Year : 1985 (Retroactive Records Edition 2026)
Style : Christian Heavy Metal , Power Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 88 mb
Bio:
Apostle was founded in 1983 by Matt Harding. For all intents and purposes, Matt Harding is Apostle. Apostle was a Christian Powermetal band from Jacksonville, Florida.Throughout the mid to late 1980's and early 1990's, no other Christian Metal group could even come close to Apostle. Their musicianship was top notch; incredible guitar and bass players, soaring lead vocals, and featured one of the most powerful double-bass drummers ever to sit behind a drumkit. Matt Harding: "When we started out, people would ask us, "Where does a Christian Heavy Metal band play anyway?" "Anywhere and everywhere," says Matt. "We've played at bars, hotel ballrooms, restaurant clubs, juvenile shelters, armories, outdoor parks, churches, coffee houses, and skating rinks. We'll play anywhere they'll let us." In addition, Apostle played before some large crowds as they toured with the world renown super-group Whitecross. In 1984 Apostle released their 4-track cassette (Demo) titled 'Apostle' on an indie record label. The track-list for 'Apostle' includes Side A 1.Overcomer 2.The Teacher Side B 3.The Light 4.He's the Power. The line-up for this Demo recording was comprised of musicians Matt Harding-guitars & vocals, David Lawson-bass & vocals, and Bill Box on drums.In 1985 Apostle released their 8-track cassette EP titled 'White Metal' on an indie label. The track-list includes Side A 1.Apostle (instrumental) 2.Bread of Life 3.Come to the Truth 4.The Witness Side B 5.Armageddon 6.King of Kings 7.Born Again 8.Parting the Red Sea (instrumental). The line-up was comprised of musicians Matt Harding-guitars & vocals, Mark Borrero-bass, and Bill Box on drums.In 1986 Apostle released their cassette 8-track compilation album titled 'King of the Saints' on an indie label.The track-list includes Side A 1.King of the Saints 2.Loving Arms 3.Conquerors 4.You & Me Side B 5.The Light 6.He's the Power 7.Overcomer 8.The Teacher. These songs were the result of two different studio sessions. The first session included all four songs from the band's self-titled 'Apostle' (Demo) release. The second session included 4 tracks produced of completely new material. These two sessions were then combined to publish this full-length recording.The roster was comprised of musicians Matt Harding-guitars & vocals, Mark Borrero-bass, and Bill Box on drums.In 1987 Apostle recorded their independent 10-track (Demo) titled 'Tone Zone'.The track-list for 'Tone Zone' includes 1.King Of The Saints 2.Overcomer 3.Conquerors 4.Born Again 5.Parting The Red Sea 6.Unlimited Power 7.Armageddon 8.King Of Kings 9.Bread Of Life 10. Holy Soldier. This material was never released to the public. Apostle recorded this demo in Chicago at 'Tone Zone' Studios. Glenn Kaiser(Rez Band) was the in-studio producer for the band. This was not new material, but re-recordings of older songs that the band wanted to breathe new life into.In 1987 Apostle released their full-length cassette album titled 'Chariots of Iron' on an indie label. The track-list for 'Chariots of Iron' includes Side A 1.Chariots of Iron (instrumental) 2.Rock 3.Lover 4.Power in the Blood Side B 5.Lake of Fire 6.Sword & Shield 7.Vivaldi0 (instrumental) 8.Lamb of God 9.Leaders. The line-up for this 1987 release was comprised of musicians Matt Harding-guitars & vocals, Mark Borrero-bass, and David McKee on drums.In 1988 Apostle released a full-length (Demo) cassette album simply titled 'Hymns' on an indie label. The track-list for 'Hymns' includes Side A 1.Hymns 2.Vanguard 3.Dragon Slayer 4.I Am Persuaded 5.The Sword Side B 6.Unlimited Power 7.Split the Sky 8.Waiting 9.Holy Soldier. The line-up was comprised of musicians Matt Harding-guitars & lead vocals, Ray Schmidt-bass, Tim Lawhorn-keyboards, and David Mckee on drums. Not to be confused with Apostle (Thrash Metal/Crossover from Pensacola, Florida).In 1989 Apostle released their full-length cassette self-titled studio album on an indie label. This same recording was also released in a different alternative version with the album titled 'Metal For The Master'. The track-list for both 'Apostle' and 'Metal For The Master' includes Side A 1.King of the Saints 2.Overcomer 3.Conquerors 4.Born Again 5.Parting the Red Sea (instrumental) Side B 6.Unlimited Power 7.Armageddon (instrumental) 8.King of Kings 9.Bread of Life 10.Holy Soldier. The line-up for these two albums was comprised of musicians Matt Harding-guitars & vocals, David Lawson-bass & vocals, and Bill Box on drums.While listening to some of the band's different albums, this is the release that really caught my attention with its 80's style hooks accompanied by solid arrangements from beginning to end.
