Diadem
2. “Thousand Years”
3. “The Veil”
4. “In Your Arms”
5. “Slow Burn”
6. “Love Child”
7. “Another Life”
8. “The Price”
9. “Awake In The Night”
10. “Second Skin”
11. “Heirs To The Throne”

OBLIVION MYTH online: https://oblivionmyth.com & www.facebook.com/OblivionMythFanpage

ROXX RECORDS To Release RIVETING TRUTH Self-Titled Debut EP:
Press Release / On our eternal quest to bring you some of the best, loudest and boldest in Christian rock and metal to the frontlines, Roxx Records is very excited to announce we have made our way in to Canada for this one. Please join us in welcoming RIVETING TRUTH to the Roxx Records line up.
 
RIVETING TRUTH is a Christian Metal band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada featuring members Dave Bentley out front (vocals & guitars) and Andrew Rudd (bass).  The two have played music together since the early ‘90’s and released a nine song independent album with the band LEGACY in 1996.  LEGACY played throughout southern Ontario and surrounding areas for several years opening for established bands such as WHITECROSS before taking a hiatus to pursue different career paths. 
 
In 2017 Andrew and Dave created a new musical project by drawing from their musical influences of melodic groove heavy metal and RIVETING TRUTH was born.  The doubled-edged concept of the band name is that Jesus Christ is the riveting truth (John 14:6) that can fasten the gospel to our heart, soul and mind.
 
The band is excited to release their highly anticipated 4 song EP, which features guest solos from two of Christian metals most legendary guitar players Dennis Cameron (ANGELICA) and Rex Carroll (WHITECROSS).  We are very excited to share the debut single and lyric video from their upcoming self-titled EP.

“The Prison” (lyric video above) is a straight ahead power metal song based on 1 Corinthians 10:13.  A reminder that God gives us strength to overcome our temptations, and that He always provides a way of escape from the prison of sin.  The lyrics were written by Dave Bentley and the music by Andrew Rudd and Dave Bentley.  The song features a stunning lead guitar performance by Dennis Cameron of Angelica fame. 
 
November 13, 2020 we bring you the debut 4 track self-titled EP on a limited edition CD pressing and we want the world to hear this one! So for a very short time until the release date you can secure your copy of  the self-titled RIVETING TRUTH EP for the introductory price of only $7.77 only until our release date!

Riveting Truth pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/riveting-truth-s-t-ep-angelica-whitecross-limited-edition-cd

NEWS BRIEFS

* “Sanctification Of The World”, debut single off upcoming second NORTHERN FLAME album (untitled at the time of this writing): www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSEMF3ztsHs

* Slabber.net online interview with Michael Sweet: https://slabber.net/2020/10/31/michael-sweet-on-strypers-new-album-trump-and-his-belief-that-christianity-is-not-popular-today

* Oz Fox (STRYPER) guests on new single from CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE, “Unto The Lamb”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9td9n8O340c

Further details from the group (Facebook - November 5, 2020):

“Our new single “Unto The Lamb” is out on iTunes, Spotify, Napster etc...

“We had the great pleasure of having Oz Fox come aboard on this very special track and sing the 2nd verse and all the harmonies, as well as dueling guitars with LA through out the song! The solo is just amazing!

“Here’s the best part that Oz has not been told.  ALL proceeds from this track go to him and Annie for what ever they need it for- medical bills or maybe just some date night, no strings attached, we just really wanted to bless them because they have so blessed us! So please, please go buy the song and share it with everyone!
 
“Many have helped make this possible… we want to give a huge shout out to Tom Parham for engineering this track free of charge to help make this happen for Oz!”

ARTIST COMMENTARY

Michael Sweet in regards to upcoming revamped version to sixth STRYPER album, Reborn:

“Something I’ve always wanted to do is to release the original version of Reborn as a limited run (autographed) CD &vVinyl release. It will also be available eventually as a download. In terms of songs, it’s always been one of my favorite albums.
 
“What’s made it a little difficult for me to enjoy over the years are the drum tones, limited guitar solos and the overall mix. Due to Covid and our situation, I’ve had the opportunity to hit the studio and record new guitar solos, add more rhythm guitars, add a few high vocal notes here and there, add synth tracks to “thicken” choruses and of course remix the entire album with the original tracks.

“Mixed Emotions Music helped me bring this to fruition and I could not be happier with the results!  The album also includes the original drums and bass tracks, which sound great! Now it’s in the amazing hands (and ears) of @alexsaltz and it’s being mastered.

“To anyone out there who always liked Reborn but never really loved it, I think you will now.  It’s taken on a completely new energy and the sonic quality is right in line with the past few Stryper and MS albums. It sounds killer!

“We also did an alternate mix of “Passion” that will be included. It’ll make you raise your hands to the heavens above I promise.  Once mastering is complete, it’ll go to the plant to be created and packaged. It’ll be available at www.michaelsweet.com via Port Merchandise early 2021. Stay tuned for details and thank you all for your continued love & support.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

BLOODGOOD, Bloodgood Limited Run Vinyl On Girder Music:
Album release: February 28, 2021

Press Release / With an album this great, it only made sense to get it out on vinyl, as it's never been re-issued on vinyl. Completely re-mastered, it comes in a gatefold jacket that opens up to iconic band pictures, some never before seen, with a large 24" x 24" band poster, full color 2-sided printed inner-sleeve with lyrics and credits. Limited to 200 units.

1986 was an iconic year for Christian metal.  We saw future hall-of-fame releases by some bands we already knew: LEVITICUS (The Strongest Power), SAINT (Times End), and MESSIAH PROPHET (Master of the Metal). But 1986 also offered several critically acclaimed debut releases from bands that would go on to define the epitome of Christian metal in the decades to follow: BRIDE (Show No Mercy), BARREN CROSS (Rock For The King), and last but not least, the debut self-titled album from the theatrical U.S. band out of the state of Washington with a peculiar name, and a sound that hit all the right notes for metal heads desperate for MORE white metal - BLOODGOOD!

BLOODGOOD was way ahead of their time, and rivaled W.A.S.P. in sheer heaviness and deadly riffs, while boasting a game-changing lead singer in Les Carlson whose voice immediately cemented them in the serious-contender category. The 1986 debut release created a metallic aura that set new standards for both the quality and authenticity of Christian metal. These guys weren't sacrificing their metal edge, even with a passionate Christian message. There's nothing fake to be had here; with lyrics that range from being lost in a perpetual nighttime of sin, killing the black snake of the devil, and setting demons on the run.

Some might call “Stand In the Light” the lyrical crown jewel of the album. The words might seem “un-metal” on paper, but they are absolutely ripped out by Carlsen with such force that they're guaranteed to bring out the fist-pumps, if not the Dio horns:

“Does a child cry? Does the world turn around? Does a fire burn? Is the earth also ground? This we've learned, but what have we found? Does a snowflake fall? And in fall does a tree drop its leaves? Does water freeze?”

Even the album cover is stunning in its simplicity: a barbed wire logo and thick drops of blood shooting upwards and practically hanging in the air. No Christian album had ever been more visually bold. The first five songs on this album ("Accept the Lamb," "Stand in the Light," - listen to Michael Bloodgood kill the bass work on SITL - "Demon on the Run," "Anguish and Pain," and "Awake!") are absolute rockers, and we rank them with anything that ACCEPT, W.A.S.P., TWISTED SISTER, or KISS did in the same time period.

If it’s possible to make a metal ballad out of losing your soul, then "What's Following the Grave" is it; detailing a low-tone fret work, gloomy but inspiring vocals, and a chorus that is jaw-dropping in its time change. You want legitimate, bring-the-roof-down show-closers? Listen to "Killing The Beast," "You Lose," and the lightning strike that's "Black Snake." This remains one metal album that was made for decades of repeated listens. The bottom line for the music fan is simple. This is metal at its finest. Let your ears be the judge. The 2019 Retroactive Records Legends re-mastered edition is THE definitive reissue of this classic album - finally getting it right with a 12 page booklet (jewel case) featuring lyrics and rare band photos, digitally re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound! This reissue enhances the pure magic of the original and makes it shine even brighter, making it a necessary re-purchase even if you already own it. Trust us -  you’ll be glad you did!

Bloodgood track listing:

Side A:

1. “Accept The Lamb”    
2. “Stand In The Light”  
3. “Demon On The Run”  
4. “Anguish And Pain”   
5.” Awake”

Side B:

1. “Soldier Of Peace”    
2. “You Lose”     
3. “What's Following The Grave” 
4. “Killing The Beast”     
5. ”Black Snake”

Bloodgood splatter vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bloodgood-gatefold-w-24x24-poster-red-black-splatter

BLOODGOOD, Detonation Limited Run Vinyl On Girder Music:
Album release: February 28, 2021

Press Release / It's been over 30 years since BLOODGOOD dropped their sophomore album and arguably on of the greatest Christian Metal albums of all time and nearly every best of list agrees.  Heaven's Metal ranked it at #8.  YES, number eight!!!  Above BRIDE’s Snake in the Playground  It's that good.  Angelic Warlord placed it at #6 on its list of the top 50 metal albums of the eighties.

It comes in a gatefold jacket that opens up to iconic band pictures and includes a  large 24" x 24" band poster with full color 2-sided inner lyric sleeve with lyrics and credits. It's also available in 2 colors. 100 units in translucent blue and 100 units in lava-fire-orange.

This is also been re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks sound. Mastered specifically for vinyl.  When you re-master for vinyl is a completely different process than CD.   The goal is always to let the vinyl breathe and no push the decibels to high.  That's what gives vinyl such a warm, rich, deep sound.

Vocalist Les Carlsen recently stated, "This is the album where we went to the record company and said let us (the band) produce this album and we will deliver you a great metal album. We were the writers, the arrangers and the producers. Yes, we had an engineer (Doug Dole), but we (the band) wrote all the songs and oversaw the entire mix. We locked ourselves into a warehouse and worked all day long, every day until it was complete."

Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH) did a review of Detonation in Circus Magazine, which discussed the relevance of a Christian Metal album and how BLOODGOOD did everything correct.

What really surprising is how well this record still holds up. So many bands back in the day used reverb on everything and listening to some of those now, sounds a bit outdated and hokey.  Yet Detonation still sounds fresh and new. Les's voice is at it's peak which thankfully also stands up to today’s' rock vocals.

It's amazing what 30+ years can do to ones perspective and what 30+ years can do to cement your name as one of the greatest Christian Rock albums of all time.  Detonation does just that.

Detonation track listing:

Side A:

1. ”Battle Of The Flesh”
2. “Vagrant People”
3. “Self-Destruction”
4. “Alone In Suicide”
5. “Heartbeat (Of The City)”

Side B:

1. “Eat The Flesh”
2. “Holy Fire”
3. “Crucify”
4. ”The Messiah”
5. “Live Wire”

Detonation lava-fire-orange vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/copy-of-bloodgood-detonation-lava-fire-orange-vinyl-gatefold-w-24x24-poster

Detonation blue vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bloodgood-detonation-blue-vinyl-gatefold-w-24x24-poster

PRODIGAL, Electric Eye Limited Run Vinyl On Retroactive Records:
Album release: December 2020

Press Release / Never one’s to rest on the accomplishments of their epic 1982 self-titled release, PRODIGAL surpassed ridiculous expectations for their sophomore effort with 1984’s Electric Eye.  The album received Best of the Year honors in 1984 by both Contemporary Christian Music magazine and Campus Life Magazine.  It also received national attention for a unique promotional idea: a computer program for a Commodore 64 was mastered into a "stop-groove" at the end of the vinyl record, the first time this had ever been done. The program, if copied to a cassette tape could be loaded via cassette drive into a C-64 computer to reveal graphics, lyrics and a message from the band.  The video for the song, "Boxes" won the very first Gospel Music Association Dove Award for music videos ("Best Visual Song"). The music video for the song "Fast Forward" was named Video of the Year. 

Yeah, Electric Eye was a big deal!  With their second album, the band shook the fragile foundations of Christian music. The content on Electric Eye is beautifully portrayed on the album cover. We have surrounded ourselves with so much to entertain us and consume our time that the difference between reality and artificial are not just blurred but rather the artificial begins to be more “real.” Note how the actual lightning through the window is faded and bland while the same lightning shown on the television set is vibrant and exciting. This is expressed in different ways on the album along with a host of other topics that are both poignant and eternal.

“Scene of the Crime” is the first song on the album and starts with a police siren leading into an aggressive guitar and keyboard driven rock sound akin to FOREIGNER or KANSAS. Lead singer Loyd Boldman’s bombastic baritone is both edgy and clean as needed with nods to Michael Been (THE CALL) for pure power. Humanity’s guilt is laid to bear within relationships and how we often leave others with wounds that never heal. But the murderous actions are not missed by the judge who sees all as this is pointed out. We can try to run from the pain and suffering we leave in our wake, but cannot escape a righteous judge. Boldman’s vocals at the end of the song place him amongst one the best unheralded rock voices in Christian music.  You believe his words because you believe his passion and authenticity. 

It was songs like that that set Electric Eye apart in 1984, and why it was ranked #20 on a 2010 list of Greatest Christian Albums of All Time and #43 on CCM’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The 2020 Retroactive Records Legends Re-mastered Series features the album r-emastered from the original 2-inch master tape, plus it includes a brand new Commodore 64 code Easter egg created by Robin who runs the Youtube Channel "8-Bit Show And Tell", that gave viewers a chance to see the original Easter egg C-64 code cracked on video! Break out those Commodore 64’s… you get not one, but TWO C-64 codes! For fans of KANSAS, YES, SAGA, FOREIGNER, STYX, SUPERTRAMP, MR. MISTER and brilliant, life changing rock and roll!  Be sure to get the 2-CD set of this masterful album, or splurge for all three PRODGIAL CDs (and the Loyd Boldman 1988 solo CD Sleep Without Dreams) while you can!

Electric Eye track listing:

1. “Scene Of The Crime”
2. “Fast Forward”
3. “Masks”
4. “Just What I Need”
5. “Emerald City”
6. “Commodore 64 Code (2020 Easter Egg)”
7. “Electric Eye”
8. “Bobby”
9. “Shout It Out”
10. “Neon”
11. ”Boxes”
12. “Commodore 64 Code (Original Easter Egg)”

Electric Eye red splatter vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/limited-run-vinyl/products/prodigal-electric-eye-new-red-vinyl-2020-retroactive-records

NEWS BRIEFS

* New song from Dale & Troy Thompson of BRIDE, “Hallelujah”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MENJwuCZNaQ

* “Spirit And Fire”, fourth single from new WYTCH HAZEL album III: Penacost (release date October 30, 2020): www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDbugGsj7xM

* “A Child Of Light” is a new song off the upcoming EVANS & STOKES tentatively scheduled for release in December: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwEm_sUTlIM

According to vocalist Jen Stokes, "The song is my recasting of the classic hymn, "Make me a Channel of Your Peace" (a 13th century prayer put to music). I think of the lyrics as being a prayer that I may walk this earth doing good works and spreading hope.”

As for the album: “We had thought it would be released by now, but I've had some health problems affecting my voice and, of course, Covid hit the world which made getting into the studio impossible. I started back singing a few weeks ago. Taking it easy there, but working pretty steadily. So far, we've got six songs done and mixed. There are six more to go. I've just got backing tracks to do for two of those so all going well, we'll be eight down by early next week.”

It will have 12 songs: “Into The Badlands”, “Overlord”, “Demon Of The Wood”, “Man, Beast And Creeping Things”, “The Sorrow”, “Eternal Punishment”, “Army Of The Dead”, “Breath Of Life”, “Dawn Descending”, “In Dreams” & “Child Of Light”

The twelfth song is yet to be named.  A video to the demo of “Into The Badlands” was posted to social media earlier in the year: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AqHL8GcHGU

In terms of musical direction: “There are a lot of thrash influences on this album, but as with our other releases, it's a real marriage of metal sub-genres. “Eternal Punishment”, for instance, has a long piano intro then goes into a heavy doom riff which is very suitable to the telling of Revelations 20-22. There's "The Sorrow," which is an emotional acoustic piece that imagines God's sorrow before the flood and there's "In Dreams" which starts as this ethereal affair and then morphs into something with an almost Doro feel to it.”

