| Musical Style: Melodic Metal | Produced By: David Zaffiro |
| Record Label: Myrrh | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 1990 | Artist Website: Holy Soldier |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 95% |
| Running Time: 46:30 |
Holy Soldier came out of the LA club circuit in the mid-eighties with an exciting brand of commercial based melodic metal certain to appeal to fans of Stryper, Joshua, Angelica and Dokken. Founding member's bassist Andy Robbins and guitarist Jamie Cramer first put the band together in 1984 with drummer Pete Kerney, guitarist Larry Farkus (Vengeance Rising) and vocalist Robbie Braunz. Kerney left the band after eight months only to be replaced by Terry Russell, while Michael Cutting supplanted Farkus six months later. When Braunz decided to call it quits, Holy Soldier embarked on a nationwide search for a lead vocalist that culminated in the talented Steven Patrick. Coming out of Memphis, Tennessee, Patrick initially recorded an EP under the name Victory with his brother Sean, but after reading an ad by a Christian band looking for a vocalist, he put a copy of the tape in the mail. Liking what they heard, Holy Soldier flew Patrick out to LA for an audition. The rest, as they say, is history. With its line up complete, Holy Soldier recorded a five song demo with the goal of obtaining a secular recording contract. However, Myrrh Records - following a year-long search for the right band - made Holy Soldier the first metal act signed to the label.
Patrick's unique melodic flavored but raspy lead vocal style combines elements of Axl Rose, Don Dokken and Joe Elliot. Cutting and Cramer form an incredibly tight guitar team, the two sharing lead guitar duties throughout the album in addition to dueling on several key tracks. The steady bass lines of Andy Robbins combines with the precise drumming of Terry Russell to form a rock solid rhythm section.
Holy Soldier became acquainted with producer David Zaffiro (Bloodgood) through their A&R guy Mark Maxwell. After Zaffiro was hired subsequent to catching a performance of Holy Soldier at the Roxy, he moved the band to Fresno for five weeks of heavy pre-production. Putting in twelve hour days, seven days a week, Holy Soldier came up with the ten songs encompassing its Myrrh Records self-titled debut.
All the hard work paid off in that the production values to Holy Soldier rank among the finest of its era, the album showcasing an immaculate mix allowing each member of the band to shine. The lead guitar and bass, both distinctly rising above the instrumentation, flawlessly underscore a crisp sounding rhythm guitar. The drums pack the needed punch and power.
It is worth pointing out that the albums packaging reflects the highest possible professional standard. The album cover features an eye catching photo of the band over a yellow and black background with dog tags displaying the bands name in the foreground. A six page CD mini-booklet includes professionally done photos of each member of the band alongside lyrics printed in an easy to read font. The back of the insert includes additional concert photos of the band as well.
Set in motion by vocal harmonies that repeat its title, "Stranger" moves ahead at an upbeat tempo as the bass guitar exquisitely underlines an edgy rhythm guitar. The bands trademark vocal harmonies return as the song picks up in pace for a strong hard hitting chorus. Several seconds of flashy lead guitar work brings out the best in a song pointing to the person of Christ:
They didn't understand Him
Though His words were plain to see
Because of this they made a plan
To kill Him brutally
He was different
He was Heaven-sent
And for this they took His life
But in the end
He rose again
His name was Jesus Christ
"See No Evil" progresses at a slower pace when compared to "Stranger" but proves no less exemplary. Introduced to several seconds of open air rhythm guitar, the song moves through its first verse at a mid-tempo pace before an ethereal choir of small children trades vocal lines with Patrick during the second. The child-like voices continue into a sweeping chorus delivered in a forceful manner. After "See No Evil" slows to an acoustic guitar, several seconds of emotional flavored lead guitar work follows. "See No Evil" is written from the standpoint of a child being aborted:
I float inside her womb
Oh Mother, I am coming soon
Suddenly, fear and dread
When Mother says she wants me dead
Oh, how could you do this to me?
God hears them cry
(Thou shall not kill)
We hear the lie
(Do what you will)
And we simply look the other way
See no evil...
The haunting ballad "The Pain Inside Of Me" highlights a near perfect mix of rhythm and acoustic guitar and punchy bass lines. Subsequent to getting started in a slowly moving acoustic laced fashion, vocal harmonies back a full and heavy rhythm guitar as the song proceeds through its second verse. The rhythm guitar, however, moves to the front of the mix in support of a vocal harmony driven chorus with an emotional feel. "The Pain Inside Of Me" talks about the pain of a broken relationship -
(Where are you?)
When my tears are falling down
(Where are you?)