Album:
Two long-awaited titles from Florida Christian metal pioneers Apostle are finally getting the deluxe reissue treatment - and both are available now for pre-order at discounted prices exclusively.White Metal (1985) - available for the first time ever on CD and Vinyl, including the rare 1984 demo as bonus tracks.Chariots of Iron (1987) - the underground classic finally receiving its first official CD release.Both titles are fully remastered by Rob Colwell, feature expanded packaging with archival notes and rare photos, and are part of the Metal Icon Series. Quantities are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.In the early 1980s, when Christian metal was still finding its footing, Apostle emerged from Jacksonville, Florida, led by guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Matt Harding (1957–2012). What began as a small local group with a deep spiritual calling soon became one of the most dedicated and prolific underground acts in Christian metal. Formed in 1983, Apostle combined fiery, melodic metal with an unwavering devotion to sharing the message of Jesus Christ.From the start, Apostle’s ministry reached beyond the church walls. As drummer Bill Box recalled, the band would play “anywhere and everywhere-clubs, reformatories, outdoor parks, churches, coffee houses, and skating rinks.” Their mission was to take the gospel wherever people would listen. Bassist Dave Lawson summarized their purpose simply: “What you have to do is sell out to Jesus and let Him change your life. We’ve tried to stay straight to the Bible and sing songs that glorify God.”Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Apostle toured widely across the South and Midwest, often sharing stages with national Christian rock and metal acts such as Whitecross, Bride, and Rez Band. In 1989, Apostle recorded with Glenn Kaiser (Rez Band/JPUSA) in Chicago—one of the scene’s most respected figures—resulting in their most polished and spiritually intense album. Harding’s soaring guitar work, layered harmonies, and heartfelt conviction set Apostle apart as a band unafraid to merge heavy music with deep faith.Despite their talent and steady output, Apostle’s recordings were distributed only in small cassette runs, making them treasured finds among collectors. Their catalog remained largely unheard outside underground tape-trading circles. These official Retroactive Records reissues finally make that catalog accessible on both CD and vinyl for the first time - all beautifully remastered by Rob Colwell and accompanied by restored artwork and historical notes.One exception, Prepare to Meet God, did receive a limited CD release years ago but quickly became nearly impossible to find. Its inclusion alongside the earlier Apostle material—and Matt Harding’s solo project Steel Armada - completes the long-overdue restoration of his musical legacy.
Line Up:
Matt Harding (R.I.P. 2012) - Guitars (1983-1989, 1993-1994), Vocals (1983-1989) - See also: ex-Matt Harding's Steel Armada
Mark Borrero - Bass
Bill Box - Drums
Tracklist:
01. Apostle (instrumental)
02. Bread of Life
03. Come to the Truth
04. The Witness Side
05. Armageddon (epic guitar solo track)
06. King of Kings
07. Born Again
08. Parting the Red Sea (instrumental)
1984 Demo
09. Overcomer
10. The Teacher
11. The Light
12. He's the Power
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