ARTIST COMMENTARY

RIGHTFUL HEIR in regards to its Ten Year Vision (Facebook - October 28, 2020):

“Greetings my fellow brothers and sisters. I’m going to give you an update on what Rightful Heir is up to and where Rightful Heir is heading in the future. I been in the hour of prayer. Days searching where the direction the Lord wanted to head this band in the future. As I been searching in praying for this band for many years. This came upon in my spirit a “Ten Year Vision”. It was cleared and set. I had one album already written the lyrics “In the Blood of His Name”. So, I ask Lord what you want to do and where you want to go from here. He had me write the lyrics for the next two albums “Battlefront” and “Heirs to the Throne” to set up this “Ten Year Vision”. After this “Ten Year Vision” a “Double Live” Album and DVD. So as some or most.

“My drum kit has been redesign and ready to go. Next is getting the drum kit insured. After that a search for practice studio. Then I’m going to practice on the drum kit for three to four months and after that I will be on a search in prayer and promoting for the band members to fulfill this vision. This will take place in the year 2021.

“Forty-three lyrics ready to go, just need the rest of the band to fulfill this vision. Also, the artwork for the albums are all set ready to go as well. Come down to this. I need your prayers to fulfill this vision. The “Ten Year Vision” will be three studio albums and after that ten years a double live album. The three albums will be in this order:

1) In the Blood Of His Name
2) Battlefront
3) Heirs To The Throne

“Keep these all-in prayers this “Ten Year Vision” gets fulfilled. I need the Warriors are called to this and believe in this Vision to go out to fulfill. What been place in front of them to be warriors of the light. We need to go out to be who we are for His kingdom. Heirs to the Kingdom and go out and fight for what is our right. To go out and possess the land. To get our brothers and sisters saved and reunited with our Lord Jesus Christ. This music with the power of His anointing will set impact on all our lives. On who we are and how we are place in His heavenly kingdom. Glory to our King Lord Jesus Christ. It’s time for all of us to wake up and fight. This is war and we need to go in our war room and fight what needs to be done for His kingdom.  To be warriors for the light, fight for what is in your right.

“As of right now, everything is in motion.  Now keep interceding for the band to find right insurance for the drum kit. Then on finding right proper practice studio. Practice on the new setup on the drum kit for 3 or 4 months and on the search for right band members for Rightful Heir. To get this going and start working on writing for “In Blood of His Name”.

“This will be six piece band. Two guitar players, bass player, keyboardist, drums, lead vocals and the backing vocals will have a lot of vocal power as well. The band style will be Symphony X, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Gamma Ray, Helloween, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Armored Saint, Iced Earth, Hammerfall, Kamelot, Power etc… style like these. Neo-Classical Heavy Progressive Power Metal Band with His anointing all through it. We are asking for Prayers for “Sponsors” to help provide for this calling so we can go out to reach everyone that need the Lord Jesus. For all also to unify the “Body of Christ” This war is bigger than all of us. We need all the support we can get. We need everyone out there pray, pray and pray for all this to happen.

“I want to thank everyone to take the time for reading this and support this vision. Will soon we will have some amazing created music for all of you to hear. With His powerful amazing anointing all through these amazing powerful lyrics the Lord has bless us with. This will have very well balance structure with the lyrics and the music in one to give you amazing blessing for you to hear.  It will break all the chains and heal all the sick. This why it’s important to get the right ones in this solid line up. For His glory and for His kingdom that we are heirs of citizens of His Kingdom in heaven as on earth. To go out and possess the land “In the Blood of His Name”. God Bless You All. Heirs to the Kingdom and Long Live the King. We will have this on the web site www.rightfulheirhq.com  We will keep you posted for We will keep you posted for further “RH NEWS” Warriors of the Light.”

 

INTERVIEWS

New TRUE STRENGTH Interview Online:
Angelic Warlord had the recent opportunity to interview TRUE STRENGTH members rhythm guitarist/bassist Ryan “the Archangel” Darnell and drummer Chris Lee Faulkenberry, whom go into detail regarding the particulars behind its Roxx Records new album (October 30, 2020 release) The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh.  Following is an expert:

It is my understanding that The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh is a concept album based around the Old Testament book of Joshua.  Please go into more detail regarding the subject matter.  Why did you choose this topic to cover?  What meaning can listeners derive and apply from the Book of Joshua?
RYAN: One of my ultimate goals, that I have stated before, is that I want to bring the Bible to song. I want to make the stories accessible to people who may never have read the Bible. Each book holds such an importance to and a foreshadowing of the events of the life of Jesus Christ that I personally feel are overlooked by many. I want to bring to life the people and the places where these events took place. I chose the Book of Joshua because it is a very difficult book to read, especially through a modern lens: there is total warfare, stoning of transgressors, burning of cities, executions and displays on poles… a lot of secular critics of the Bible frequently quote the Book of Joshua as a way to “invalidate” its moral positions.

Read full interview: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DOMINUS MEUS TO RELEASE DM1 REVOCALIZED VIA ROXX RECORDS:
Press Release / In spite of a lackluster 2020 for our world in general, Roxx Records had made a conscience decision to keep the music coming throughout this year. In reality with the world in such a state we need some positivity in this world, as such, one way we have done this is to partner up with Dale Thompson and bring you quite a few new releases this year. We have already brought you 5 new releases featuring Dale out front giving us some most excellent new music. Roxx Records has already released two albums from THE THOMAS THOMPSON PROJECT, SWINGLE AND THOMPSON ORDAINED, WE ARE RESOLUTE and let’s not forget the tail end of 2019 when we delivered NO OTHER GOD to the masses. Also over at Christian Metal Distro we have become the official distributor for the classic releases from Dabster Gentlemen , Haunted No More and The World Will Burn! And we are not done yet!

Dale Thompson has now officially been dubbed ‘the hardest working man in Christian Metal’! The latest release featuring Dale Thompson out front is the brand new release from DOMINUS MEUS entitled DM1 Re-vocalized. DOMINUS MEUS is the killer new metal project from John Evans (EVANS & STOKES) The title DM1 Re-vocalized is aptly titled as such because John had already completed the album, when he heard out in the Christian Metal community that Dale was offering his services as a gun for hire. John thought and prayed about it and decided it would be really cool to hear Dale put his vocals on this project, and the rest is history!

Roxx Records is very excited to bring you DOMINUS MEUS DM1 Re-vocalized featuring ten brand new tracks written and performed by John Evans with full vocals from Dale Thompson.

Check out the debut single Hunter Killer above.

The project releases worldwide digitally on October 31st and the limited edition CD pressing will release on November 13th. Take advantage of the special pre order price now, which will go up after the release date.

DM1 Re-vocalized track listing:

1. “The Crushing”
2. “One Calling”
3. “Innocent Blood”
4. “Judge of the Earth”
5. “The Way Of Evil Men”
6. “Hunter Killer”
7. “WASP-76b”
8. “Drive Out The Demons”
9. “Give Up The Ghost”
10. “Venom Of Serpents”

DM1 Re-vocalized pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/2019-releases/products/dominus-meus-dm1-re-vocalized-featuring-dale-thompson?mc_cid=cbc7ebac43&mc_eid=ceab141ddf

DELIVERANCE, Deliverance Gold Disc Edition CD Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album release: November 16, 2020

Press Release / Frightening, awe-inspiring, and absolutely relentless, DELIVERANCE's self-titled album dropped onto the scene in 1989 with all the finesse of a metallic sledgehammer across the forehead. In 1987, DELIVERANCE had made their presence known in dramatic fashion on the California Metal compilation (a sampler in the vein of Metal Blade's Metal Massacre compilations) with "Attack" being the very first thrash/speed metal song with a strong Christian message to ever be released. Overwhelmed with anticipation, fans lined up for two years trying to buy more of this West Coast speed metal as phenomenal as anything released by EXODUS, DEATH ANGEL, METALLICA and ANTHRAX.

The long wait ended with the release of 1989's self-titled debut, and fans were not disappointed. Having enlisted the production skills of famed mainstream metal producer Bill Metoyer (FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, TROUBLE, FATES WARNING, DRI, SLAYER) the debut exuded all the pure destructive power for which fans could have hoped. Every note is executed with jaw-dropping levels of scientific precision. Jimmy's vocals are both powerful and soaring.

The 2020 Retroactive reissue is a brand new Gold Disc re-master (Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound) and includes three non-LP demo songs as bonus tracks. The insert booklet features 2017 write-ups from bandleader, Jimmy Brown, guitarist Glenn Rogers, bassist Brian Khairullah, and Pastor Bob Beeman.  This is pure metallic brilliance packaged with a genius 12-page booklet laid out by NoLifeTilMetal's Scott Waters. Previous CD reissues of this classic album all had audio or graphics issues.  This is THE ultimate reissue of one of a handful of Christian metal's ultimate albums.  In addition, every CD comes with an exclusive trading card (gold foil stamped) inside the packaging.

Deliverance track listing:

1. “Victory”
2. “No Time”
3. “Deliverance”
4. “If You Will”
5. “The Call”
6. “No Love”
7. “Blood Of The Covenant”
8. “Jehovah Jireh”
9. “Temporary Insanity”
10. “Awake”

Deliverance bonus tracks:

11. “Stand Up And Fight” (1985 demo)
12. “Hold On Tightly” (1988 demo)
13. “J.I.G.” (1988 demo)

Deliverance Gold Disc Edition re-issue pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/deliverance-deliverance-3-bonus-tracks-gold-disc-edition-pre-order

SACRED WARRIOR, Master’s Command Gold Disc Edition CD Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album release: November 16, 2020

Press Release / There’s something about ‘Ryche influenced power metal that makes hard music devotees go weak in the knees. Perhaps it is the high-end, soaring and at times operatic lead vocals not unlike those of revered QUEENSRŸCHE front man Geoff Tate. Maybe it is a technical proclivity rooted in the power metal aesthetic that also suggests of light progressive bearings. It might also be a high level of musicianship found in a guitarist both melodic and searing, intricate double bass drummer, bassist that lays the detailed low-end foundation and keyboardist that underscores but not to a fault. With SACRED WARRIOR, it is all of the above in light of its dark but sophisticated take on the power metal form.

1989's Master’s Command displays the band in better form from a technical perspective, with chops well honed from time on the road. While backing away from the power metal of their debut, the album is a strong collection of hard rock songs and includes the more melodic tracks “Paradise” and “Beyond the Mountain,” which season the heavy sound with catchy hooks and memorable choruses. “The Flood” offers a vocal duet between Parra and Roger Martinez (of VENGEANCE). The album closes with what most consider to be its highlight, a heavy metal version of the traditional hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

Few albums could legitimately be the greatest Christian metal album of all-time.  Master's Command is a contender to such a lofty throne.  It's that good.  And, Retroactive Records has done everything possible to make this the ULTIMATE CD reissue of one of the ultimate Christian metal albums ever. The album has been digitally re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound, packaged in a 12-page booklet/jewel case, and comes on an elite Gold Disc CD.

Master’s Command track listing:

1. “Master's Command”
2. “Beyond the Mountain”
3. “Evil Lurks”
4. “Bound in Chains”
5. “Unfailing Love”
6. “Paradise”
7. “Uncontrolled”
8. “Many Will Come”
9. “Onward Warriors”
10. “The Flood”
11. “Holy, Holy, Holy”

Master’s Command Gold Disc Edition re-issue pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/sacred-warrior-masters-command-gold-disc-edition-new-cd-2020-retroactive-jewel-case-2020-remaster

NEWS BRIEFS

* “Sanctuary”, official lyric video from LEAH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOsc7EaeBIA

As noted by the symphonic metal songstress: “I originally wrote this song in 2013, and I’m very happy with how it turned out in 2020! Featuring Timo Somers on the solo.”

* ”In Your Arms” is the first single off the new OBLIVION MYTH album (release date October 15, 2020) of the same name: www.youtube.com/watch?v=r85R8imcwS4

*“Archangel”, third single from upcoming WYTCH HAZEL album (release date October 30, 2020) III: Penacost: www.youtube.com/watch?v=83U-j6zi1nI

ARTIST COMMENTARY

Oz Fox medical update from STRYPER vocalist Michael Sweet (Facebook - October 23, 2020):

“I wanted to give all of you an update on Oz. Lisa and I spoke to Oz & Annie a few hours ago, and he was just released from the hospital.  He is back on seizure medication to help with the potential of any seizures moving forward. He’s feeling much better now and is in really good spirits! He’s back home resting at this time.  They have meetings planned at UCLA to discuss the next step to deal with the tumors.

“We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers as Oz continues to face this battle.  We also ask that you all respect his (and Annie’s) privacy. The best thing that we can all do is to continue to lift him up silently and fervently.  We will keep you informed as best as we can, when we can.”

Vocalist Michael Drive (BARREN CROSS) in regards to his upcoming recording projects (Facebook - October 11, 2020):

“As some of you know, I’ve been in the recording studio steadily for the last two years and have been recording not one but two different albums for two different bands I’m in (I haven’t done that since 1995).  I’m about to announce the first release, of which mixing is done and mastering is set to complete tomorrow!  So (very) soon, it will be available!  The other band is about 80% of the way there. 

“I’m still keeping things a bit of a surprise, but you’ll know very soon about both of them.  What I can tell you is this: They are both EXTREMELY excellent metal bands, but very different one from another in their styles, yet the common denominator is my lead vocal work, my songwriting and performance on both albums- and I am proud to say that this is my best work yet!  I’m looking forward to reading every one of your comments when you hear this for the first time!  God has really done something amazing here that I am really overwhelmed with gratitude for.  …and frankly, I’m simply amazed as to how good this is.” 

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

LOVEWAR, Soak Your Brain CD & Vinyl Re-issue On Girder Music:
Album release: December 1, 2020

Press Release / HM Magazine ranked this album at #47 on the greatest Christian albums of all time. That should tell you something…

Yet, LOVEWAR was short-lived, as Tim Bushong went on to form THE CHANNEL SURFERS. Somehow producers John and Dino Elefante saw something.  After all, their entire existence as producers and record label execs proved success as they had their finger of the pulse of what fans wanted.  From PETRA, GUARDIAN, THE BRAVE and many others they found the IT factors and LOVEWAR was no exception.

Now on vinyl for the first time ever, as well as re-mastered CD. Vinyl comes in a purple translucent with 2-sided full-color printed sleeve with lyrics, write-up and more. The CD comes in an 8-panel jewel case with a limited edition silver foil trading card. Yep, those are making a comeback too!

LOVEWAR, back in the day was labeled as the Christian answer to PEARL JAM or NIRVANA, as grunge was dominating music in the early 90's when this album dropped.  Thing is...LOVEWAR sounds NOTHING like PEARL JAM, NIRVANA, SOUNDGARDEN, or any of those grunge bands.  Not even remotely! 

LOVEWAR is a three piece melodic hard rock band very much in the vein of EXTREME, with hints of MR. BIG, KING'S X, GALACTIC COWBOYS, and eventual label-mates, GUARDIAN, thrown into the mix.  Tight vocal harmonies, big, guitar hooks, intricate bass rhythms, and strong song crafting are the key elements of this band, with catchy melodies sticking in your head for days and insightful lyrics requiring a degree of thought.

The truth is actually that this is prog metal and GUARDIAN-like with big hooks and serious guitar chops. It's clean. It's fun. It's prog metal at it's finest with a great mix of metal, funk, jazz, grove and fusion with lots of starts, stops and time changes but with a little bit more flash and pop that on a KING'S X album. The guitars are crunchy and precise, the bass is dominant and THICK and almost worth the price of admission if not for the talent of the rest of the band. The drums are a great mix of jazz and funk, and the lead vocals and harmonies are very catchy. Overall the songs are very well put together tight and infectious.

Tim Bushong claims to have been influenced by popular writers like Francis Schaeffer and CS Lewis. No wonder lyrically, Soak Your Brain displays more interest in apologetics (the defense of the doctrine) than do most records.

Let's face it, there weren't a lot of bands doing the hard rock/funk fusion that EXTREME and to an extent KING’S X and GALACTIC COWBOYS did.  LOVEWAR's Soak Your Brain is an album that you can turn on 20 years later and won't come across as dated because it is unique enough that it was never overdone or overplayed, so it sounds fresh every it's spun.  LOVEWAR was every bit as talented as their counterparts, both musically and vocally.  I think the Christian label may have hurt them as far as marketing goes, but even then, there is no chapter-and-verse Biblical quoting going on here, just strong, positive, uplifting lyrics about human relationships and social ideas.  You'll be proud to have this in your collection.

