METAL JUKEBOX

Guardian - First Watch (1989) (Retroactive Legends Edition 2018)













Year : 1989 (RetroActive Legends Remastered 2018)
Style : Melodic Hard Rock , Christian Hard Rock
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 118 mb

Bio:

One of the strongest influences in modern Christian metal history is that of powerhouse GUARDIAN. Albums like First Watch or Fire and Love are considered by many not only as some the greatest Christian metal records ever released, but in US Hard Rock history in general.After a long and successful career, Guardian went on hiatus in the early 2000’s, leaving many fans wanting more and wondering if the band would ever return.Fast-forward to 2014 and, not only are Guardian back, but they’re back at full force, led by longtime frontman Jamie Rowe and the rest of the classic 90’s-2000’s lineup fully intact.Their return record released today, "Almost Home", sees the band in top form still keeping true to the beloved Guardian sound.Kicking it off with “Boom She Says,” the record opens with a catchy bluegrass intro that blasts into an explosive hard rocking track that shows the band still has it, and Rowe’s singing is still that raspy rock voice that gives you chills just listening.Next up we have the lead single “The Real Me” that has a hard bluesy feel to it, a feel that carries on throughout most of the record. “The Real Me” is a perfect choice for the lead single. So many times we see bands choose a first single that doesn't show us what the album will even remotely sound like.With this song Guardian shows us what we can expect from the majority of the record and its clear Guardian are back with a vengeance."Show Me What You Got," a blistering interlude, shows one of the most powerful, scorching and mind-destroying guitar solos and riffs we’ve seen from Guardian and blows the doors off everything we've heard so far and sets the tone for the rest of the record, which features some impressive, inspiring and heavy-hitting ballads and some of the hardest material.It's in the straight-ahead hardrocker, "King of Fools," that the quintet really and truly hit their collective stride. Sounding as if it could have been composed during the sessions for the superlative 1995 Buzz record, the energizing cut has a tighter melody, more impressive guitar pyrotechnics and a higher swagger quotient than the sum total of all six of the compositions that preceded it.Along those same lines, "Paranoia Kills" sees "Fools" and ups the ante; tossing in an even grittier rhythm and a welcome dose of the band's trademark bluesy riffs.Then we have a catchy, melodic infectiously buoyant entries like "Price We Pay" and "Free", which are the sort of stick-in-your-head ditties most listeners could probably hear once and sing, note-perfectly, from memory two weeks later. Even more remarkable, though, is the slightly-countrified, acoustic-based title track, whose high-lonesome harmonies, gorgeous arpeggiatic fret work and poignant lap steel embellishments (the latter courtesy of Phil Madiera) render it nothing short of awe-inspiring.Guardian have recorded a more than solid comeback album that leans heavily on their '80s / 90s roots, adding a touch of modernity especially in the crisp but potent production.Fans of the US hard rock sound & style from the era will be thrilled upon listening "Almost Home", a record that set the stage for Guardian and put them on the map again.

Album:

GUARDIAN is been a household name in Christian hard rock and metal circles contemporaries with Stryper and Whitecross, debuting in 1989 with this properly titled "First Watch". This Retroactive Records reissue has been freshly remastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound and features 2 rare and hard to find bonus tracks - the fist recorded by the band while still unsigned - produced by John and Dino Elefante (Kansas / Mastedon)."First Watch" is the first official album of Guardian, released in 1989 by Enigma Records and produced by Stryper's guitarist, Oz Fox, who also contribute backing vocals.This is the only album of the band to feature former members Paul Cawley (vocals) - later replaced by Jamie Rowe - and Rikk Hart (drums). Both left the band after the tour supporting this album.Guardian‘s debut album "First Watch" was one of those Christian-based releases that really stood out back in the day. Following on the coat tails of bands like Stryper, this release found a warm reception amongst many fans of the style that seemed to blend both a Glam and Hair Metal influence with edgy Hard Rock / US metal.To this day, it is still considered one of the more important releases in the Christian Rock and US Metal movements, and there are plenty out there that still remember some of the catchier and heavier tracks on here, and for good reason.The album starts off great with the well done hard rockers “I’ll Never Leave You” and “Mystery Man” to appeal the mainstream hard rock audience. Both are among the best tracks off the entire release with opener being catchy enough that you’ll wind up singing the simple chorus to yourself over and over.“Livin’ For The Promise” is a straightforward and mid-paced hard rocker with crunchy guitars, followed by “Miracles”, a classic '80s lighter-in-the-air power ballad filled with abundant harmonies.“Saint’s Battalion” is heavy but melodic, a stylishly mid-paced rocker with very good guitar work and nice keyboards.Three-minute arena metal anthem “Kingdom Of Rock” rocks with hyper-accelerated guitar riffs and intense low-end bass underpinnings. Great song where the guitar tones reflect some bluesy qualities.Speaking of the bluesy hard riffs, “The Good Life” revels in it alongside the group's spotless vocal melodies, coalesce to make an infectious statement. All the while Cawley shines with his signature classic tenor charismatic vocal abilities.“One Of A Kind” in contrast kicks up quite the storm with its Van Halen style party flair and loads of catchy rhythms. Here some of the album's biggest hooks rise to the surface and stand alongside pristine furbishing in the form of acoustic layers and atmospheric keyboards.“World Without Love” proves a guitar harmony driven monster. Tony Palacios puts on a literal clinic throughout the song, as his churning riffs helps fortify the plodding verses.“Rock In Victory” is another favorite, a melodic metal anthem front to back, with headlong guitars and keyed up rhythm section setting the irrefutable tone and copious vocal melodies lending a brightening (if not outright commercial) effect. Play this one loud as possible for maximum impact.“Hyperdrive” pay tribute to the group’s space metal early indie days, as found in not only its science fiction themed title but also spacey keyboard arrangements. I particularly enjoy the closing lead guitar duel between Palacios and Stryper's Oz Fox, of which the latter gets the best of the deal.“Marching On” moves at the more forward tempo, with its catchy hooks to spare and ample portions of guitar driven muscle turning it into another Guardian favorite. Of note is how Cawley lends an element of lower register grit to his delivery.The bonus tracks were recorded before the "First Watch" sessions, produced by John and Dino Elefante. “Spiritual Warfare” also touches upon space metal leanings, as an out of this world keyboard solo at the start and 'alien' sound effects complement galloping rhythms and shouted backing vocals to create a near classic.“Marching On ['87 version]” does not differ significantly from its "First Watch" counterpart other than Cawley sings in a smoother classic tenor style instead. Besides, the song is so good it deserves inclusion twice."First Watch" put Guardian on the mainstream US hard rock map, plenty of well composed rocking tunes. Another plus going for this one is that the songs aren’t preachy, which is something very hard to find when it comes to any recordings that are based solely on Christianity, so you can take the songs as they are, or with your own perception of how the tracks are being presented lyrically.This RetroActive Legends Remastered reissue sounds great, featuring the original cover art and two worthy, collectible bonus tracks.

Line-Up:

Paul Cawley - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Tony Palacios - Guitars, Backing Vocals
David Bach - Bass, Backing Vocals
Rikk Hart - Drums
guest musicians:
Brent Jeffers - keyboards
Leslie Fox - backing vocals in "The Good Life"
Oz Fox (Stryper) - backing vocals and guitar solo in "Hyperdrive"
Robert Sweet (Stryper) - backing vocals in "Hyperdrive"

Tracklist:

01. I'll Never Leave You 4:31
02. Mystery Man 4:07
03. Livin' For the Promise 4:08
04. Miracle 4:55
05. Saints Battalion 3:47
06. Kingdom of Rock 3:25
07. The Good Life 4:41
08. One of a Kind 3:33
09. World Without Love 3:55
10. Rock in Victory 3:49
11. Hyperdrive 4:17
12. Marching On 3:55
13. Spiritual Warfare (Bonus Track)
14. Marching On ['87 version] (Bonus Track)




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

Guardian - Fire And Love (1990) (Retroactive Legends Edition 2017)













Year : 1990 (Retroactive Legends Remastered 2017)
Style : Melodic Hard Rock , Christian Hard Rock
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + scans + Videos
Size : 148 mb

Bio:

One of the strongest influences in modern Christian metal history is that of powerhouse GUARDIAN. Albums like First Watch or Fire and Love are considered by many not only as some the greatest Christian metal records ever released, but in US Hard Rock history in general.After a long and successful career, Guardian went on hiatus in the early 2000’s, leaving many fans wanting more and wondering if the band would ever return.Fast-forward to 2014 and, not only are Guardian back, but they’re back at full force, led by longtime frontman Jamie Rowe and the rest of the classic 90’s-2000’s lineup fully intact.Their return record released today, "Almost Home", sees the band in top form still keeping true to the beloved Guardian sound.Kicking it off with “Boom She Says,” the record opens with a catchy bluegrass intro that blasts into an explosive hard rocking track that shows the band still has it, and Rowe’s singing is still that raspy rock voice that gives you chills just listening.Next up we have the lead single “The Real Me” that has a hard bluesy feel to it, a feel that carries on throughout most of the record. “The Real Me” is a perfect choice for the lead single. So many times we see bands choose a first single that doesn't show us what the album will even remotely sound like.With this song Guardian shows us what we can expect from the majority of the record and its clear Guardian are back with a vengeance."Show Me What You Got," a blistering interlude, shows one of the most powerful, scorching and mind-destroying guitar solos and riffs we’ve seen from Guardian and blows the doors off everything we've heard so far and sets the tone for the rest of the record, which features some impressive, inspiring and heavy-hitting ballads and some of the hardest material.It's in the straight-ahead hardrocker, "King of Fools," that the quintet really and truly hit their collective stride. Sounding as if it could have been composed during the sessions for the superlative 1995 Buzz record, the energizing cut has a tighter melody, more impressive guitar pyrotechnics and a higher swagger quotient than the sum total of all six of the compositions that preceded it.Along those same lines, "Paranoia Kills" sees "Fools" and ups the ante; tossing in an even grittier rhythm and a welcome dose of the band's trademark bluesy riffs.Then we have a catchy, melodic infectiously buoyant entries like "Price We Pay" and "Free", which are the sort of stick-in-your-head ditties most listeners could probably hear once and sing, note-perfectly, from memory two weeks later. Even more remarkable, though, is the slightly-countrified, acoustic-based title track, whose high-lonesome harmonies, gorgeous arpeggiatic fret work and poignant lap steel embellishments (the latter courtesy of Phil Madiera) render it nothing short of awe-inspiring.Guardian have recorded a more than solid comeback album that leans heavily on their '80s / 90s roots, adding a touch of modernity especially in the crisp but potent production.Fans of the US hard rock sound & style from the era will be thrilled upon listening "Almost Home", a record that set the stage for Guardian and put them on the map again.

Album:

Freshly remastered from the original tapes, at the very end of past year RetroActive Records released "Fire And Love", GUARDIAN's finest moment, including an exclusive bonus track.The second release from Guardian was something of a breakthrough for the band.After being dropped from the Enigma label, they found a new lead vocalist in former Tempest singer Jamie Rowe and was signed to Pakaderm Records, the imprint label of the production sibling duo John & Dino Elefante (Kansas, Mastedon).Fine songwriting, of course, also helps take things to the next level from how "Fire And Love" features 10 equally good songs characterized by ‘big guitars, big hooks and (and even bigger) choruses’ (as taken from the group's press material).Nowhere does Guardian better exemplify this than on opening cut “Power Of Love”, a classic melodic hard rocker in which a ton of groove laden bass (courtesy of David Bach) and gritty guitar riffs (credit Tony Palacios) touch upon equal parts commercial and driving. Great, great song in which the group recorded a music video (I am uncertain if it ever aired on MTV).“Send A Message” maintains the commercial leanings but in the more up-tempo package.bExuding buoyant energy front to back, the song paints the backdrop with some keyboards. Palacios literally melts the fret board with one of his trademark inspired guitar solos.“Time Stands Still” tempers impetus with its airy mid-paced AOR qualities. Guitars might settle somewhat in the backend while keyboards play the more forthright role, with emphasis on the hook driven asserts. Standing out every bit much are the groups graceful backing vocals not to mention Rowe, whose gravelly delivery shines within a lighter musical framework.Guardian can do the ballad thing as well as anyone, and such is the case with “Forever And A Day”. This one slows impetus even further, as keyboards play a more prominent role as does acoustic guitar (but not to a fault either way), while the eloquent lead guitar enhance the stirring atmosphere at hand. Of note is how the pronounced low-end makes “Forever And A Day” come across heavier than it actually is.The album returns to upbeat hard rock territory on “Takin’ On The World”. This one kicks in to full on momentum from the get go, with a ton of heartfelt groove and dogged guitars (again, noting the Bach and Palacios partnership) allowing for a heavier edge but not without the silky Guardian backing vocals providing a smoother touch.The album scintillating title track ensues and further play up the melodic hard rock qualities, albeit in not quite the same effervescent framework. The group’s penchant for catchy hooks and decisive energy, nonetheless, remains unchallenged, as does its inherent sense of the radio friendly.Which leads to the question at hand: where was FM radio back in the day? Perhaps playing too much ‘hair metal’, while criminally overlooking an album in Fire And Love chock full of choice material deserving airplay.“Turnaround” returns things to an up-tempo form. By far the album's heaviest track - the big background vocal driven refrain proves near mesmerizing in heightening energy levels further.Slowing things to a mid-paced romp is “Time And Time Again”, bottom heavy and melancholy but accessible all the same, the song drips with emotion in switching between its elevated first chorus and darker and more resonant second. In the end, what we have is as fine a deep cut you will find that helps make a great album even better.Speaking of which, “The Rain” is one of the highlights as the group's digs deep to take the bluesy aspects to the next level.Final ballad “Never Say Goodbye” closes the album. As with everything here, Guardian performs it with a ton of class as acoustic guitar and hints of slide guitar convey the song its lush distance.Extra track “Take Up Your Cross” - a studio song recorded shortly after Guardian signed with Pakaderm Records - is neither a muddy demo or second rate bonus track.Rather, it is an album worthy blues based worship rocker upheld acoustically with ample does of harmonica and clasping hands.Production might have been quite good to begin with, but the RetroActive remastering takes things to the next level. As is often the case with re-releases to older albums, volume levels increase to align with that of modern records with the upshot that much more detail standing out in the background.Keyboards now comes across better defined, while same applies for acoustic guitar (on the two ballads) and bass (entire album). Guitars deliver added punch in terms of the foreground."Fire And Love" (1990) is considered by many to be Guardian’s finest release, and for good reason. Jamie Rowe brought a new level to the vocals, bringing the songs a strength I doubt the previous singer could have.Featuring some fantastic crank-’em-in-the-car melodic hard rockers in the vein of GIANT, WINGER and FIREHOUSE this is a must listen for every melodic rock lover.

