| Musical Style: Melodic Metal | Produced By: Dave Heath, Ryan Northrup & Seraiah |
| Record Label: Eonian | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2026 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: No Quote |
| Running Time: 36:19 |
Seraiah appeals to the hearts and minds of eighties melodic metal and hard rock aficionados. The group meets expectations with its emphasizing of catchy hooks and distinct melodies not to mention the energetic guitar driven aptitude to go in hand. Soaring vocals ranging from classic tenor to raspy mid-ranged further build upon the at times anthem like and others sing-along choruses that play defining roles. Musicianship is of equal acumen, including shred based lead guitar, groove impelled bass and technical drum founding. Finally, Seraiah stays true to the glam and hair metal image prevalent to the time.
Seraiah emerged from the Evansville, Indiana mid-eighties metal scene when founded by drummer Kyle Dietz, guitarist Quinton Gibson and bassist Mike Belt as a mainstream cover band under the initially Xzist moniker. Subsequent to the three making decisions of faith, the group changed its name to Seraiah, which translates as ‘Soldier of Jehovah’. Seraiah later recruited front man David McClung ahead of recording its initial self-titled demo in March of 1987 only to maintain the same lineup for its May of 1987 second, Soldier Of Jehovah. With Michael McClung supplanting Belt on bass, Seraiah returned to the studio in January of 1988 for its 4-song third demo prior to recording in May of 1988 two songs, one of which “C’Mon Get Up!”, appeared on the popular White Metal Invasion tape from 1989.
Further details behind the Seraiah history are outlined in the 36-page booklet included as part of the remixed and re-mastered July of 2026 Eonian Records CD and vinyl reissues to the groups 1990 Star Song Records debut Carnival World. Good news is at the same time Eonian also reissued a ten-song compilation of the Seraiah demo material under the fitting title DEMOlish This. In addition to re-mastering from Rob Colwell, DEMOlish contains a high volume of previously unpublished band photos, concert flyers, a Gospel tract from Michael McClung and further information behind the demo recordings.
DEMOlish This opens to the four songs from the January of 1988 demo. First “Rock Without Sin” is a spirited barnburner that alters between reserved verse sections and bustling refrain repeating songs title in clouting fashion. The Seraiah musicianship cannot be denied in form of Michael McClung’s melodic bass line and Gibson’s blinding guitar leads. Lyric snippet:
You need someone to believe in
I want you to know Jesus is the way
You know, He is the only way to go
He can free your soul
You got to make a choice
Will you choose to follow Him
Rock without sin…
“Known In Hell” represents a kicked up AC/DC inspired piece. With David McClung lending a razor like edge to his mid-ranged but melodic vocal delivery, song revels in dashing hooks, athletic backing vocals and mettlesome posture that refuses to quit. The youthful vim and vigor cannot be denied.
Seraiah explores ballad territory with “Never Have To Say Goodbye Again”. It proves a good one, innate to peaceful acoustic guitar and swarthy facets but not without occasional outbursts of heavier rhythm guitar. Harmonies prove memorable and melody convincing. David McClung reveals a smoother side vocally. Lyric snippet:
It’s been a few weeks
We’ve been apart
I’ve missed you so much
It’s been gripping my heart
Know that I love you
And I miss you too
I pray to our Father we’ll be together again soon
Someday we’ll be together
Forever in heaven
Then we’ll never have to say goodbye again
Straight on metal cut “The Light” proves intense with its all out drive, brimming of hardy guitar riffs and succinctly woven hooks. Time’s End Saint comes to mind in terms of focus and heavy hitting affection. More specifically, this one hints of the better material on Carnival World.
The preceding four set the DEMOlish production tone in that while lacking the big budget polish of a label-backed release, the Seraiah demo material is more than listenable despite an underlining element of thinness.
“C’mon Get Up!” is first of two Seraiah recorded for the White Metal Invasion tape. I identify with it as a Van Halen meets early Guardian style party rocker, emanating of lower register groove and beguiling hooks as high-end falsettos stand alongside Dietz’s decisive timekeeping. A cool bass solo leads the way instrumentally ahead of a feverish lead guitar run. Lyric snippet:
So pick up that tape
Throw it in your box
Turn the volume up
And get ready to rock
We’re gonna rock for You
We rock because of Him
We’re gonna rock for truth
Over and over again
“Why?” begins to open air vocals that give way to searing guitar feedback. Song proceeds to launch to rocket like momentum, frenzied with its churning low end and distorted rhythms but also melodic in light of the offbeat punk inspired ‘why, why, why’ backing vocals adorning the refrain. In my opinion, “C’mon Get Up!” is better of the two and deserves its inclusion, but “Why?” is not to be overlooked.
Lone song off the initial 1987 demo, “Foxy On The Inside”, ensues. Yes, a bit rough sounding due to being recorded on a Tascam 4-track but solid musically as a mid-paced groove laden hard rocker exuding of leading swagger, crunch worthy patterning and high end vocals. The ‘beauty is only skin deep’ message lends further value:
There’s a beautiful girl I seen around school
Well I asked here out
We got to know each other
And I find out what I really wanted to know
She’s foxy on the inside…
But before you get real serious
Better sees what she looks like inside out
Is she foxy on the inside?
Fox on the inside…
The three tracks from the second 1987 demo present with a cleaner sound. “Whatever Happened To Your Love” gets things going as an acoustic ballad that while a bit formula, succeeds with its bountiful melody and extended mid-point acoustic guitar solo. A light Country Western flair separates accordingly.
“Won’t You Look” returns album to a heavier heading. It draws inspiration from Van Halen with mirthful guitar rhythms and lower register vocals emanating a David Lee Roth like vibe not to mention extended run of eighties style shred soloing. Of all the demo material, this one would best lend to potential radio play if recorded professionally. Lyric snippet:
When you’re feeling down and lonely
And you’re feeling really blue
Look to Him because He can help you
He knows what to do
Won’t you look to Jesus
He knows what you need
Jesus loves you, Jesus cares
Give Him all your problems, He’ll be there
“Always With Me” also lends a hard rocking vibe, plunging its span to a go-getting mindset as fixed guitars and self-asserting harmonies play supreme roles. Low end hits particularly hard, as does the distorted as it gets rhythms. This one hints of the potential the group realized on Carnival World.
Give credit to Eonian Records for making available the early Seraiah demo material. Yes, DEMOlish might be somewhat thin production wise, keeping in minds its track listing encompasses demos independently recorded with late eighties technology. Still, the release presents as a choice package from highlighting the songwriting abilities and talent of a group that went on to bigger things with a pair of full length studio releases on Star Song Records. If a fan of Carnival World, I see DEMOlish This representing a must have purchase.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Musicians
David McClung - Lead Vocals
Quinton Gibson - Guitars
Michael McClung - Bass
Mike Belt - Bass
Kyle Dietz - Drums
Track Listing: “Rock Without Sin” (3:35), “Known In Hell” (4:09), “Never Have To Say Goodbye Again” (3:39), “The Light” (3:38), “C’mon Get Up!” (4:01), “Why?” (3:16), “Foxy On The Inside” (3:26), “Whatever Happened To Your Love” (3:20), “Won’t You Look” (3:50), “Always With Me” (3:19