Soak Your Brain track listing:

1. “Soak Your Brain”
2. “Golden Rule”
3. “Take Me”
4. “Welling Up”
5. “Space And Time”
6. “You Win”
7. “Keep Your Hands Off My Stuff”
8. “In The Sea”
9. “Just The Same”
10. “You Are Not Alone”

Soak Your Brain CD pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/lovewar-soak-your-brain-cd-remastered-w-free-trading-card-included

Soak Your Brain black vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/lovewar-soak-your-brain-limited-run-vinyl-150-purple-vinyl-100-black

Soak Your Brain transparent purple vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/lovewar-soak-your-brain-limited-run-vinyl-150-transparent-purple-vinyl

Ulterium Records Announce SINBREED, When Worlds Collide Vinyl Edition:
Press Release / Ulterium Records are proud to announce the release of a limited vinyl edition of When Worlds Collide, the classic debut album from the German power metal band SINBREED, which was released in 2010. The vinyl edition is strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide (200 copies on black vinyl and 100 copies on white vinyl) and the release date is set for November 20, 2020.

The album was originally only released as a picture disc vinyl edition, and the 10 year anniversary of the album felt like a perfect opportunity to release a proper vinyl edition of the album.

When Worlds Collide features Herbie Langhans (FIREWIND, SEVENTH AVENUE) on vocals and Frederick Ehmke (BLIND GUARDIAN) on drums alongside guitarist and band founder Flo Laurin on guitars and Alexander Schulz on bass.

Flo Laurin comments on the release:

"When I think of When Worlds Collide I have nothing but great memories. That we're about to celebrate the 10 year anniversary feels almost unreal, since I recall the excitement recording this album together with the other guys just like it was yesterday. Now, a decade after this, there is still nothing I would change about the record, which encourages me, we might have stood the test of time. The 10 year anniversary white / black gatefold vinyl edition is a fantastic and valuable item to celebrate this release of which I hope will be enjoyed by our fans many years to come."

The album was mixed and mastered by Markus Teske (SYMPHONY X, VANDEN PLAS) and the artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco (BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE, ICED EARTH). Guests on the album includes Thomas Rettke (RedKey, ex. HEAVEN’S GATE), Joost van den Broek (AFTER FOREVER, AYREON) and Morten Sandager (PRETTY MAIDS).

When Worlds Collide vinyl edition track listing:

Side A:

1. “Newborn Tomorrow”
2. “Book Of Life”
3. “When Worlds Collide”
4. “Dust To Dust”
5. “Infinity's Call”

Side B:

1. “Through the Dark”
2. “Enemy Lines”
3. “Room 101
4. “Arise”
5. “Salvation”

When Worlds Collide vinyl edition pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/sinbreed

STRYPER Premier “Divider” Official Video:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

The official music video for "Divider", the new single from openly Christian hard rockers STRYPER, can be viewed above. The song is taken from the band's new album, Even The Devil Believes, which was released on September 4 via Frontiers Music Srl.

STRYPER comments: "We are so amazed at the response of our first video, “Do Unto Others”.  We are very blessed to have been able to not only shoot one video but to also shoot a second video for “Divider”.  This song has received an incredible amount of positive comments from fans worldwide. And to top it off, we recorded a group of fans on the choruses. They nailed it!  We're very happy to bring you yet another incredible video (despite the obstacles and difficulties of trying to do so) and we hope you like what you see/hear. Please help us spread the word and take this one to the top. Here is “Divider”!"

Filled with the band's signature riffs, harmony-laden melodies and positive themes, the 11-track project is STRYPER's first studio album with Perry Richardson (FIREHOUSE) on bass and background vocals.

"We're incredibly happy to write a new chapter in the book of STRYPER," says vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet, who has served as the band's primary songwriter since its inception in 1983. "This album was recorded during the pandemic, and I believe the message pertains to the times we are living in so perfectly. It's a recording of hope and inspiration and a light in the darkest of times."

Sweet, who also produced the new album, revealed that the band members delivered focused determination, a collaborative spirit and spot-on execution for the new record. The result is a collection of remarkable songs that will leave a strong impact on listeners.

"It has an energy unlike any other album we've done," he asserts. "We even pulled a song from the past that has never been heard or released, and by doing so we brought a little bit of 1989 back into the mix."

Other standout tracks include "Blood From Above", "Make Love Great Again", "Do Unto Others", "How To Fly", "Divider" and the heart-stirring ballad "This I Pray".

"The music and lyrics are rock-solid," says Sweet. "God really blessed this one and hopefully it will bless everyone who hears it as well."

Most of the recording sessions for STRYPER's new LP took place at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts with engineer Danny Bernini.

Formed 37 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

The video for “Do Unto Others” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=54JVuMtLVHE

STRYPER has also recorded lyric videos for the tracks “Blood From Above” and “Make Love Great Again”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DkLHDWGkV0 & www.youtube.com/watch?v=id28Zepqh2c

Even The Devil Believes track listing:

1. “Blood From Above”
2. “Make Love Great Again”
3. “Let Him In”
4. “Do Unto Others”
5. “Even The Devil Believes”
6. “How To Fly”
7. “Divider”
8. “This I Pray”
9. “Invitation Only”
10. “For God & Rock ‘N’ Roll”
11. "Middle Finger Messiah”

FRONTIERS SRL online: www.frontiers.it/index.php & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl

STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper

NEWS BRIEFS

* IMAGES OF EDEN re-signs with Pavement Entertainment (Facebook - October 8, 2020):

“Images of Eden is extremely pleased to announce that we have just signed our official record contract with Pavement Entertainment for the worldwide release of our 5th studio album, Angel Born.  The release date is still pending but look for an approximate late February 2021 release.  Official announcement to follow.

“We partnered with Pavement in 2018 for the release of our 4th album, Soulrise.  The partnership could not have possibly gone better and Pavement was able to elevate us to the "next level".  Because of this, it was a no-brainer for both parties to team up for the Angel Born release.  This is the biggest and best record deal we have been offered to date.  We (IOE & Pavement) feel it is our strongest album to date and we will be "calling all cars" for this release.

“Multiple singles/ videos are already in the hopper and we're putting our chess pieces in place as this is being sent out.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

FIERCE HEART Premier “Out For Blood” Official Video:
Press Release / Dark Star Records is pleased to announce the world premiere of “Out For Blood” the new music Video from FIERCE HEART but also the worldwide release of War For The World, the new full length album which is now available everywhere including Target, Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon.com and more!

FIERCE HEART lineup:

Bob Reynolds - Lead Vocals
Rex Carroll - Guitars
Antonio Acevedo - Bass
Nick Forchione – Drums

War For The World track listing:

1. “Into The Sun”
2. “Built For Speed”
3. “Out For Blood”
4. “Just Got Lucky”
5. “Lost Inside Your Love”
6. “Power To Rock”
7. “Bad Child”
8 “Rest My Bones”
9. “Long Time”
10. “War For The World”
11. “Road To Nowhere”

About FIERCE HEART:

In 1985, Atlantic Records released the debut album from FIERCE HEART. Fronted by the extraordinary talents of guitar icon Rex Carroll, the band received high praise in the music press, Guitar Player Magazine, Billboard, Kerrang, Metal Forces and Guitar For The Practicing Musician.

Then in 1986, Rex Carroll formed the successful group WHITECROSS and also played in the critically acclaimed band KING JAMES, while the new singer for FIERCE HEART, Robert Reynolds, headed up the band GRAVE DANGER from L.A.

Following the original Atlantic album release, AOR BLVD Records contacted Rex for an official, sanctioned re release. This project became a springboard, with a performance that followed at the Melodic Rock Festival. FIERCE HEART was the surprise hit of the festival with fans turning out in droves, demanding the permanent reformation of the band and a new album.

FIERCE HEART online:

https://smarturl.it/fierceheart
www.fierceheartband.com
www.facebook.com/FierceHeartBand
www.instagram.com/fierceheartband
https://twitter.com/FierceHeartBand

PARADOX, Power & Glory Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album release: November 18, 2020

Press Release / Debut demo Ruler from 1987 had just been released at a time when the band was garnering interest from record labels for the first time. R.E.X., Frontline, Intense, Star Song and Word Records contracts were all sitting on the kitchen table waiting to be reviewed. The production of new music was under way: “Meet The King” and “I Just Want To Love You” were real barn burners with a furious message of fidelity to God and in our relationships to one another.

The message of Power & Glory hit the band hard and fast. It was winter 1987, and Christmas was just around the corner. On the morning of December 8th, we were struck with a message from which would forever test and change the destiny of what would become a paradox of its own. John Vidaurri had tragically died in an accident.  We just didn’t expect it, but we knew that John had a vision to bring us together, and he would have wanted us to finish it. Power & Glory took on a new meaning for the band in 1988 when the decision was given to stay together and to move forward with the mark of a higher calling, to press on. 

The band started to receive condolence letters from the record companies basically stating concern and reneging on the contract offers previously sent. In short, they were worried how the loss was going to affect the writing ability of the band, so they pulled back the offers they had sent.

“When in our weakness we were made strong through Him, that who ever believeth in me even though he should die will have eternal life.” The hope of all glory is to one day be able to see each other once again! A “Sweet Reunion!”  “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

To see the power and the glory of God, we offer the commitment and the passion and now the patience it took to finally dedicate this release to John Vidaurri.   John had a vision that allowed PARADOX to believe in this ministry, that through our the music, the band could worship God with power and glory and let the world know of God's goodness! 

Here you go with this album officially released on CD and vinyl for the very first time in history!  The album features the original five tracks, but 4 exclusive bonus tracks, all digitally re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound, and layouts by Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal. Vinyl comes with a black poly-lined sleeve, hype sticker, 180 gram vinyl, write-ups from vocalist Manny Castillo and Doug Van Pelt.  The CD comes with a 12 page booklet packed full of awesomeness! Over 30 years later, this classic album finally gets the deluxe treatment it deserves, and collector's crave.  Limited edition pressing - be sure to get your copies while you can!  For fans of SACRED WARRIOR, RECON, and STRYPER!

Power & Glory track listing:

1. “Power & Glory”
2. “I Just Want to Love You”
3. “Meet The King”
4. “Sweet Reunion”
5. “God's Amazing Grace”
6. “Give a Listen” (Big Rage 1 Compilation mix)
7. “Called & Chosen” (demo)
8. “We Are the Temple” (Brave New Music Compilation)
9. “Sweet Reunion” (accompaniment track)

Power & Glory pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/paradox-power-glory-new-cd-2020-retroactive-for-fans-of-stryper-sacred-warrior-recon-pre-order

WYTCH HAZEL Announce Third Album, III: Pentecost:
Album release: October 30, 2020

Press Release / Over the past near-decade, Lancashire’s medieval metal phenomenon WYTCH HAZEL have been honing an uncommonly wholesome, rustic and devotional brand of time warped hard rock that’s all their own, with 2016’s Prelude and 2018’s II: Sojourn summoning to mind fevered images of Robin Hood and his Merry Men grooving to JETHRO TULL and THIN LIZZY. Yet within moments of pressing play on their third LP, III: Pentecost, the musty mystical minstrelsy takes a back seat in favor of a rich, sumptuous, anthemic late-night drive time vibe, passionately embracing the most high-end smash-hit classic rock and metal circa its late 1970s heyday. Among many savvy touchstones, the album’s concerted hike in professional quality across production, songwriting and performance was inspired by one especially lofty exemplar of the form.

“What I had in mind was a sing along album, the album full of hits, a little bit like FLEETWOOD MAC Rumours,” confesses the band’s founding singer/guitarist/songwriter Colin Hendra. “I’ve never believed in filler - there’s no point recording something unless it’s the best it can be - so it was just striving for as much excellence as possible.”

To that end, the album is only now emerging a year after it was recorded at The Stationhouse in Leeds, by ex-PURSON multi-instrumentalist Ed Turner in the producer’s chair (engineering and mixing duties were handled by James Atkinson). Twelve months of painstaking fine-tuning reaping dividends in the smooth, weighty, diamond-hard sound and immersive layers (acoustic guitars, synthesized strings, haunting piano, rainfall samples, Bible readings, some especially rampant Hammond organ work on “I Am Redeemed”, and Colin’s dad even added a cello rendition of Chopin’s Funeral March).

“I thought I put a lot into the second album, but this album has been an absolute obsession,” stresses the band leader. “Every aspect had to be as good as possible. We’ve gone back and forth, Ed was tinkering with it for months on end. There’s quadruple tracking going on with the rhythm parts, then we’ve doubled, tripled and quadrupled all our lead parts to get that richness and fullness of sound, all meticulously planned with pages and pages of organizational notes. It wasn’t just ‘get in the studio and see how it goes!’” he laughs. “One day I did 14 hours of vocal recording. All vocals are double-tracked, I can’t express how much hard work that is. The last album feels like a breeze compared to what we’ve done with this – and I don’t plan on ramping it down!”

Musically there are gorgeous self-professed touches of BLACK SABBATH, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, AC/DC and early SCORPIONS.  “With the soloing I was trying to go for Michael Schenker,” beams Colin, while the scampering head banger “I Will Not” initially took a nod from ANGEL WITCH, who Hendra was helping out on second guitar back in 2015 when the track was composed, before studio treatment made it sound “a lot more Wytch Hazelly”.

With the album’s title the most unambiguous statement yet of Colin’s Pentecostal Christianity, the man’s lyrics are even more nakedly devotional, his sincere, sensitive voice bristling with even stronger spiritual conviction - an avenue of inspiration that WYTCH HAZEL pretty much have to themselves in the modern metal scene. “I never set out to start a Christian band, I set out to start a heavy metal band,” Colin insists, “but it’s ended up being me as the songwriter from day one, so it just comes out. The music’s the focal point, but for me it’s difficult not to write what I write; my life’s about serving and worshipping God, so it’s only natural that it comes out in the music.”

Official video to the first single off III: Pentecost, “I Am Redeemed”, can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6i1gEruoyU

III: Pentecost track listing:

1. “He Is The Fight”
2. “Spirit And Fire”
3. “I Am Redeemed”
4. “Archangel”
5. “Dry Bones”
6. “Sonata”
7. “I Will Not”
8. “Reap The Harvest”
9. “The Crown”
10. “Ancient Of Days”

WYTCH HAZEL online: www.facebook.com/wytchhazel & https://wytchhazel.bandcamp.com

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

TRUE STRENGTH Premier “Joshua” Lyric Video:
Press Release / TRUE STRENGTH have returned with their fourth full-length studio album, The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh!  The Christian heavy metal band goes Old Testament on the rock world with this new release… literally!  The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh is a power metal, Wagnerian rock opera based entirely on the Old Testament Book of Joshua. The events of the book are covered from beginning to end, as faithful to Scripture as possible. The lyrics for each song derive from actual scripture in the Book of Joshua!

A lyric video to a song off the album entitled “Joshua” can be viewed above.

The album features real woodwind and stringed instruments as well as the addition of keyboards to the TRUE STRENGTH sound! Fans of bands like IRON MAIDEN, STRYPER, SAVATAGE, PETRA, MEGADETH, SAINT, MANOWAR, BLOODGOOD, DEEP PURPLE, APRIL WINE, LEVITICUS, SAXON, JOURNEY, and SURVIVOR will love this new release!

The album features the renowned American power metal vocalist, GeorgeTsalikis of ZANDELLE in addition to songwriter, rhythm guitarist and bass guitarist Ryan "The Archangel" Darnell, newcomers Chris Lee Faulkenberry on drums, lead guitarist Takis Koroneos, and Marco "Mark" Bravi on keyboards. The album was produced and mixed by Joshua DeHaan and the late Walt DeHaan, the former manager of WINGER, who died during the production of the album. The album will also feature the artwork of legendary comic book artist, Sergio Cariello (The Action Bible, Marvel, DC Comics)!

The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh is scheduled to be released in CD and digital format through Roxx Records on October 30th, 2020.

TRUE STRENGTH formed in 2012 with the mission of honoring God, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and donating 100% of their sales to charity. After independently releasing their debut album The Cross Will Always Prevail in 2014, they followed it up with sophomore album Steel Evangelist in 2015-2016. TRUE STRENGTH was signed by Roxx Records out of San Dimas, California shortly afterwards. Under Bill Bafford and Roxx Records, the band re-mastered and rereleased Steel Evangelist rebranded as Steel Evangelist: Roxx Records Edition (Re-mastered) in 2017.  TRUE STRENGTH first label release Sanguinary Vivification followed in 2019, which was extremely well received, receiving Album of the Month honors from Christian Molten Metal as well as being named #14 on Angelic Warlord’s Top 25 Albums of 2019.**

The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh track listing:

1. “Vision Of The Commander Of Yahweh's Army (Intro)”
2. “Joshua”
3. “Sounding Of The Shofar At Jericho”
4. “Burning Of Ai”
5. “The Sun Stands Still Upon Gibeon”
6. “Five Kings Are Put To The Sword”
7. "The Southern Cities Fall”
8. “Blood-soaked Waters Of Merom”
9. “Rest From War”

As with all previous TRUE STRENGTH albums, all digital sales of the album will be donated by the band to the International Christian Concern: www.persecution.org

TRUE STRENGTH online: https://truestrength.band & www.facebook.com/True-Strength

THE WAYMAKER Release Self-Titled Debut Album:
Press Release / Melodic Passion Records announce the September 25, 2020 release to the self-titled debut of THE WAYMAKER.  The group features an all-star lineup consisting of Christian Liljegren (NARNIA, AUDIOVISION, DIVINEFIRE, GOLDEN RESURRECTION), Jani Stefanovic (SHAKIAH, SOLUTION 45, THE WEAKENING, MISERATION, DIVINEFIRE, ESSENCE OF SORROW, etc) and Katja Stefanovic.