Line-Up:

Jamie Rowe - Lead and Backing Vocals
Tony Palacios - Guitars, Backing Vocals
David Bach - Bass, Backing Vocals
Karl Ney - Drums

Tracklist:

01. Power of Love
02. Send a Message
03. Time Stands Still
04. Forever and a Day
05. Takin' on the World
06. Fire and Love
07. Turnaround
08. Time and Time Again
09. The Rain
10. Never Say Goodbye
11. Take Up Your Cross (Bonus Track)

+ Video "Power of Love" (Official Video)
+ Video "Never Say Goodbye" (Official Video)




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

Guardian - Almost Home (2014)









Year : 2014
Style : Melodic Hard Rock , Christian Rock
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 105 mb

Info:

One of the strongest influences in modern Christian metal history is that of powerhouse GUARDIAN. Albums like First Watch or Fire and Love are considered by many not only as some the greatest Christian metal records ever released, but in US Hard Rock history in general.After a long and successful career, Guardian went on hiatus in the early 2000’s, leaving many fans wanting more and wondering if the band would ever return.Fast-forward to 2014 and, not only are Guardian back, but they’re back at full force, led by longtime frontman Jamie Rowe and the rest of the classic 90’s-2000’s lineup fully intact.Their return record released today, "Almost Home", sees the band in top form still keeping true to the beloved Guardian sound.Kicking it off with “Boom She Says,” the record opens with a catchy bluegrass intro that blasts into an explosive hard rocking track that shows the band still has it, and Rowe’s singing is still that raspy rock voice that gives you chills just listening.Next up we have the lead single “The Real Me” that has a hard bluesy feel to it, a feel that carries on throughout most of the record. “The Real Me” is a perfect choice for the lead single. So many times we see bands choose a first single that doesn't show us what the album will even remotely sound like.With this song Guardian shows us what we can expect from the majority of the record and its clear Guardian are back with a vengeance."Show Me What You Got," a blistering interlude, shows one of the most powerful, scorching and mind-destroying guitar solos and riffs we’ve seen from Guardian and blows the doors off everything we've heard so far and sets the tone for the rest of the record, which features some impressive, inspiring and heavy-hitting ballads and some of the hardest material.It's in the straight-ahead hardrocker, "King of Fools," that the quintet really and truly hit their collective stride. Sounding as if it could have been composed during the sessions for the superlative 1995 Buzz record, the energizing cut has a tighter melody, more impressive guitar pyrotechnics and a higher swagger quotient than the sum total of all six of the compositions that preceded it. Along those same lines, "Paranoia Kills" sees "Fools" and ups the ante; tossing in an even grittier rhythm and a welcome dose of the band's trademark bluesy riffs.Then we have a catchy, melodic infectiously buoyant entries like "Price We Pay" and "Free", which are the sort of stick-in-your-head ditties most listeners could probably hear once and sing, note-perfectly, from memory two weeks later. Even more remarkable, though, is the slightly-countrified, acoustic-based title track, whose high-lonesome harmonies, gorgeous arpeggiatic fret work and poignant lap steel embellishments (the latter courtesy of Phil Madiera) render it nothing short of awe-inspiring.Guardian have recorded a more than solid comeback album that leans heavily on their '80s / 90s roots, adding a touch of modernity especially in the crisp but potent production. Fans of the US hard rock sound & style from the era will be thrilled upon listening "Almost Home", a record that set the stage for Guardian and put them on the map again.

Line-Up:

Jamie Rowe - Vocals
Tony Palacios - Guitar
David Bach - Bass
Karl Ney - Drums
Jamey Perrenot - Guitar

Tracklist:

01. Intro
02. The Distance
03. Victims
04. Failed Transmissions
05. Death's Divide
06. Questions
07. The Hollowed
08. Follow The Line
09. Her Life In Focus
10. Thoughts Turned Cold




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/