| Musical Style: Heavy Metal | Produced By: Matt Harding |
| Record Label: Independent / Retroactive | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 1987 / 2026 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 9 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 29:07 |
Fans of the eighties Christian metal underground will find much to like about Apostle, a talented Jacksonville, Florida based power trio which bundles classic US power metal with traditional heavy metal. Tracing its origin to the early eighties, Apostle was one of the better-known unsigned ‘white metal’ bands to come out of the period, having releases six custom cassette demos, a full length CD along with spurring several side and solo projects. Whereas an open-ended statement, ‘white metal’ loosely defines as the prolific movement of Christian metal bands that hit the scene at or around time of the mid-to-late eighties commercial success of Stryper. As it pertains to Apostle, it also entails the host of other talented bands of the period that did not land a label deal, including but not limited to Soldier, Paradox, Armada, Chariot, Taker and many others.
Apostle 1984 debut four-song self-titled demo EP preceded it releasing full-length efforts White Metal and Chariots Of Iron in 1985 and 1987, respectively. Good news is that despite being long out of print and highly sought after collector items, White Metal & Chariots Of Iron were re-mastered (courtesy of Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound) and reissued by Retroactive Records on CD (February 25, 2026) and vinyl (March 31, 2026). Striking new cover art and detailed packaging with a band history attributes to Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal graphics. White Metal also includes the four songs off the debut demo as bonus tracks.
Chariots Of Iron sees Apostle making upgrades in the key areas of production and songwriting. Not that White Metal sounds bad - its production is solid for an independent release recorded using mid-eighties technology - but Chariots Of Iron takes things to the next level with a strengthened low end, sturdier rhythm guitar and cleaner vocal mix. It also features in my opinion several of the group’s best songs from its earlier releases beginning with albums instrumental title track. “Chariots Of Iron” opens its first minute and half to medieval tinged church organ ahead of transitioning to neo-classical guitar shredding, as founding member and guitarist Matt Harding reveals his full repertoire of licks and chops ranging from fiery and combusting to sleekly predicated harmony driven. In my 80% White Metal review, I list Chris Impellitteri (Impellitteri), Brian Belew (Barnabas) and Carl Grimmark (Narnia) as points of reference- yes he is that good!
Subsequent first vocal cut “Rock” finds Harding unveiling his high end and soaring imbued with the occasional falsetto vocal abilities. Musically, it embodies the Apostle sound with power metal style double kick drum (noting the work of Dave McKee) and intricate bass (referencing Mark Borrero) lending to the smoldering tempo lugging its distance. The swarthy melody hints of Sacred Warrior.
Follow up cut “Lover” rates with albums finest. It realizes the group trending melodic heavy metal, bursting of forthwith hooks and a worshipful allure - referencing the immaculate sing along refrain - but conserving the essential Apostle guitar-laden muscle. The perfect combining of energy and absorbing contexture hints of Stryper’s Soldiers Under Command. Lyric snippet:
Let not your heart be troubled
Just believe in Him
He’s going to prepare a place for you
He’s the way, the truth
And you know He’s the life
No one comes to the Father
Only by Him
“Power In The Blood” is of equal form. It ups heaviness back to straight on metal territory, expanding the guitar laced fixation with borderline thrash ‘chugga-chugga’ rhythms and magnetic draw in on initial listen appeal, identifying the incredibly catchy ‘power in the blood of The Risen One’ refrain. The bristling lead guitar underscored by impactful double bass reminds of Paradox. Lyric snippet:
I have not seen nor heard
The things God prepared for us
Those who love Him
Death where is your sting
Hell where is your victory
Stripped by the power of God
And the living Christ
“Lake Of Fire” is a three-minute speed based cut, compelled by splintering double bass and full throttle riffs to complement. Darker remnants align with the apocalyptic themes, as does Harding’s reach for the upper stratosphere vocal performance. Again, Sacred Warrior is a point of reference.
I saw an angel coming down from heaven
With the key to the bottomless pit
He was cast into the bottomless pit
For a thousand years he shall not escape
He will be released from his prison
He will go out to deceive the nations
And gather them to war against the Lord
Fire came down from God and destroyed him
Satan was cast into the lake of fire
Second consecutive three minute cut, “Sword & Shield” tempers initiative with its straight on and no-nonsense heavy metal resolve pointing to the inauspicious. Harding further ameliorates the portent distinctiveness with his blaring leads and foreboding harmonies, as Borrero joins with another distinguished bass line.
Thirty-second open-air harmony guitar solo “Vivaldi” gives way to “Lamb Of God”. A well conceived semi ballad, song represents one of albums lightest but is of no less acclaim, uncovered in elegant rhythms, melodic signatures and commercial imprints throughout. Guitar might not play quite the forthright role as some but is unmistakable all the same.
Crucified on a cross
He died to save the lost
Hung on a tree
He died for the world to see
Call upon the Lord
He’s knocking at your door
He died for you
Just to make your life brand new
Album closes strongly to “Leaders”. Song opens its first seconds to wave like guitar ahead of setting a voluminous tone powering ahead: drums pummel with authority and riffs deliver a sledgehammer like blow. When further factoring the high octane falsetto driven refrain and speedy guitar leads, early Bloodgood is a point of reference.
On Chariots Of Iron, Apostle takes it to the next level compared to White Metal, a fine work in its own right. Production reveals a higher degree of refinement, while songwriting gives prominence to added hooks and melodies in revealing some of the finest early Apostle musical moments. Harding remains a consummate talent, whom continues to exhibit his multidimensional guitar and vocal abilities, while McKee and Borrero comprise a formidable rhythm section. If a fan of classic US power metal and traditional heavy metal, I encourage making the Retroactive reissues to Chariots Of Iron and White Metal priority purchases.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Chariots Of Iron” (5:06), “Rock” (3:14), “Lover” (4:03), “Power In The Blood” (3:42), “Lake Of Fire” (2:45), “Sword & Shield” (2:52), “Vivaldi” (:34), “Lamb Of God” (3:09), “Leaders” (3:41)
Musicians
Matt Harding - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Mark Borrero - Bass
Dave McKee - Drums