A lyric video for the track “Marching On” can be viewed above.

THE WAYMAKER was formed in summer of 2019 by vocalist Christian Liljegren & guitarist Jani Stefanovic.  Jani & Christian were both involved in DIVINEFIRE, who did five studio albums between 2005-2011 and reached a huge popularity, especially in Japan & South America.  THE WAYMAKER line-up was completed when the talented and soulful Katja Stefanovic joined the band. Katja is a very talented vocalist and composer and she has done several solo albums in Finnish and English.

The band delivers bombastic Scandinavian melodic metal with virtuous guitar playing and powerful male & female vocals from all members, as Christian, Katja & Jani share lead vocal duties in THE WAYMAKER.  If you listen to the music you hear influences from YNGWIE MALMSTEEN’S RISING FORCES, STRATOVARIOUS, MASTERPLAN & KAMELOT.

THE WAYMAKER album was produced and mixed by Jani Stefanovic and mastered by Multi Grammy, Gold & Platinum Award winning Thomas Plec Johansson at Panic Room Studios, Sweden (SOILWORK, NOCTURNAL RITES, GATHERING OF KINGS, DIVINEFIRE, NARNIA, SOLUTION 45 and many more).  Sound Pollution handles distribution.

THE WAYMAKER line up:
 
Jani Stefanovic - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Vocals
Katja Stefanovic - Lead & Backing Vocals
Christian Liljegren - Lead & Backing Vocals

Music video links:

“Kingdom Of Heaven” - https://youtu.be/hoYyYjmM37Y
“Soldiers Under Command” - https://youtu.be/-vQm4bkMTyg
“The Waymaker” - www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dTBnaHM5x8

Streaming link: https://orcd.co/the-waymaker-album

Social Media links: www.thewaymakerband.com, https://melodicpassion.com, www.facebook.com/TheWaymakerBand & www.instagram.com/the_waymaker_official

NEWS BRIEFS

* New single from MIKE BOTELLO, “Euphellum”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTKpInREztU

As noted by the artist:

“Euphellum”, the third single off the new album Indigenous, was released on September 8, 2019.  It is an epic instrumental demonstrating the virtuoso abilities of a power rock trio of drummer & bassist Mike Botello and lead guitarist Tony Smith of Texas’ ‘prog metal’ group MILITIA. “Euphellum” is a concept song named after the fictitious demon (The story of ‘Americaust’ off the new album Indigenous) representing a ‘demonic influence of nations’ biblically referenced in the book of Ephesians Chapter. 6.

The music video has been released on YouTube and the single is available everywhere!  Indigenous is scheduled for release on January 19th, 2021. The ‘pre-sale’ of the album has begun exclusively at: https://botellomusic.com/store

* MESSENGER asks ‘what would happen if we could  go back and fix things’ on its most recent single and lyric video, “Time Machine”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz0I1HonK2Y

“Time Machine” will appear on the group’s upcoming album In To Win, which is scheduled for release in late October.

* STRYKEN recently launched a GoFundMe campaign in support of its second documentary, First Strike: The Legend Of Stryken: www.gofundme.com/f/first-strike-the-legend-of-stryken

* Even The Devil Believes guitar solo breakdown from vocalist & guitarist Michael Sweet (Facebook - September 18, 2020):

“Blood From Above” (Michael)
“Make Love Great Again” (Oz/Michael)
“Let Him In” (Oz)
“Do Unto Others” (Michael)
“Even The Devil Believes” (Michael/Oz)
“How To Fly” (Michael)
“Divider (Michael/Oz)
“This I Pray” (Oz)
“Invitation Only” (M/O/M/O)
“For God & Rock ‘N’ Roll” (Michael/Oz)
“Middle Finger Messiah” (Oz)

In related news, the artist confirmed in an online interview with the Unchained Rock Show that at the beginning of next year he is going to start work on a new recording project with WHITESNAKE guitarist Joel Hoekstra and INGLORIOUS vocalist Nathan James.  A third SWEET & LYNCH album is also in the works.  The interview can be streamed at: www.mixcloud.com/arfm/the-unchained-rock-show-interview-with-michael-sweet-of-stryper-14-09-20/

He also has planned a revamped version of sixth STRYPER album Reborn (Facebook - September 22, 2020):

“In a few weeks, I’ll be working on a project that I’ve wanted to do for quite some time. I’ll be heading into the studio to add some guitar solos and some vocals to the original, solo version of Reborn. We’ll also be remixing and re-mastering as well. It originally was a solo album that became a Stryper album. I’ve always wanted to release it in its original form and now is a great time to get it done. I’ll be doing a limited run of vinyl and CD’s and I know you’ll love this version!”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

SWINGLE & THOMPSON ORDAINED Sign With Roxx Records For Debut Album, The Thunder That Rocks The World:
Album release: October 30, 2020

Press Release / 2020 may be a very bad year for live music, but it is a very good years for fans of Dale Thompson of BRIDE.  Dale continues to crank out the music any way and every way possible. This time as a part of the hard rocking duo called SWINGLE & THOMPSON ORDAINED.

Read how Randy Swingle got to work with Dale in his own words:

"I had always had a dream to record a Christian rock album someday. I had been recording songs for years now. I have been a fan of Bride for over 30 years now, even back then I had thought about how awesome it would be to do a song with Bride. I got to meet Dale and Troy back in 1994 at the Agape Festival. They were willing to talk and spend time with me and my paralyzed cousin because it was all about the ministry to them, and to be able to reach out to all for Christ. Not just performing, but meeting and talking to people after their shows, true ministers they were.

“Fast forward to now and after all these years I happened to come to hear that Dale was offering his services as a vocalist for hire. So I saw that God had opened a door for me after all these years, and felt that it was Gods appointed time. I reached out to Dale about recording a Christian rock album with me and to my excitement he said yes. As we started working on the album together it begin to really flow, and we could feel the anointing from God as we continued to develop this debut album. Dale was in New Zealand and I am in the United States, but when its Gods will it's gonna come together undoubtedly. We are excited to bring you this debut album entitled The Thunder That Rocks The World and we bring it to you with a purpose or a mission if you will, to reach all for Jesus Christ our Lord as the time is so short!"

The Thunder That Rocks The World track listing:

1. “The Thunder That Rocks The World”
2. “Setting The World On Fire For God”
3. “Darkness Destroyed”
4. “I Wanna Know”
5. “Hurricane Force”
6. “Stormz”
7. “Destroyer Of Death”
8. “Break Those Chainz”
9. “The Stone Is Rolled Away”
10. “I Cant Live Without You”
11. “Let It Rain”
12. “Under The Blood”
13. “No More A Slave”

The Thunder That Rocks The World pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/swingle-and-thompson-ordained-the-thunder-that-rocks-the-world

TRUE STRENGTH Announce Fourth Album, The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh:
Press Release / TRUE STRENGTH is honored to announce that their fourth full-length studio album, The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh, will be released on October 30th, 2020 in both CD and digital format through Roxx Records! Stay tuned to Roxx Records for more information about the release details in the weeks to come!

The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh track listing:

1. “Vision Of The Commander Of Yahweh's Army (Intro)”
2. “Joshua”
3. “Sounding Of The Shofar At Jericho”
4. “Burning Of Ai”
5. “The Sun Stands Still Upon Gibeon”
6. “Five Kings Are Put To The Sword”
7. "The Southern Cities Fall”
8. “Blood-soaked Waters Of Merom”
9. “Rest From War”

TRUE STRENGTH's fourth album, The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh is a power metal, Wagnerian rock opera based entirely on the Old Testament Book of Joshua. The events of the book are covered from beginning to end, as faithful to Scripture as possible. The lyrics for each song derive from actual scripture in the Book of Joshua!. The album features real woodwind and stringed instruments as well as the addition of keyboards to the TRUE STRENGTH sound!

The album features the renowned American power metal vocalist, George Tsalikis of ZANDELLE in addition to songwriter, rhythm guitarist and bass guitarist Ryan "The Archangel" Darnell, newcomers Chris Lee Faulkenberry on drums, lead guitarist Takis Koroneos, and Marco "Mark" Bravi on keyboards. The album was produced and mixed by Joshua DeHaan and the late Walt DeHaan, the former manager of WINGER, who passed away during the production of the album.

The album will also feature the artwork of legendary comic book artist, Sergio Cariello (The Action Bible)!

As with all previous TRUE STRENGTH albums, all digital sales of the album will be donated by the band to the International Christian Concern: www.persecution.org

TRUE STRENGTH online: https://truestrength.band & www.facebook.com/True-Strength

News Briefs

* “Obsession” is a single released by 9 YEARS DENIED in 2012 to feature guest vocalist Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI):
www.reverbnation.com/9yearsdenied/song/13932557-obsession

9 YEARS DENIED line-up:

Lead Vocals - Rob Rock
Guitars - Scott Moore
Bass - Scott Moore
Drums - Tony Morra

9 YEARS DENIED is a music project put together by producer Scott Moore from Nashville, TN. Scott is a producer/engineer at Sidestep Studios, and owner of the record label Obstinate Music Group, all located in Nashville.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

OBLIVION MYTH, Update Regarding New Album In Your Arms:
Album release: Fall 2020

Yesterday August 30, 2020 was a milestone day for OBLIVION MYTH: we filmed 2 music videos to promote our new album In Your Arms, with an estimated October release.  Our shoot was at the historic Capitol Theatre in Lebanon, TN.  We'd like to thank our crew, without whom it wouldn't have been possible:

Director: Don Carr
Stage Design: Wendi Phillips
Stylist: Rose Marie Smith
Jib Camera: Craig Anderson
Free Camera: Joey Herro
Lighting Technician: Terry Palace
Photography: Darrell Close
Stage Technician: Kevin Butler
Stage Technician: Eric Somma

We watched them all work so hard for us over an epic 10-hour shoot.  We are so grateful for their talents and their sincere effort to make as good a product as possible.  You can hire talent, but you can't hire "care", and we got that and so much more.

We'd like to thank our special guests, the Battle Angels, our amazing choir (who all perform on our new album):
 
Cat Fritchman
Vicki Reid
Carmen Sanders

These ladies showed amazing patience through a very long and sometimes sweaty 10-hour shoot.   We can't thank them enough for lending us their singing talents to make the music richer and the choruses so much better.

OBLIVION MYTH line-up:

Guitar: Keith Smith
Guitar: Chris Selby
Bass: Ryan Mark
Drums: Bob Schultz
Vocals: Tim McDonald

You'll get two very different music videos.  One is pure Opera Metal, and we don the 1800s-style colonial coats and it really fits the song.  The 2nd one?  Leather and studs.  Motorcycle Metal.  Classic British Priest/Maiden style.   We think you'll like that one very much too.   

It's all coming together now that we've decided to do an Independent release.  I'm going to work as fast as I can to achieve an October release.  Watching my inbox for the photo shoot files from our photographer Darrell. 

We had talked to a few record labels, but many of them are having tough times in the strange world of 2020, and there wasn't much they could really do for us that warranted the control they desired.  But, as many bands do these days, we do it ourselves using the rich facilities and talent pool here in Nashville, it is truly Music City, and we are blessed to know people who have come here from all over the country, sometimes the world, with the dream of making music.  In this environment you can make the album yourselves with many studios to choose from at different price points.  There are many skilled engineers and producers at all levels.  There is a very deep talent pool of musicians of all instruments (we have a rather famous symphony hall too).

So this is really a moment in music history where we tell bands to do it fearlessly.  You can record, even using just a laptop, a microphone, and software.  You can publish yourself online on all the streaming sites.  CDs don't cost that much to make if you want to create physical media (And I always do - i want that max quality!), you have social media platforms to market yourselves...  What an amazing time we live in, huh?  Praise God for those kinds of opportunities that exist now for bands.   Ecclesiastes 11:6

OBLIVION MYTH online: https://oblivionmyth.com & www.facebook.com/OblivionMythFanpage

STRYPER Premier “Do Unto Others” Official Video:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

The official music video for "Do Unto Others", the new single from openly Christian hard rockers STRYPER, can be viewed above. The song is taken from the band's new album, Even The Devil Believes, which was released on September 4 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Filled with the band's signature riffs, harmony-laden melodies and positive themes, the 11-track project is STRYPER's first studio album with Perry Richardson (FIREHOUSE) on bass and background vocals.

"We're incredibly happy to write a new chapter in the book of STRYPER," says vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet, who has served as the band's primary songwriter since its inception in 1983. "This album was recorded during the pandemic, and I believe the message pertains to the times we are living in so perfectly. It's a recording of hope and inspiration and a light in the darkest of times."

Sweet, who also produced the new album, revealed that the band members delivered focused determination, a collaborative spirit and spot-on execution for the new record. The result is a collection of remarkable songs that will leave a strong impact on listeners.

"It has an energy unlike any other album we've done," he asserts. "We even pulled a song from the past that has never been heard or released, and by doing so we brought a little bit of 1989 back into the mix."

Standout tracks include "Blood From Above", "Make Love Great Again", "Do Unto Others", "How To Fly", "Divider" and the heart-stirring ballad "This I Pray".

"The music and lyrics are rock-solid," says Sweet. "God really blessed this one and hopefully it will bless everyone who hears it as well."

Most of the recording sessions for STRYPER's new LP took place at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts with engineer Danny Bernini.

Formed 37 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER has also recorded lyric videos for the tracks “Blood From Above” and “Make Love Great Again”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DkLHDWGkV0 & www.youtube.com/watch?v=id28Zepqh2c

Even The Devil Believes track listing:

1. “Blood From Above”
2. “Make Love Great Again”
3. “Let Him In”
4. “Do Unto Others”
5. “Even The Devil Believes”
6. “How To Fly”
7. “Divider”
8. “This I Pray”
9. “Invitation Only”
10. “For God & Rock ‘N’ Roll”
11. "Middle Finger Messiah”

FRONTIERS SRL online: www.frontiers.it/index.php & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl

STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper

THOBIAS WIKLUND Announces New Solo Album, Playing Loud:
Album release: September 15, 2020

Thobias Wiklund is a Swedish guitarist/musician, composer and producer, whom played with several different bands and musicians in the past before starting the metal band TWILIGHT ILLUSION in 2002.  Thobias recorded two EP’s with TWILIGHT ILLUSION, Miracle Of Life in 2003 and Remember My Name in 2004.

The artist is set to release his new solo album Playing Loud, which will be his second solo effort after releasING his debut solo project To Remember The Forgotten in 2014.  He has also recorded and produced the album Peace In Our Hearts in 2017 with the band NOZANOPRA, which he founded in 2013.

The main vocalist for Playing Loud is Goran Edman, who many will recognize from the John Norum Total Control album from the late eighties in addition to his work with Yngwie Malmsteen in the early 90’s on the albums Eclipse and Fire & Ice.  Edman has participated with many great bands and projects since then with roughly 60 albums to his credit, and today is one of the most experiences singers behind the microphone.

Performing drums on Playing Loud is Richard Holmgrem from the hard rock band WOLF.  Richard is also a former member of GRAND DESIGN.  Thobias has also decided to work with Peo Petterson (ex AXIA & LEVITICUS) for the third time.  Peo has mixed and mastered the album in addition to contributing vocals on two songs, “The Forgotten Kingdom” and “Breaking The Rules”, and playing piano and Moog synthesizer.  Chris Lanto (NOZANOPRA) also lends his keyboard talents to the album.

Playing Loud contains 11 tracks, seven with vocals, two instrumentals and radio edits of two others, “Turn Back The Time” and “We Will Rock”.  All songs were written by Thobias Wiklund with the exception of “Mercy”, which was composed by Thobias Wiklund and Chris Lanto.  Thobias Wiklund produced the album. 

Subsequent to the release of the album, Thobias and his band plan to start booking tour dates.  He is also constantly working on new songs, and looking forward to making more albums and touring with the band in the future.