You're not around
The days are long
The night's eternity
I think of how it is
And how it used to be
When you were here with me
- in addition to the healing that God can bring:
It's such a great divide
But God can fill the sea
"Cry Out For Love" incorporates a raw post-modern guitar sound similar to that used by Bang Tango or The Cult. Once a compelling combination of edgy rhythm guitar and punchy bass lines leads the way through the songs first verse, it gains momentum for a chorus with a catchy refuse to go away hook. A brief but very well done lead guitar break helps put the song over the top. "Cry Out For Love" is about a believer who has found the Lord and, wanting more of His love, discovers God has more to give:
The Spirit of the Ancient One
That was, is, and shall be
His love is ringing in my ears
Crying out to me
Cry out for love
The kind of love you've never seen before
Cry out for love
I've got a little but I need some more
The hard rocking "Tear Down The Walls" ranks among the albums heaviest tracks. Immediately launching into an upfront mix of driving rhythm guitar backed by a bit of lead guitar, the song slows slightly upon attaining its first verse. Vocal harmonies enter the mix to reinforce a chorus that culminates in an energetic manner as Cramer and Cutting dual at its end. The lead guitar trade off continue as the song transitions to a sweeping instrumental passage.
After a prominently mixed bass line opens "When The Reign Comes Down", a near perfect blend of rhythm guitar and bass propels the song through its first verse until it builds and gains momentum during the second. A mesmerizing chorus fortified by a blend of acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies ranks among the albums best. Subsequent to breaking for a mock newscast, the song transitions to a blistering guitar solo. Robbins' technical bass guitar work really shines on this track. "When The Reign Comes Down" deals with sin and how it impacts society today:
It motivates the rapist
It moves the hand that kills
Fills the heart with the wrath of Cain
And blood begins to spill
The scavenger of lost souls
It feeds as they expire
Licks the lips of the mouth of hell
And spews eternal fire
The acoustic guitar initiating "Lies" gives way after several seconds to a crisp rhythm guitar only to return as the song slows for its first verse. As "Lies" picks up in pace, the rhythm guitar interweaves with more of the bands lush vocal harmonies to take the song to an energy-laden chorus delivered at an upbeat tempo. A touch of acoustic guitar opens an instrumental passage showcasing an extended guitar solo with a bluesy feel.
"Eyes Of Innocence" ranks among the finest melodic metal ballads this reviewer has heard. After an acoustic guitar carries the song through its first and second verse, the rhythm guitar kicks in and backs a slowly moving acoustic laced chorus with a huge infectious hook. "Eyes Of Innocence" continues in a rhythm guitar driven direction until it peaks as Cutting cuts loose with several seconds of the albums best lead guitar work. It is the crime of the century that this song did not dominate FM radio and MTV.
"Love Me" takes off quickly to a sharp sounding rhythm guitar before slowing as an acoustic guitar highlights its first verse. Once the rhythm guitar returns, the song regains its momentum and advances in an emotionally charged fashion to a non-stop hook filled chorus. Cutting and Cramer dual on lead guitar throughout a thirty second instrumental passage. "Love Me" talks about God's faithfulness, even when we fail:
Open my eyes
God, are You still there?
I need to know if You still care
Love me
Oh, bring me back to You
Love me
Hold me close; show me love that's true
Love me, love me
Don't ever let me down
Love me
Until I come around to You
Terry Russell gets a work out on double bass on the upbeat hard rocker "We Are Young, We Are Strong". Beginning to several seconds of tight rhythm guitar harmony underscored by double bass, the rhythm guitar moves to the front of the mix as "We..." reaches its first verse. Just a touch of vocal harmonies accentuates the song before it arrives at a powerful double bass driven chorus. "We..." also gives Cramer and Cutting the opportunity to display their abilities: The two tear it up during a nice extended instrumental passage, while their dual lead guitar work carries the song over its final minute.
It has always been this reviewer’s opinion that Holy Soldier's self-titled debut was nothing less than a groundbreaking release for the Christian metal scene. From the songwriting, production, performance and packaging, no detail has been overlooked in that every aspect of the album was done to the highest level of professionalism. While long out of print, I cannot help but encourage you to make every possible effort to obtain a copy of this gem.
Review by: Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: "Stranger" (3:25), "See No Evil" (5:28), "The Pain Inside Of Me" (6:35), "Cry Out For Love" (3:29), "Tear Down The Walls" (3:58), "When The Reign Comes Down" (5:17), "Lies" (4:57), "Eyes Of Innocence" (3:55), "Love Me" (4:12), "We Are Young, We Are Strong" (5:12)
Musicians
Steven Patrick – Lead Vocals
Jamie Cramer – Guitars
Michael Cutting – Guitars
Andy Robbins – Bass
Terry Russell - Drums
Videos: "See No Evil"
Reference List
Dardano, Harley. "Running Amuck With Holy Soldier." Heaven's Metal 16 (1988): 6-8.
McNamara, Erin. "Fighting The Good Fight With Holy Soldier." White Throne 6 (1990): 44-45.
Rocker, Randy and Christy Arnold. "Holy Soldier Interview." Take A Stand (October 1988): 1-4.
Rocker, Randy and Ed Warner. "Holy Soldier Interview." Take A Stand (January 1990): 1-3.
Rocker, Randy and Ed Warner. "Holy Soldier Interview." Take A Stand (February 1990): 4.
Van Pelt, Doug. "In The Trenches With Holy Soldier." Heaven's Metal 24 (1990): 2-6.