Playing Loud track listing

1. “Fighting To The End”
2. “The Forgotten Kingdom”
3. “We Will Rock”
4. “Turn Back The Time”
5. “Lost In A Dream” (instrumental)
6. “Mercy”
7. “Breaking The Rules”
8. “Life Must Change”
9. “Feelings To Explain” (instrumental)
10. “Turn Back The Time” (radio edit)
11. “We Will Rock” (radio edit) 

Thobias Wiklund online: www.thobiaswiklund.com & www.facebook.com/thobiaswiklund

NEWS BRIEFS

* “Thunder From The Mountain”, second song from upcoming PŸLON album The Long Awaited Rock Circus: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RrPXG7A8qk

* God Rock online interview with LVICTORIA & WARRIORS OF LIGHT: https://soundcloud.com/user-976357567/god-rock-interviews-lvictoria-and-warriors-of-light

* WYTCH HAZEL will be releasing its third album III: Pentecost on October 30, 2020.  “I Am Redeemed” is the first single off the album: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6i1gEruoyU

ARTIST COMMENTARY

Vocalist Chaz Bond in regards to the upcoming BIOGENESIS album Rise Of The Phoenix (Facebook - September 5, 2020):

In the past 24 years since I first founded BioGenesis..I have always written songs about darkness..difficult issues..the elephant in the room so to speak. I have written about..The Salem Witch Trial hangings..Racism..Drug abuse..My best friends suicide...The slaughter of many innocent male children by order of King Herod in the Bible's account of the birth of Christ. I have written songs that offended some but helped others who needed to hear the message. I was told by a few that this story was too dark and that it might even turn people away from the message. Well...I disagree entirely.

Let me tell you a story about a real life man who was a real life follower of Jim Jones in 1978. I will not use his name without his permission out of respect for his privacy. This real life survivor not only overcame years of thought reform and brain washing. He was also shot 3 times while attempting to leave Jonestown. He managed to run into the jungle and collapsed in a bush where he was discovered alive about 19 hours later...the saddest and worst part of his very real story is that he also lost his four year old son. Nothing on this planet can be more tragic and heartbreaking. Fast forward to today however, he is living an amazing life..I watched interviews where he specifically spoke of how he overcame the darkness and the trauma and now lives a great life warning others about false teachers like Jones..He looks forward to being reunited with his son whenever his time comes.

My character is technically a fictional person that we will call Grayson Vance (special thanks to Dave Hulsey the guy doing his voice on the album for helping me name him). My character is loosely based on this real life survivor with a touch of the other survivor stories that I studied. However..I feel that this real life survivor is proof of the over all message of this album...He escaped death..went through Hell in the worst way one could ever imagined yet he got back up and began marching forward with his life while helping others along the way. He could have given up Like some of us might but instead he chose to live for his son and others he lost that day. Like the mythical Phoenix his life had burned to ash but he chose to walk away from the darkness and instead he chose the light. There is NO darkness that does not scatter when the light overcomes.

If you have been through Hell...if you are hurting now...thinking of giving up...HOPE is REAL...This album is for you..God bless...

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

ENZO & THE GLORY ENSEMBLE - In The Name Of The World Spirit
Fresh off 2017’s Angelic Warlord album of the year award for its 95% reviewed Rockshots Records sophomore album In The Name Of The Son, Enzo & The Glory Ensemble follow up in the spring of 2020 with third full length offering In The Name Of The World Spirit (also Rockshots).  Read Full Review >>

MIKE FLORIO - Vanity Rock
With the May of 2019 independent release of his third album Vanity Rock, Westchester County, New York native and vocalist/keyboardist Mike Florio takes a seventies influenced classic rock heading as opposed to the progressive sounds of debut and sophomore effort Arisen (2006) and Reconcile (2014), respectively.  Read Full Review >>

MICHAEL - II
Whereas The Battle Rages On trends AOR to melodic rock territory - noting how in the review I offered contemporaries Sweet Crystal, Idle Cure, Fighter and Petra as points of reference - II leans towards melodic hard rock and even commercial melodic metal.  Read Full Review >>

RESURRECTION BAND - Awaiting Your Reply
Although hard music historians inevitably point to Stryper as the dawn of the current Christian hard music scene, its real origin - at least as far as those in the know is concerned - traces to the late seventies emergence of Resurrection Band.  Read Full Review >>

SHADOW GALLERY - Room V
Recorded in follow up to fourth Shadow Gallery album Legacy released in 2001, Room V also draws upon conceptual themes in picking up the narrative from Tyranny in breaking down between Act III and Act IV, with Act I and Act II have played out on Tyranny.  Read Full Review >>

TAMPLIN & FRIENDS - An Axe To Grind (Girder Music re-issue)
Debut solo album An Axe To Grind, on Intense Records in 1990 under the Tamplin & Friends moniker from the numerous guest musicians to appear, can conservatively be described as a musical continuation of Shout.  Read Full Review >>

TAMPLIN - Tamplin (Girder Music re-issue)
Ken Tamplin’s eponymous third solo album from 1993 stands apart from his other hard music projects.  Read Full Review >>

THE THOMAS THOMPSON EARTH PROJECT - Dreamland Lovecraft
The Thomas Thompson Earth Project and its February of 2020 Roxx Records full length debut Dreamland Lovecraft can be summed up rather quickly as a jacked-up early Bride (think eighties era) but with outside the box thrash, groove to funk, industrial and even techno nuances.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

MIKE BOTELLO Announces New Single, “Euphellum”:
The song comes off the former AWAKE front man’s new album Indigenous, which is scheduled for release on September 8, 2020.  Look for the single to come out on September 1, 2020.

As noted by the artist:

“Euphellum”, the Demonic Deception: (Enoch 53:7) (Ephesians 6:12):

“Euphellum’ has come to deceive the nations. Spiritual wickedness in high places has begun to enhance, as satan knows his time is short (Rev. 12:11-12).  As nations rise against one another, the U.S., a country that was once God fearing, has fallen under judgment; bringing death and devastation to the land.  The fulfillment of prophecy, which was told long ago.  Euphellum’s conquest is complete, leaving nothing to spare and nowhere to go; only to realize, the only way out is through death.  Be ready!  The survival of a post nuclear attack on U.S. soil” - Americaust…

JAG Re-issues On Girder Music:
Press Release / JAG is similar to bands like LIASON, WHITEHEART, NOUVEAUX, THE BRAVE, IDLE CURE and FIGHTER. They are polished with a slick sound but also enough grit and guitar crunch to make them a favorite among Christian rock fans. They just might be the best under-promoted and under-appreciated AOR Hard Rock band of that era.

Strong songs loaded with powerful vocals and killer lead guitars solos thanks to Dann Huff (GIANT, WHITEHEART). It helps when you have Billy Smiley at the helm and David Martin, Phil Maderia doing songwriting alongside. But the big surprise is you’ll actually swear you are listening to a WHITEHEART album or even some reincarnation of a GIANT/ WHITEHEART super group like MR. BIG, none of which is a bad thing. Anytime you can have members from such great bands helping you form your sound it can only be a plus. Billy’s hands on the throttle and Dann Huff handling most of the guitar work, both founding members of WHITEHEART, helped put these albums in a different league.

Had these albums been released five years earlier, in the mid 80's they would have been all over the radio and the band would have played main stage at all the Christian rock festivals. We are grateful for the opportunity to have these re-mastered 30 years later. They deserve your attention and will command your respect.

The Longest Road (1990) starts off strong, with a very GIANT-like guitar intro and a serious WHITEHEART-like rhythm. Again, the influence of both of these bands abound through the album. However, “Shake It Off”, originally a 45rpm release, made it onto this album and sets it apart. It’s got a feeling and movement more like a great U2 song. The actual song on the 45rpm is the exact version that was already on the CD; however, the CD version had an extra 15 seconds of guitar added to the end that the 45rpm did not have.  The 45rpm was 4:37 but the CD version was 4:52.

The Longest Road track listing: “Highest Place”, “The Longest Road”, “Smile Minded”, “Shake It Off”, “Empty Spaces, Quiet Places”, “21 Reasons”, “Father Forever”, “Even the Hardest Heart”, “Follow His Heart”, “The Other Side”

The Longest Road pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/jag-the-longest-road-cd

The Only World In Town (1991) JAG’s second album was “arena rock” all the way. Even more importantly, the songs on this album have some significance. First, Billy, while touring Australia with WHITEHEART, heard the hit song, "Hands Up In The Air'' from the band BOOM CRASH OPERA and worked with JAG to record it as the first song on the album. The song “Two Worlds Collide" was going to be cut and recorded by GIANT. Since GIANT already had 14-15 songs for their album, John talked Billy into making it a JAG song.  Dann Huff played all the guitars, and it became the 4th song on the album. The idea for the song The Only World In Town came from John's eight-year-old daughter. "We were driving along and I was talking about the monopolizing phone company, saying 'they were the only game in town'. Then my daughter, who was in the back of the car, pipes up. 'Hey papa, this is the only world in town.'  The song looks at the way we are destroying this world of ours and speaks about the 'source' of all the world's problems, about how, until we get our hearts changed, the world won't change.

The Only World In Town track listing: “Hands Up In The Air”, “40 Watt City”, “What God’s Love Means”, “Two Worlds Collide”, “The Only World In Town”, “Sense of Wonder”, “Mastermind”, “Somebody’s Watching You”, “The Last Time I Looked”, “Written In Stone”

The Only World In Town pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/jag-the-only-world-in-town-cd

A quick listen to the first few songs off third album Fire In The Temple (1992), and you’ll realize that they found "it," putting out their best album to date. Those early guitar notes on the first song, "Stand by Love" almost have a KING’S X vibe but take a quick leap to mountain-top-like screaming.  "Streams in the Desert", the 3rd song, was later recorded by THE IMPERIALS and written by Billy Smiley and David Martian. Song 8, "Land of the Living", was going to be a WHITEHEART song. That should give you enough reason to buy it, however, there are actually 10 reasons to buy it. Every song from start to finish will make you wonder why this wasn't on your top want list.

Fire In The Temple track listing: “Stand By Love”, “Invisible Man”, “Streams In The Desert”, “Long Lost Friend”, “I Keep Coming Back”, “Fire In The Temple”, “Mine, Mine, Mine”, “Land Of The Living”, “1000 Words”, “A Circle Unbroken”

Fire In The Temple pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/jag-fire-in-the-temple-cd

DAVID ZAFFIRO Re-issues On Retroactive Records:
Album release: October 16, 2020

Press Release / Some things really take us by surprise. We just don’t see them coming.  We don’t expect what our eyes actually see, and it makes the experience absolutely mesmerizing - like the moment in Terminator 2 when you realize Arnold Scharzenegger is a Terminator, but the GOOD GUY!  Or, the moment when your loved one says, “Go ahead honey - buy them all - we can never have too much music!” Or, the fiery moment the next morning when you remember you ate some hot peppers the night before - uh - well, maybe not that so much, but you get the point! Tantalizing surprises are the spice of life, and boy oh boy does BLOODGOOD guitarist David Zaffiro give us four elite reasons to be dazzled and delighted with his solo albums.

Known for his renown axemanship with the iconic Christian metal band, BLOODGOOD, Zaffiro treated fans to four of the finest AOR / Hard Rock albums ever released in the Christian rock scene. Indeed, these albums are far from the metallic juggernauts he played on with BLOODGOOD (their first three albums). But each of these four albums is essential ear candy for even the most discriminating rock music connoisseur. One listen and you realize the padlocks were cut loose from this master guitarist’s hands and you have been magically ushered into glorious riffing with feeling, with intensity, with skill and precision.

The lyrics are filled with hope, conviction, and transparency - including life lessons and insights free of lectures or preachyness.  The instrumental tracks show Zaffiro with all the skill and talent of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Yes, it’s that good!  That brings us to the most tantalizing surprise of all - Zaffiro’s vocals!  With one of rock and metal’s finest vocalists in Les Carlsen leading BLOODGOOD, we could have never guessed there was a world-class vocalist hiding in Zaffiro’s slight frame - but it’s absolutely perfect for AOR, rock, and hard rock.

These four Zaffiro CD reissues are international treasures with the finest of musicians filling them out from top to bottom.  All have been digitally remastered and include eight-page inserts with lyrics packaged in jewel cases.  If you slept on these classics in the past, now is the time to make things right - these are top-shelf reissues for collectors who care about quality of packaging and sound. 

• Lead guitarist for iconic Christian metal band, BLOODGOOD (first three albums)
• Award winning producer for classic albums from WHITECROSS, HOLY SOLDIER (debut), BROKEN SILENCE, ZION, and Brett Williams
• The Other Side starts off with two AOR barn burners, with “Stay” and “I See Red” which sound like they could have been on an IDLE CURE or WINGER album
•In Scarlet Storm features “He’s Lyin’ to Ya,” an appropriately melodic rock screamer about spiritual deception
• 70’s/80’s Christian AOR classic rocker Randall Waller (Avion, solo on Tunesmith Records, recorded with Mutt Lange) handles vocals on Surrender Absolute
• Surrender Absolute features three too-hot-to-handle instrumentals cut from the same cloth as Steve Vai and Joe Satriani!  Must-hear material.
• Yesterday’s Left Behind features a particularly interesting instrumental called “Bottle Tap” on which the guitars are made to match the sound of a bottle spinning on a table- And, hammers home a fascinating rockin’ Texas blues number with plenty of flair!
• Yesterday’s Left Behind includes “The Winds of September,” featuring former HOLY SOLDIER lead singer Steven Patrick on what sounds very much like the final HOLY SOLDIER song he may have wanted to do!  It’s brilliant.

The Other Side track listing: "Stay", "I See Red", "Where Are You Now", "Why Me", "The Other Side", "Diversity" , "You", "To The End", "Only Eyes", "Spirit Of The Lord"

The Other Side pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/david-zaffiro-the-other-side-new-cd-2020-retroactive-records-pre-order

In Scarlet Storm track listing: "Through His Eyes", "Holding Fast" , "He's Lying to Ya", "In Scarlet Storm", "I Wait Alone", "Let it Go", "Blue Ice" (instrumental), "The Song", "I Give This Life to You"

In Scarlet Storm pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/david-zaffiro-in-scarlet-storm-new-cd-2020-retroactive-records-pre-order

Surrender Absolute track listing: "Find My Way", “To the Heavens", "Carousel", "Silas and Serai" (instrumental), "In A Box", "Attitude" (instrumental), "Calling Out To Me", "Surrender Absolute", "Every Little Thing", "No Long Goodbyes" (instrumental)

Surrender Absolute pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/david-zaffiro-surrender-absolute-new-cd-2020-retroactive-records-pre-order

Yesterday’s Left Behind track listing: “I Welcome The Rain”, “Yesterday's Left Behind”, “Waiting It Through”, “Nobody Knows”, “Bottle Top” (instrumental), “N.L.I.E.”, “Winds Of September” (Steve Patrick, ex-HOLY SOLDIER), “Promises”, “Nothing's Gonna Stand In My Way” (instrumental), “Where”

Yesterday’s Left Behind pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/david-zaffiro-yesterdays-left-behind-new-cd-2020-retroactive-records-pre-order

NEWS BRIEFS

* “Evensong” is a non-commercial song written by Peter Billett and STAIRWAY vocalist Graeme Leslie: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzorbOVwK2Q

*Swedish m lodic progressive metal band DARKWATER released a guitar play-through video for "Burdens" off its most recent album Human: w ww.youtube.com/watch?v=6pnqGJGmu6Q

* “On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand”, worship metal track from SACRED WARRIOR featuring all living members past and present, including new vocalist Erik Schelling: www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7pX0ovqSq8

Further commentary from the group:

“In these troubling times, we want to lift your spirits with the knowledge that Christ is in control and is the only hope for salvation. He is THE Solid Rock that we stand on, and His is the ONE name under Heaven by which we must be saved!”

* WARRIORS OF LIGHT is a female fronted ‘electronic metal’ band with two lyric videos to its credit, “No Weapon (54:17)” &”Fear Is A Lie”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRJF6GLVFzU & www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac8w-kAocfo

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

FIERCE HEART, War For The World Release Date Announced:
SAUSALITO, CA (August 10, 2020) - The new release War For The World from FIERCE HEART, available exclusively on Dark Star Records/Sony/Universal, is scheduled to be released on September 25, 2020.  It is available for pre-order at: https://smarturl.it/fierceheart

Guitarist Rex Carroll is excited by the response to the band's return, stating, "Early response to "Built For Speed" has been off the charts! I'm so happy people are digging the record! Can't wait for this record to come out, can't wait to get out and play it live for everybody! Thank you one and all!"

The early response to the first single "Built For Speed" (lyric video available above) has been fantastic...

"Hooked from the first note. "Built For Speed" is everything I love about rock n roll and I can't wait to hear the album.” - Hard Rock Nights Radio

"If you're looking to recapture the power and the glory of early 80's metal, you're not going to get much closer than Fierce Heart's 'Built For Speed.' Be very careful if you're listening to this one behind the wheel." - Ron Keel

“This throw-back to the Sunset Strip is no surprise given fans have been waiting 35 years for a second album and War For The World delivers the goods with soaring vocals, searing leads and sonic rhythms.” - Bravewords

“Fierce Heart is an incredible band. Amazing vocals with straight up rock songs and great hooks. Plus the guitar work from my shred brother Rex Carroll is absolutely ferocious!!!” - Jimi Bell ( Autograph)

"High Octane, Fierce Vocals and Built for Metal." - The Metal Voice

"Quite Possibly the Best Hard Rock Metal Album of the Decade" - New Media Magazine

"Fierce Heart is a very impressive band who does a great job of keeping Hard Rock relevant today. If you like melodic vocals and and strong hooks, you'll be an instant fan!!" - Pat Gesualdo President/CEO Metal Hall of Fame

FIERCE HEART lineup:

Bob Reynolds - Lead Vocals
Rex Carroll - Guitars
Antonio Acevedo - Bass
Nick Forchione – Drums

War For The World track listing:

1. “Into The Sun”
2. “Built For Speed”
3. “Out For Blood”
4. “Just Got Lucky”
5. “Lost Inside Your Love”
6. “Power To Rock”
7. “Bad Child”
8 “Rest My Bones”
9. “Long Time”
10. “War For The World”
11. “Road To Nowhere”

About FIERCE HEART:

In 1985, Atlantic Records released the debut album from FIERCE HEART. Fronted by the extraordinary talents of guitar icon Rex Carroll, the band received high praise in the music press, Guitar Player Magazine, Billboard, Kerrang, Metal Forces and Guitar For The Practicing Musician.

Then in 1986, Rex Carroll formed the successful group WHITECROSS and also played in the critically acclaimed band KING JAMES, while the new singer for FIERCE HEART, Robert Reynolds, headed up the band GRAVE DANGER from L.A.

Following the original Atlantic album release, AOR BLVD Records contacted Rex for an official, sanctioned re release. This project became a springboard, with a performance that followed at the Melodic Rock Festival. FIERCE HEART was the surprise hit of the festival with fans turning out in droves, demanding the permanent reformation of the band and a new album.

FIERCE HEART online:

https://smarturl.it/fierceheart
www.fierceheartband.com
www.facebook.com/FierceHeartBand
www.instagram.com/fierceheartband
https://twitter.com/FierceHeartBand

Roxx Records 2020 Summer Sampler CD Details Revealed:
Press Release / That’s right we are very excited to push this one out to the world! This amazing new sampler features tons of new music from some of our artists and even some classic reissues celebrating some amazing reissues we have done or will be doing this year! Maybe even a sneak peek or two of what’s to come!

This brand new sampler is being sent out digitally to all of our radio and media partners in an effort to help get some exposure and some airplay on all the cool things we are working on.

In addition we will be pressing a limited CD version that we will also be mailing to some media partners, offering a few on the site, and even giving some away! That’s right throughout the remainder of thesSummer we will be adding copies to all new orders placed that purchase a Roxx Records title while supplies last! (Purchases over $20 including shipping)  

Check out this killer track listing featuring 7 Old and 7 New and RITUAL SEVEN at track number 7!

New Stuff:

1. XL & DBD – “The End Justifies The Means” (featuring Oz Fox) from the brand new release The Beginning Of Closure
2. MICHAEL – “Lost At The Cross” from the never before released album Michael II
3. NINA LLOPIS - “You Consume Me” from the brand new EP Unveiled Part II
4. WE ARE RESOLUTE - “Mad At God” from the debut album Shine The Light
5. CRUSHING THE DECEIVER – “Prophecies Foreseen” pre-release off the upcoming sophomore release
6. THE THOMAS THOMPSON EARTH PROJECT - “Roll With The Punches” from the self-titled debut album
7. RITUAL SERVANTR – “Seven Trumpets” from the Limited Edition CD EP 777

Killer Re-issues:

8. RECON - “Light The Fire” from the 30th anniversary limited edition re-issue of Behind Enemy Lines
9. VENGEANCE RISING - “Can’t Get Out” from the 30th anniversary limited edition re-issue of “Once Dead”
10. DIE HAPPY - “Sticks & Stones” from the re-mastered edition of Volume II
11. THE WARNING - “Condemned To Hell” from the new release The Trilogy Of Damnation
12. JESUS FREAKS - “Religion” from the upcoming LP and CD re-masters
13. PHILADELPHIA - “Tell The Truth” from the upcoming LP and Gold Disc re-mastered edition CD
14. THRESHER - “Totally Possessed” from the upcoming LP and Gold Disc re-mastered edition CD

Bonus Tracks:

15. LARRY WORLEY & FRIENDS - “This Is Amazing Grace” from the 2019 album Testify
16. WEAPONS OF GOD - “Glory And The Power” from the 2019 self-titled debut album
17. ONCE DEAD - “Ghost Tribe” from the Once Dead EP 2020

Roxx Records Summer Sampler CD pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/roxx-records-2020-summer-sampler-cd

NEWS BRIEFS

* “Give A Shout, fourth single off the upcoming new MESSENGER album In To Win: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLuRedhfRLQ

ARTIST COMMENTARY

STRYPER vocalist Michael Sweet offers his thoughts in regards to signing with a label (Facebook - August 13, 2020):

To all the up and coming musicians out there who aren’t really sure what to give up or what to draw the line on in a recording agreement.  Well, I’ve learned the hard way and here’s what I think:

1 - Don’t give up your publishing. Labels will ask for it ,and it may even be a deal breaker but, technically and legally you own it and you should continue to do so. They have no right to ask IMO. If they do (and they will), consider making it a separate deal. A publishing deal. If you do a deal on your publishing, make sure they can deliver by pitching your songs to film, TV, other artists. If they’re helping to generate money and earn you money based on YOUR songs then a pub deal may be worth it. Bottom line - don’t just “give” your publishing away.

2 - Don’t give up your Merch percentages. Most labels now a days will ask for that, but it’s not really theirs to take. Fight to keep that. Even if it means walking away for the “deal”. At the end of the day, your merchandise can save you on a rainy day. It can keep you going during tough times.

3 - Never underestimate your value. If you have a large following and have built that into something solid, that holds a lot of value. So, make sure your advance represents that. Don’t settle for a slap in the face. You may not realize it at the time but later on in life you will regret “giving” yourself, your band and your music away. No regrets.

4 - Don’t sign your life away. Most labels will ask for a multi album deal. That’s fine as long as it’s not too many options. 1 or 2 options is generally a fair request. Anything more than that you may want to reconsider.

I’m sitting here having a cup of coffee and I was just thinking about how many bands get taken advantage of. I got so tired of it back in 1998 that I turned the tables and released my own album, and shipped it from my basement for a year. I sold over 30k copies on my own and then labels were calling me. My point?

You’re in control before you sign a deal. Once you sign the deal you give up much of that control. Sometimes it’s worth it, other times it’s not. Don’t give away too much. If you already have, once you’re deal is “expired”, do things on your own. Build your own empire and if you’re smart, hard working and aggressive you will be very happy that you followed my advice.

Stay positive, remain patient and write, record and release your best. Never compromise the quality of your music, your art. Many thoughts and prayers to all of you out there pursuing music. It’s a tough world but if you’re doing what you love and able to make ends meet in the process, that’s an amazing accomplishment.

Just thought I’d share a few tips to all my music friends. Love and respect!

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Debut Album from PETER CARLSOHN’S THE RISE, Out Of The Blue:
Album release: August 7, 2020

PETER CARLSOHN, best known as bassist in legendary Swedish hard rock bands JERUSALEM & XT, announces his debut album Out Of The Blue.  Mixed by Tobias Lindell (EUROPE, H.E.A.T), and mastered by Thomas ”Plec” Johansson (DYNAZTY, H.E.A.T), the album was released on August 7th, 2020 via JONO Records and distributed by Sound Pollution under the name PETER CARLSOHN’s THE RISE.  Musically, Out Of The Blue is melodic and eighties inspired in featuring the artists bass playing and lead vocals.

Guests appearing on the album include Michael Ulvsgärd (JERUSALEM), Stephen Carlson (CHAKRA), his brother Lars Carlsohn, Svenne Jansson (GLAM, GOLDEN RESURRECTION, JERUSALEM), and Cutta John Kåre Gullestad (CUTTA, CRUSH & HEARTLESS).

Peter handles the lead vocals for the first time, and on several songs he sings alongside Cutta.  Longtime friend Michael Ulvsgärd adds the hard-hitting drum grooves, and along with the artists bass, the old band mates creates a musical foundation for Svenne Jansson to add some Hammond organ, not to mention excellent guitar work from  Stephen Carlson, and Peter’s brother Lars Carlsohn.

From up-tempo songs like the album single “Sing The Song” and opening track “Holy Ground”, to the epic ballad “Gloria” and the bluesy “Why” with its riffs and 70s-vibe, the band captures the listener in well-composed songs, melodic and very well produced to keep you interested.

PETER CARLSOHN’S THE RISE lineup:

Peter Carlsohn - Lead Vocals & Bass
Stephen Carlson - Lead Guitar
Lars Carlsohn - Guitar
Svenne Jansson - Keyboards
Michael Ulvsgärd - Drums
Cutta John Kåre Gullestad - Backing & Co-Lead Vocals

Out Of The Blue track listing:

1. “Holy Ground”
2. “Why”
3. “Sing The Song”
4. “Shine Your Light”
5. “I Want It All”
6. “You Are My Life”
7. “Gloria”
8. “A Kiss From Above”
9. “Out Of The Blue”
10. “The Dream”

Peter Carlsohn online: www.facebook.com/peter.carlsohn

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

MASTEDON, 3 Limited Edition Vinyl Re-issue On Girder Music:
Album release: October 14, 2020

• 2xLP Vinyl Record
• Clear Vinyl with Gold Splatter
• Beautiful Gatefold design
• First time on Vinyl
•Includes the Bonus Track “Dust In the Wind”
• Features Dave Amato (REO) and Kerry Livgren (KANSAS)
• Also available on CD

Features Dave Amato (REO_ and Kerry Livgren (KANSAS) and of course John and Dino Elefante. This 2xLP Double Album will spin at 45rpm for optimal clarity and is on Clear See-Thru Vinyl with Gold Splatter in a beautiful gatefold with photos, lyrics and more. It's also the first time this album was on vinyl and comes with new and improved original European artwork, from original artist Ken Westphal. The album will also include the amazing bonus track “Dust In the Wind”

You may remember John Elefante and Kerry Livgren from their days with KANSAS. You may also remember Dave Amato from Ted Nugent and REO SPEEDWAGON, and Anthony Sallee from WHITE HEART. But one of the biggest element of this album is John's former Kansas band mate Kerry Livgren, which explains why this album was complete to near perfection. If you are a fan of Christian Rock, you know exactly what this is.  This regrouping of MASTEDON has put together the most cohesive MASTEDON project to date. Sung entirely by John Elefante, which was not true of the other MASTEDON projects and wow do his vocals soar more powerful and believable as ever.

Heralded as the greatest producer of our generation, John and his brother Dino Elephante had their hands in so many releases there is literally not enough room to list them all here. From PETRA to KANSAS yhey have done it all. Their name was on the back of so many 80s and 90s releases specifically in the Christian market. You could not go to a Christian bookstore and flip over a CD without seeing the name produced by John and Dino Elefante. There is truly no duo like them. They were the Mutt Lang of Christian Music.

Back in the 80s, John Elefante was lead vocalist for KANSAS. He completed two amazing albums with the band and then went on to start a studio with his brother Dino and launch Pakaderm Records in California releasing some of the greatest albums in the Christian rock genre such as GUARDIAN, HALO, X-SINNER, LOVEWAR and many others. Later moving to Nashville, they build The Sound Kitchen as the studio of Choice for all the top artist of today.  But it was their own band MASTEDON that got them incredible recognition in the Christian Rock circles.  It’s A Jungle Out There and Lofcaudio were released in 1989 and 1990, respectively.  MASTEDON 3 WITH John Elefante came years later in 2009 on Frontiers Records (STRYPER's current Record label). It was never marketed in the US only Europe.

Unlike so many bands Mastedon have used the same blueprint that made them popular in the first place to base their new music on. Wonderful silky smooth melodies and hook laden choruses abound on this album and the decision to both hand all the vocal duties to John and to have less guests and a more structured band feel definitely pay off.

In 2010, John, due to contract limitations, was able to get the album released in the USA but under a different name, so he used John Elefante - Revolution Of Mind but without Dust In The Wind bonus track.  So this release not only marks the first time that it's been made available in the US but also the first time on vinyl and with the bonus track “Dust In the Wind”.

3 track listing:

1, “Revolution Of Mind”
2. “Slay Your Demons”
3. “Nowhere Without Your Love”
4. “One Day Down By The Lake” (See You Real Soon)”
5. “Water Into Wine (Fassa Rokka)”
6. “Questions (It's About Time)”
7. “You Can't Take Anything”
8. “Lying”
9. “The Western World”
10. “That's What You Do”
11. “Dust In The Wind”

3 pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders

STRYPER Premier New Lyric Video, “Make Love Great Again”:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

The official lyric video for "Make Love Great Again", the new single from openly Christian hard rockers STRYPER, can be seem above. The song is taken from the band's forthcoming album, Even The Devil Believes, which will be released on September 4 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Filled with the band's signature riffs, harmony-laden melodies and positive themes, the 11-track project is STRYPER's first studio album with Perry Richardson (FIREHOUSE) on bass and background vocals.

"We're incredibly happy to write a new chapter in the book of STRYPER," says vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet, who has served as the band's primary songwriter since its inception in 1983. "This album was recorded during the pandemic, and I believe the message pertains to the times we are living in so perfectly. It's a recording of hope and inspiration and a light in the darkest of times."

Sweet, who also produced the new album, revealed that the band members delivered focused determination, a collaborative spirit and spot-on execution for the new record. The result is a collection of remarkable songs that will leave a strong impact on listeners.

"It has an energy unlike any other album we've done," he asserts. "We even pulled a song from the past that has never been heard or released, and by doing so we brought a little bit of 1989 back into the mix."

Standout tracks include "Blood From Above", "Make Love Great Again", "Do Unto Others", "How To Fly", "Divider" and the heart-stirring ballad "This I Pray".

"The music and lyrics are rock-solid," says Sweet. "God really blessed this one and hopefully it will bless everyone who hears it as well."

Most of the recording sessions for STRYPER's new LP took place at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts with engineer Danny Bernini.

Formed 37 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER's albums include To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen and God Damn Evil.

Sweet's tenth solo album, Ten, was released in October via Rat Pak Records in North America and Frontiers Music Srl in Europe.

Even The Devil Believes track listing:

1. “Blood From Above”
2. “Make Love Great Again”
3. “Let Him In”
4. “Do Unto Others”
5. “Even The Devil Believes”
6. “How To Fly”
7. “Divider”
8. “This I Pray”
9. “Invitation Only”
10. “For God & Rock ‘N’ Roll”
11. "Middle Finger Messiah”

FRONTIERS SRL online: www.frontiers.it/index.php & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl

STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper

NEWS BRIEFS

* IONA to release 17-Disc Box Set, The Book Of Iona:

“This amazing 17 disc set, captures not only all the studio albums from Iona plus CD 4 Snowdonia from Iona's original River Flows box set, but also features almost the same amount of music again on a companion disk for each album. These companion discs, which Dave Bainbridge has personally overseen the assembly of rare and unreleased studio recordings, different mixes and original demo recordings from when the songs were first written.

“In addition, CD 17, titled The Sound of Iona, consists of new recordings of many Iona songs, featuring contributions from all Iona band members from each era of the bands history plus a few special guests. Below is the provisional track listing to the "companion disks" and The Sound of Iona. Additional tracks still being added at the time of writing, original demo recordings from when the songs were first written, plus new (mainly instrumental) recordings of many Iona songs featuring all Iona band members from each era of the bands history.”

Addition details and pre-order information: www.musicglue.com/iona/products/the-book-of-iona

* Update from TRYTAN vocalist & guitarist Lary Dean regarding upcoming album Blood Of Kings (Facebook - July 28, 2020):

“After Eric (Gillette) sent the files up, I sat and I sobbed as I reviewed the second to the last mix down of the “Rev Song”, featuring performances from some incredible breathtaking singers. Including my favorite singer of all time John Elefante, and one of the greatest metal singers ever, Rey Parra and the limitless musical prowess and ability and my partner and band mate for the new Trytan, Eric Gillette.

“I’m absolutely blown away at how the “Rev Song” turned out. Floored!  Our prayer and hope is that it will cause people to see the Lord as holy, high and lifted up, be stirred at the core of their hearts to worship and trust Him like never before and be reminded that God is reigning on a glorious throne and IS IN CONTROL!”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

OBLIVION MYTH Announce New Album, In Your Arms:
As reported by lead vocalist Tim McDonald:

“Wow, it's been quite a journey, but our new album is finished. Mixed. Mastered.  Copyrighted. Done.  Another 60 minutes of metal of various styles and flavors, and all proudly Christian.  We speak the holy name of Jesus and invoke its powers! It will be called In Your Arms and we are so, so proud of it.  It is much richer in vocals and production.   We're talking to a couple of record companies right now but we're so impatient to get some word out.

"It's taken us 4 years because of various delays and "life stuff" that got in the way.  Half of these songs were recorded as proof-of-concept demos in the summer of 2017, only a year after (previous album) Inside the Mirror, but after that, things slowed way down. 

“We almost lost drummer Bob Schultz in a very strange accident, and parts of his hands and arms were badly burned, but he has made a full and complete recovery and we're rehearsing tonight.  He actually rebounded very quickly, but he's very healthy and physically active.  But it was a very deep experience for him and he'll want to talk about it.  In fact we have a song called "Slow Burn" on this new album, partly about the unquenchable fires of Hell, but for Bob, he had a little tiny taste of what burning in Hell might actually be like, and he came out of it, he will be the first to tell you, a changed man.   It has radically deepened his faith and he reckoned it to be a big wakeup-call.  There's a good story in that, which he will tell when it's time.  He gave us an extremely moving, powerful Witness when we got back together to play the first time after his injury.  He got basically caught in a fireball, and the way it happened was a freak accident.   But amazingly enough!! His long hair didn't get touched!   Can you imagine that!  

“It's weird because every time we go into the studio we lose band members.   Patrick White quit immediately after doing his bass tracks on Inside the Mirror, and after the demos were presented to the band and the process of learning the songs as a band started, we lost bassist Kevin Butler and 2nd lead guitarist Rob Young.   

“The new lineup features a remarkable virtuoso musician on bass named Ryan Mark Hinkle, he is a music teacher, multi-instrumentalist, classical composer, a simply jaw-dropping talent.  Without a doubt he is the best musician in the band and he composed an amazing symphonic intro that will kick off the album.   His dexterous, even complex bass lines are going to knock people's socks off.

“Also, the return of rhythm guitarist Chris Selby, who is an original member and key writer and player on the first Oblivion Myth album, so a great homecoming.  The chemistry between him and Keith has been a huge missing element and it's so amazing to have it restored.  Bob Schultz on drums and Keith Smith on guitar and myself on vocals of course are on the album!

“Keith has really raised his game and we have spent quite a bit of time on getting the best takes out of him on lead guitar.  It's light-years ahead in performance and approach.  People are going to be really surprised by how much he's raised the bar for himself.  Chris is an amazing "fill in all the corners" kind of guitarist and does so much more than mere rhythm.  He sets moods, atmospheres.  

“We used the same team of recording engineer Curtis Erdek and final mix/master by Andy Freeman that we used on Inside The Mirror.   They are 4 years better and smarter without a doubt.  The new mix is crisp... fierce!    I brought in guest stars to sing with me and we have a real choir this time.  It's quite a step forward into a more of a European power-metal kind of sound, but, we touch on classic British heavy metal, a song that's kinda Seattle, one that's quite Iron Maiden-ish, a funky Hendrix/Zakk Wylde heavy blues song, and a couple of epics that are just crazy and weird and awesome.  Thrash, symphonic metal, all kinds of surprises await.  

“Cat Fritchman sang with me on "Everlasting Fire" on Inside The Mirror and returns to do lots of backup vocals and also a song featuring some of her vocals specifically.  She absolutely knocked it out of the park. 

“But my good friend Carmen Sanders has a role on a very symphonic-operatic track and she is a really legit opera soprano, so we are kind of going there too.   Local rocker Vicki Reid like, meticulously doubled my vocals on a track so we do a blended lead vocal, it's amazing and the song is a complex symphonic metal song...    all 3 ladies sing backups on many of the songs, and they're going to be at our video shoot Aug 30 as our choir. 

“And yes, we are doing a video shoot August 30th.  It will be at a theater in Lebanon, TN and we hope to come up with a nice live-performance-type of video, it will not be very conceptual or try to tell much of a story.”

PHILADELPHIA, Tell The Truth Gold Disc Edition & Limited Edition Vinyl Re-issues On Roxx Records:
Album release: October 29, 2020

When it comes to classic Christian heavy metal, few bands fit more perfectly into that category than PHILADEPHIA. The band was one of the earliest to loudly and boldly proclaim their faith in an uncompromising heavy metal sound. Tell The Truth was the band's debut album, originally release in 1984 on the independent Pathmos Records label. Since that time Tell the Truth has not seen an official vinyl repressing.

The 2020 vinyl reissue has been given a fresh re-master from Rob Colwell at Bombworks Sound. The vinyl is pressed on high-quality 180-gram translucent purple vinyl. Tell The Truth will also be pressed as an exclusive Gold Disc Edition CD.

• First time available on vinyl since 1984
• 180 gram translucent purple vinyl
• Full color 2-sided printed sleeve with lyrics & exclusive photos
• Features the original album cover artwork
• Newly re-mastered by Rob Colwell at Bombworks Sound
• Strictly limited to just 250 copies
• Vinyl pre-order price of $34.99 through release date
• Also available as a Gold Disc Edition Compact Disc
• Gold Disc Edition pre-order price of $16.99 through release date

Tell The Truth track listing: "Tell The Truth", "Livin’ For The Love", "No Time For Honey", "No Compromise", "Razor’s Edge", "The Life Inside", "New Jerusalem"

Tell The Truth Gold Disc Edition CD pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/philadelphia-tell-the-truth-gold-disc-cd-500-units

Tell The Truth Limited Edition Vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/philadelphia-tell-the-truth-l-e-lp-250-units

Tell The Truth CD + Vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/philadelphia-tell-the-truth-lp-cd-limited-to-25-units

SAINT, Time’s End & Too Late For Living Limited Edition Vinyl Re-issues On Retroactive Records:
Album release: October 29, 2020

SAINT formed in 1984 and, over the past three decades, has released 10 studio albums, charted on Billboard and been featured in Metal Edge, Circus, HM and many other magazines. In 1984, the band released the iconic Warriors Of The Son EP first on Rotten Records and then again on Morada Records. The Morada Records version featured a cover with the band in leather-n-spikes and singing about evil, the devil, and dark, apocalyptic themes that would scare the parachute pants off your youth pastor! 

The success of Warriors Of The Son propelled the band into the offices of Pure Metal Records.  As many remember, Pure Metal Records was THE metal label of mid-80’s Christian metal fans.  With MESSIAH PROPHET, BRIDE, WHITECROSS and LEVITICUS in the Pure Metal Records fold, the sky was the limit.  And, of the “big four,” SAINT was THE very first band signed to Pure Metal Records.  And boy oh boy, did the band deliver big for the label and the fans. 

In 1986, Saint would release Times End on Pure Metal Records.  The album shook the powers of evil, and took Christian metal to places it had literally never been. The music was dark and heavy much like mainstream bands like VENOM, JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN.  The band would go on to have seven of their classic albums reissues or released on Retroactive Records

• 12x12 full color printed inner sleeve with rare band photos and lyrics
• Re-mastered for Vinyl by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound
• Special 2020 write up by bassist, Richard Lynch
• Part of the Metal Icon Series
• 100 Black Vinyl
• 200 Translucent Purple Vinyl
• First time on 180 Gram Vinyl
• 45 rpm (Too Late For Living)
• 33 rpm (Time’s End)

Time’s End track listing: “In The Night”, “Island Prisoner”, “Space Cruiser”, “Through You”, “Time’s End”, “Primed And Ready”, “Destroyers”, “Phantom Of The Galaxy”, “Steel Killer” 

Too Late For Living track listing: “Too Late For Living”, “Star Pilot”, “Accuser”, “The Rock”, “On The Street”, “Returning”, “The Path”, “Through The Sky”, “The War Is Over”

Too Late For Living Limited Edition Vinyl pre-order: https://limitedrunvinyl.com/blogs/limited-run-vinyl-releases/saint-too-late-for-living-vinyl

Time’s End Limited Edition Vinyl pre-order: https://limitedrunvinyl.com/blogs/limited-run-vinyl-releases/saint-times-end-vinyl

NEWS BRIEFS

* DENY THE FALLEN at work on new album, The Feed (Facebook - July 22, 2020):

“I'm super excited to announce that Deny The Fallen is in the process of recording album #2. I've been doing demos for quite a while and we will start basic tracking this week of our 1st single and probably the title track of the next album. We are hoping to have it released in weeks. The song is called "The Feed" and it deals with the current situation in the world. We are truly living in the last days. Seeing how fast everything is changing on a global level literally in a matter of months should be a wakeup call to the world. But most are asleep and blind. They are "jacked into the feed" of the antichrist system that is pushing the agenda.”

* “One Nation Minus God”, new song sample from JOSHUA’S CREED: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxlM05U2Rxg

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New Lyric Video From NEAL MORSE, “In The Name Of The Lord”:
Press Release / NEAL MORSE is pleased to announce the release of Sola Gratia, his new solo progressive rock concept album, on September 11, 2020. Originating from a seed planted in his mind about writing a record based on the apostle Paul, Sola Gratia quickly came together at the beginning of 2020. The album sees Neal working with long-time collaborators Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer, and Gideon Klein.

A lyric video for the first single off the album, “In The Name Of The Lord”, can be viewed above.

The title Sola Gratia of course has echoes of Morse’s 2007 epic Sola Scriptura, about the life of Martin Luther, but was in fact originally the result of a simple marital misunderstanding: “I was talking to my wife Cherie about debuting this new piece at Morsefest 2020 and she said she thought it would be good for me to do a solo album. However, I thought she said ‘Sola album’ and - because some of the new ideas involved Paul’s aggressive pursuit of the early Christians, I could see a link to some of the themes of persecution in Sola Scriptura.’”

The music was recorded ‘virtually’ in April 2020 at the height of the Coronavirus lockdown with long term collaborators Mike Portnoy and Randy George: “It’s the first album we have ever made remotely: I sent them the basic tracks and asked if they wanted to rearrange things, but they just said ‘No, it’s great!’, so they just played to it and sent their parts back over. It wasn’t an easy way to make an album, but creating always has its challenges, no matter how you do it.”

As Morse explains, it was this process that decided that Sola Gratia was to be a Neal Morse album, rather than being credited to The Neal Morse Band: “With the Neal Morse Band, the whole band works together on the writing, and while Eric Gillette plays some guitar and Bill Hubauer has added some keyboards on this one, neither of them wrote - or is singing - on this album.”

Sola Gratia will be released as a limited CD/DVD Digipak (featuring a ‘Making-Of’ documentary), Gatefold 2LP + CD, Standard CD Jewel Case, and as a Digital Album. The cover art was created by another longtime collaborator, Thomas Ewerhard.

RADIANT RECORDS EXCLUSIVE: Only available at Radiant, pre-orders will come with an exclusive Sola Gratia download booklet containing Neal's handwritten lyrics, plus his comments on the writing/recording of the album!

Sola Gratia track listing:

1. “Preface”
2. “Overture”
3. “In The Name Of The Lord”
4. “Ballyhoo (The Chosen Ones)”
5. “March Of The Pharisees”
6. “Building A Wall”
7. “Sola Intermezzo”
8. “Overflow”
9. “Warmer Than The Sunshine”
10. “Never Change”
11. “Seemingly Sincere”
12. “The Light On The Road To Damascus”
13. “The Glory Of The Lord”
14. “Now I Can See/The Great Commission”

Sola Gratia pre-order: https://nealmorse.com/product/sola-gratia-neal-morse

THE WORLD WILL BURN Premier “Rainbow’s End” Lyric Video:
Press Release / Prolific front man Dale Thompson and band mate Alan Zaring released the third album of their  THE WORLD WILL BURN project, Nothing’s As Real As It Seems, in late 2019.  The album features 12 new tracks, with 3 additional bonus tracks for those that purchase the album on their website, www.theworldwillburn.com

A lyric video for the track “Rainbow’s End” can be seen above.

According to Thompson, “This was one my favorite recording projects ever.  I was able to write lyrics that really provoke thought and imagery.  We were able to paint a very vivid picture.  It is brilliant from start to finish and certainly shows a maturity as song writers from the previous two.”

Zaring adds “I really think we recorded a game changer here.  The intensity of this album is off the charts.  We really figured out the difference between heavy and just loud.” Zaring continues “This collection of songs brings together in sharp focus everything we have been trying to do for the past few years.  It is fresh, new and different.  The emotions of this album make it very special and we could not be more proud”.

THE WORLD WILL BURN has prided themselves on creating heavy music that sounds different than everything else.  Since they burst onto the scene with their debut release Severity in 2015, TWWB has continually released music that has been overwhelmingly favored by critics and fans alike.  Their sophomore effort RuiNation in 2017 took their music to a new level and with it brought a new fan base and more expanded commercial success.  Both of the band’s previous albums were ranked as top 10 albums by numerous reviewers in the years they were released.

“”I am excited for people to hear it and get some feedback and hopefully the music will impress, the lyrics inspire, and the Spirit will move through it to draw people closer to God”, explains Thompson.

The band has released the cover art and a preview video of the songs on the album.  If the preview is any indication, THE WORLD WILL BURN may indeed have another hit record and this time, a real game changer.

Nothing’s As Real As It Seems track listing:

1. “Sins & Tragedies”
2. “Love & Life”
3. “No One Believes In Hell”
4. “Rainbow’s End”
5. “Love Fills All Things”
6. “No One Sings”
7. “Listen For The Symphony”
8. “All Hell Is Breaking Loose”
9. “Boxing Ring”
10. “It’s The Hallelujah”
11. “New Creation Man”
12. “Lead Balloon”
13. “New Life” (bonus track)
14. “Frantic” (bonus track)
15. “What Is Real” (bonus track)

THE WORLD WILL BURN online: www.theworldwillburn.com & www.facebook.com/twwbband

NEWS BRIEFS

* New BRIDE album update from vocalist Dale Thompson (Facebook - July 15, 2020):

“Update on the new Bride album "Here Is Your God." We are on hold at the moment. The tracks are in Brazil with drums and extra guitar being tracked. Unfortunately, Brazil is being hit severely with Covid-19 and things have come to a standstill. Our prayers are for the entire world to be liberated and be made free of this virus however until things in Brazil return to some sense of normality we have the album on hold unto the musicians can return to the studio to finish their parts and the album can be mixed. We covet your prayers.”

* Swedish melodic progressive metal band DARKWATER released a bass play through video for "In Front of You": https://youtu.be/beB5NfGNEBw

The song comes off the group’s most recent album Human, which is available via Ulterium Records on CD, 2LP and digital download: www.ulterium-records.com/news.html

* Guest performers on the upcoming TRYTAN album, Blood Of Kings, include John Elefante (MASTODON), Ray Parra (ex-SACRED WARRIOR) and Eric Gillette (THE NEAL MORSE BAND).

ARTIST COMMENTARY

Covid-19 prayers from vocalist & bassist Chris Dickens (Facebook - July 15, 2020):

“To mask or not to mask? We won't all agree.

“To reopen all businesses and schools? We won't all agree.

“Are the numbers real or skewed? We won't all agree.

“Did politicians overstep their powers under the Constitutions and state/local laws to implement shutdowns and mask ordinances? We won't all agree.

“Where can we all agree? In prayer. The early church was united through prayer according to several places in Acts. So can we.

“We can pray that the Lord would heal us of this pestilence in our lands. We can cry out to Him and seriously seek His face as we, believers in Christ, confess and turn away from our sins.

2 Chronicles 7:13-16
13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16 I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there."

“If God promised this to Israel, then how much more will He do the same for us- the temple of the Holy Spirit? If they met those requirements to humble themselves, pray, seek His face, & turn from their wicked ways, then would He not do the same for us? As Christians, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are God's people called by His name today. If we began to pray for the Lord to rid this nation and world of this COVID-19 fiasco that has taken lives, destroyed businesses, brought nations to financial ruin, and turned us all against one another while repenting, would He not hear us?

“At this time, when the world would say that they want more than our thoughts and prayers, we seriously need to give them exactly that and trust that the Lord will hear us and heal us.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DARKWATER, Calling The Earth To Witness & Where Stories End Vinyl Re-issues on Ulterium Records:
Press Release / We are very proud to announce limited vinyl editions of the first two DARKWATER albums Calling The Earth To Witness and Where Stories End. We've received many requests for these albums to be released on vinyl during the last years and we have worked on this for quite some time, so we are very happy to finally make this announcement!

The following editions will be available:

Calling The Earth To Witness - Ocean Dusk 2LP edition (limited to 150 copies)
Calling The Earth To Witness - Black 2LP edition (limited to 150 copies)
Where Stories End - Liquid Smoke 2LP edition (limited to 150 copies)
Where Stories End - Black 2LP edition (limited to 150 copies)

The vinyl editions come with gatefold sleeve and include an insert with lyrics. Both albums are re-mastered by Jacob Hansen (EVERGREY, VOLBEAT, AMARANTHE).

A release date is set for September 25, 2020.

Vinyl pre-orders are available at: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/vinyl

DARKWATER online: www.facebook.com/darkwaterofficial

Roxx Records Announce Sophomore Album From THE THOMAS THOMPSON EARTH PROJECT, 7 Angels 1 Sad Devil:
Album release: August 28, 2020

Press Release / Just 6 months after the debut release from THE THOMAS THOMPSON EARTH PROJECT entitled Dreamland Love Craft we are already getting you ready for round two!

That’s right this Dale Thompson (BRIDE, PERPETUAL PARANOIA, THE WORLD WILL BURN) fronted project is just getting started! Get ready as we bring you the sophomore effort entitled 7 Angels, 1 Sad Devil and did we mention it’s even heavier than the debut?  Founding member and multi-instrumentalist Garret Thomas has done it again with 10 more new blistering tracks you have got to hear! Starting off with the debut single “Empty Sky”.

Get in on this one now early at the introductory pre order price of only $11.99 until release date or get one of the limited special combo packs featuring the debut album for only $20!  Quantities are limited to the first 20 pre orders on this one!

7 Angels 1 Sad Devil pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/2019-releases/products/the-thomas-thompson-earth-project-7-angels-1-sad-devil

7 Angels 1 Sad Devil 2-CD combo pack pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/2019-releases/products/the-thomas-thompson-earth-project-2-cd-combo-pack-limited-to-20

THE WAYMAKER Premier “Soldiers Under Command” Tribute Video:
Press Release / THE WAYMAKER, the new metal sensation from Sweden and Finland is here!  Featuring Christian Liljegren (NARNIA, AUDIOVISION, DIVINEFIRE, GOLDEN RESURRECTION), Jani Stefanovic (SHAKIAH, SOLUTION 45, THE WEAKENING, MISERATION, DIVINEFIRE, ESSENCE OF SORROW, etc) and Katja Stefanovic (solo artist), the group will be releasing its self-titled debut full-length album via Melodic Passion Records in August.

A video to the group’s cover of the STRYPER classic “Soldiers Under Command” can be reviewed above.

THE WAYMAKER was formed in summer of 2019 by vocalist Christian Liljegren & guitarist Jani Stefanovic.  Jani & Christian were both involved in DIVINEFIRE, who did five studio albums between 2005-2011 and reached a huge popularity, especially in Japan & South America.  THE WAYMAKER line-up was completed when the talented and soulful Katja Stefanovic joined the band. Katja is a very talented vocalist and composer and she has done several solo albums in Finnish and English.

The band delivers bombastic Scandinavian melodic metal with virtuous guitar playing and powerful male & female vocals from all members, as Christian, Katja & Jani share lead vocal duties in THE WAYMAKER.

All members have a long musical background and experiences from touring and recording worldwide, but one common goal have been to take the listener on a musical journey, where the music and the message is THE WAYMAKER in this time.  We live in a chaotic world where it is hard to find peace and your place. The WAYMAKER wants to deliver music with a heavenly hope and guidance to as many as possible.

If you listen to the music you hear influences from YNGWIE MALMSTEEN’S RISING FORCES, STRATOVARIOUS, MASTERPLAN & KAMELOT.

It is always hard to break new ground but THE WAYMAKER delivers Scandinavian melodic metal with a new twist! It is very powerful but still a dynamic production handled by Jani Stefanovic and Multi Grammy, Gold & Platinum Award winning Thomas Plec Johansson (GATHERING OF KINGS, SOILWORK, NOCTURNAL RITES, DIVINEFIRE and many more).

THE WAYMAKER debut album is a killer with no filler!  The band is very excited to meet the media and fans and of course to perform live worldwide. THE WAYMAKER is here to stay and show the way of new exciting Scandinavian melodic metal for the people!

Sound Pollution in Europe, North America & Australia
King Records in Asia
Voice Music in Brazil
Icarus Music in Argentina

THE WAYMAKER line up:
 
Jani Stefanovic - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Vocals
Katja Stefanovic - Lead & Backing Vocals
Christian Liljegren - Lead & Backing Vocals

THE WAYMKAKER online: https://thewaymakerband.com, https://facebook.com/thewaymakerband
 & https://instagram.com/thewaymakerband

NEWS BRIEFS

* SACRED WARRIOR Reveal New Lead Vocalist, Erik Schelling (Facebook - June 7, 2020):

“After much prayerful consideration, Sacred Warrior is pleased to announce Erik Schelling as the band’s new lead vocalist.

“After conducting a nationwide search and three audition phases, the Lord brought us someone in our own backyard. Growing up singing in Church and on worship teams, Erik always had a much edgier side to him. He listened to Christian hard rock and metal exclusively as a teen, including Sacred Warrior. He was in Christian rock band 95one from 1999-2006, which recorded and performed original music.

“In 2001, he also played the Cornerstone Festival with Christian Band Trytan (Trytan Prog Rock-Metal), sharing the stage with the band he’d later join. Known as the “guy with the powerfully high voice”, he was always a target of classic rock cover bands. Although he briefly joined a couple, he couldn’t be satisfied playing someone else’s music and not having a purpose.

“Erik has been using his talents in the worship setting for the last several years, but never forgot his metal influences. At the nudge of the Holy Spirit to a pastor and fellow fan, he was challenged to audition after seeing the Facebook post calling for auditions. As with the Lord’s perfect plan, Erik’s obedience has opened up doors for him and the band to record and release new music to the next generation of Warriors.”

ARTIST COMMENTARY

Michael Sweet in regards to the upcoming STRYPER album Even The Devil Believes (Facebook - July 9, 2020):

“I’m very comfortable saying this is our best album to date. I truly believe this.

“Blood From Above”
“Make Love Great Again”
“Do Unto Others”
“How To Fly”
“Divider”
“This I Pray”
“Invitation Only”

“These songs are some of the best @Stryper ever written and recorded.

“Blood From Above” is the perfect representation of metal for this album. It’s got all the qualities you expect to hear from Stryper yet has a few modern twists throughout. So far the response has been incredible!

“Make Love Great Again” has such a powerful groove and the lyrical content is so perfect for our times. We really do need to make love great again. It’s got such a killer breakdown. You’ll get to hear it on 7/31!

“Do Unto Others” is my personal favorite (and many others in our camp) as it has a great groove with mid-tempo power and a incredibly memorable riff. The chorus section takes you to a new level and takes you to church for sure. The lyrics are tailor made for the state of our world. Wait to you hear the entire song! Music video coming.

“How To Fly” is very different from anything we’ve ever done before. It has power yet lots of melody and we stretched out a little more with the vocal harmonies. The chord changes and transitions are some of my favorite ones on the album and I think once you hear this song in it’s entirety it will be one of your favorites as well��

“Divider” is an absolute powerhouse! It has a riff to it that is unlike anything we’ve done before yet it’s 100% Stryper, in a good way. It also includes a large group of fans who sang on the choruses with us when we had the fan weekend back in early February. It’s killer! More coming with this one.

“This I Pray” is a co-write with Livio Gravini & Lisa Marie Greenia and myself and it is a cross between southern rock and gospel with the Stryper twist. Definitely very unique and one of my favorite ballads that we’ve ever done!

“Invitation Only” is a song that I wrote back in 1989 and we never finished. It was supposed to be included on the ATL album but it never was completed. I finish the lyrics and decided to add it to this album and I’m so glad that I did it takes you back to 1989 in a great way!

“I can’t wait for you all to hear this album and these songs in particular! God has truly blessed this band. Sometimes I don’t know why but He continues to do so”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ANGELICA, Time Is All It Takes Re-issue On Girder Music:
Album release: August 14, 2020

Press Release / The fourth album from ANGELICA might be guitarist and founding member Dennis Cameron's shinning moment.  Loaded with guitar shredding and melody it's almost to ANGELICA what Against the Law was to STRYPER, musically their best album.  Simply put it's a  AOR masterpiece.

Songs like the opening track “Gotta Get Ready” and “Open Your Mind” really showcase Dennis's amazing guitar chops. This man (Dennis) fly's all over the fret board. The acoustic intro of “Don’t Stop” really proves, however, that Dennis is much more than a shredder.  This album has so much rhythm and feel to it. Yeah, it's melodic rock but it's pure music perfection from the melodic overtones of “Time Is All It Takes” and “I Can Hardly Wait To See” to the rockin' tune “Running Wild”.  It's ANGELICA in perfect form. 

Originally released in 1992 on Intense Records, ANGELICA's Time Is All It Takes is the 4th album by the band.  We originally re-mastered and re-issued the first 3 album and after much request, we are happy that this album has been given the Rob Colwell re-mastering treatment and wow is there a major improvement.

Time Is All It Takes track listing:

1. “Gotta Get Ready”
2. “Running Wild”
3. “Second Chances”
4. “I Can Hardly Wait to See”
5. “Open Your Mind”
6. “Don't Stop"
7. “Time Is All It Takes”
8. “Carry Me”

Time Is All It Takes pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/angelica-time-is-all-it-takes-cd-remastered-2020-girder-records

ANGELICA online: www.denniscameron.com & www.facebook.com/angelicatheband

BRIDE, Drop Re-issue on Girder Music:
Album release: August 14, 2020

Press Release / Unique, Alt-Rock, Different, Grungy... there are many different words that one might describe Drop from Christian Metal veterans BRIDE. Dale and his brother Troy were the Axl and Slash of the Christian Rock Scene. Bad-a** (yes, I said it), yet their first albums were glam metal. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Yet this album just sowed up on the scene as a surprise. If you were expecting more glam metal, like TRIXTER or POISON, this was much closer to GUNS N’ ROSES meets PEARL JAM and MUMFORD AND SONS.  And although many that tried their hands at converting their 80’s metal to more of an alt-grunge failed miserably, BRIDE did something rather unique while trying to say relevant. They not only captured the attention of critics, they managed to create an album that just gets better with age. 25 years after this album dropped (pun intended) this album just keeps getting better.   With new artwork and completely re-mastered by Rob Colwell, it’s been re-mastered and reloaded to perfection.

Digging into the music you’ll first notice the album starting off rather heavy with “Personal Savior” and song 3 “You Never Knew Me”. Mandolin on “Life Is The Blues” and the banjos that start the second track “Mamma” shows the creativeness that BRIDE brought to this album. After listening to MUMFORD AND SONS you would think that modern bands always used banjos and such however in 1995 there was not a banjo in-site.   “How Long” is reminiscent of super early AC/DC with those slow yet heavy guitars, not the Back In Black but the ’74 Jailbreak AC/DC with more of a grunge element. This BRIDE album is years of seasoned musicianship and is everything we said. Better 25 years later.

Drop track listing:

1. “Personal Savior”
2. “Mamma”
3. “You Never Knew Me”
4. “Life Is The Blues”
5. “Help”
6. “Only Hurts When I Laugh”
7. “Thrill A Minute”
8. “How Long”
9. “Have You Made It?”
10. “Nobodies Here”
11. “I'm The Devil”
12. “Jesus Came Back Via Jesus In A Pawn Shop”

Drop pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-drop-25th-anniversary-edition-cd-remastered-legends-of-rock

BRIDE online: http://bridepub.com & www.facebook.com/bridebandon

Now Solo Prog Album From NEAL MORSE, Sola Gratia:
Press Release / NEAL MORSE is pleased to announce the release of Sola Gratia, his new solo progressive rock concept album, on September 11, 2020. Originating from a seed planted in his mind about writing a record based on the apostle Paul, Sola Gratia quickly came together at the beginning of 2020. The album sees Neal working with long-time collaborators Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer, and Gideon Klein.

The title Sola Gratia of course has echoes of Morse’s 2007 epic Sola Scriptura, about the life of Martin Luther, but was in fact originally the result of a simple marital misunderstanding: “I was talking to my wife Cherie about debuting this new piece at Morsefest 2020 and she said she thought it would be good for me to do a solo album. However, I thought she said ‘Sola album’ and - because some of the new ideas involved Paul’s aggressive pursuit of the early Christians, I could see a link to some of the themes of persecution in ‘Sola Scriptura.’”

The music was recorded ‘virtually’ in April 2020 at the height of the Coronavirus lockdown with long term collaborators Mike Portnoy and Randy George: “It’s the first album we have ever made remotely: I sent them the basic tracks and asked if they wanted to rearrange things, but they just said ‘No, it’s great!’, so they just played to it and sent their parts back over. It wasn’t an easy way to make an album, but creating always has its challenges, no matter how you do it.”

As Morse explains, it was this process that decided that Sola Gratia was to be a Neal Morse album, rather than being credited to The Neal Morse Band: “With the Neal Morse Band, the whole band works together on the writing, and while Eric Gillette plays some guitar and Bill Hubauer has added some keyboards on this one, neither of them wrote - or is singing - on this album.”

Sola Gratia will be released as a limited CD/DVD Digipak (featuring a ‘Making-Of’ documentary), Gatefold 2LP + CD, Standard CD Jewel Case, and as a Digital Album. The cover art was created by another longtime collaborator, Thomas Ewerhard.

RADIANT RECORDS EXCLUSIVE: Only available at Radiant, pre-orders will come with an exclusive Sola Gratia download booklet containing Neal's handwritten lyrics, plus his comments on the writing/recording of the album!

Sola Gratia track listing:

1. “Preface”
2. “Overture”
3. “In The Name Of The Lord”
4. “Ballyhoo (The Chosen Ones)”
5. “March Of The Pharisees”
6. “Building A Wall”
7. “Sola Intermezzo”
8. “Overflow”
9. “Warmer Than The Sunshine”
10. “Never Change”
11. “Seemingly Sincere”
12. “The Light On The Road To Damascus”
13. “The Glory Of The Lord”
14. “Now I Can See/The Great Commission”

Radiant Records online: www.facebook.com/RadiantRecord

NEAL MORSE online: https://nealmorse.com & www.facebook.com/nealmorse

NEWS BRIEFS

* Classic Christian Rock Podcast interview with Rex Carroll (FIERCE HEART, WHITECROSS): www.classicchristianrockzine.com/2020/04/ccr-podcast-1-interview-with-rex-carroll.html

* FAITH HEAD dropped its new single “Wait & See” on July 3, 2020 to feature new vocalist Adam Reed: https://faithhead.bandcamp.com/track/wait-see

“Wait & See” will be included on the groups upcoming third album Born Again, which will also feature re-recorded material from its 2016 debut full-length Are You A Faith Head?.  Look for Born Again to be released later in the year.

* “July 5 (The Politician’s Song)” is the third single off the upcoming MESSENGER album In To Win: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kiy-O4lkg4

MESSENGER also conducted a recent online interview with Heavens Metal:  https://dougvanpelt.wixsite.com/heavens-metal-mag/single-post/2020/06/08/MESSENGER-Returns

* New song from PŸLON, “Long Endless Winter”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptIENhUxFnc
 
Further detail from the Swiss doom metal masters (Facebook - June 30, 2020):

“Due to the fact of a "medium-term" delay in completing our new album The Long Awaited Rock Circus (nomen est omen..ahem), we decided to release one of the new tracks for entertainment purposes as well as a "nonchalantly" proof that we truly recorded new material like stated since 2018 (double-ahem).

“So let's start with a song fittingly called "Long Endless Winter". A title which pretty sums up these dividing times where mankinds greatest joy seems to celebrate the Apocapositive a.k.a. "we know we're all doomed but looking very much forward to it" even more excessive as it always has.”