Holy Soldier

Holy Soldier is a Christian Metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in early 1985 by bassist Andy Robbins and guitarist Jamie Cramer, Holy Soldier released its self-titled debut on Word/A&M Records (Myrrh imprint) in 1990 to critical and commercial acclaim. Two years later, the band followed up their debut with "Last Train", another critical success. The commercial success of "Last Train", however, did not live up to its critical acclaim, and after their 60 city world tour, lead vocalist Steven Patrick abruptly left the group. Their record Myrrh label promptly dropped the band from its roster due to Patrick's sudden exit.

Nevertheless, undaunted by Patrick's unexpected departure, the band quickly replaced Patrick with Seattle, WA vocalist Eric Wayne, who helped move the band into a grungier sound. Wayne's lower vocal register allowed Holy Soldier to compete in the metal market with the likes of Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Crash Test Dummies, and Soundgarden. After Holy Soldier's reinvention and extensive touring, the band was signed to ForeFront Records in 1994. Once again recruiting the production skills of producer David Zaffiro, Holy Soldier released "Promise Man" in 1995. Despite the success of "Promise Man," Holy Soldier was unhappy with the lack of support they received from their record label ForeFront Records and they asked the label to be let out of their contract. In 1997, after a short hiatus, bassist Andy Robbins independently produced on his own boutique label (Spaceport Records) a live retrospective album featuring both current frontman Eric Wayne and original vocalist Steven Patrick. After the release of "Encore", Holy Soldier officially disbanded.

In 2005, the original Holy Soldier line-up reunited in August for a benefit concert and possible studio album follow-up. But again, Steven Patrick's reunion with his former band members was extremely brief. Suddenly without its original lead vocalist for the second time, Holy Soldier recruited original drummer Terry Russell's brother, Don, to replace Patrick. As of 2006, the band continues to perform live.

Discography

tudio Albums

* 1990 - "Holy Soldier" (Myrrh Records / A&M Records, produced by David Zaffiro) - Review: [http://www.reignradio.com/articles/publish/article_33.shtml Reign Radio]
* 1992 - "Last Train" (Myrrh Records, produced by David Zaffiro)
* 1995 - "Promise Man" (ForeFront / EMI Records, produced by David Zaffiro)

Live Albums

* 1997 - "Encore" (Spaceport Records, produced by Michael Cutting & David Zaffiro, 8 Feb 1997 @ ROCKETOWN, Nashville, TN)

DVDs

* 2006 - "Live, Rare and Raw" (Roxx Productions/Spaceport Records)

Current members

*Andy Robbins - Bass Guitar, Vocals
*Michael Cutting - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals (1985-1991, 1995-1997, 2005+)
*Jamie Cramer - Guitars, Vocals (1985-1992, 2005+)
*Terry Russell - Drums, Vocals (1985-1992, 2005+)
*Don Russell - Lead Vocals (2005+)

Former members

*Lead Vocals - Robbie Brauns (1985-1987)
*Lead Vocals - Steven Patrick (1988-1990, 1992, 1997, 2005)
*Lead Vocals - Eric Wayne (1990, 1995-1997)
*Guitars - Scott Soderstrom (1991-1998)
*Drums - Jason Martin (1995-1997)

Trivia

*(Andy Robbins from Skin is not the same from Holy Soldier)Andy Robbins later played bass for the band Skin.
*Andy Robbins was baptized by Pat Boone at Boone's swimming pool at his home in Beverly Hills.
*Andy Robbins and Michael Cutting are also avid Pink Floyd fans and today they front a Pink Floyd tribute band called "In the Flesh."

External links

* [http://www.holysoldier.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/holysoldier Holy Soldier @ Myspace]
* [http://www.holysoldierfan.com/ Unofficial Site]

* [http://www.graydot.com/support/hsx.html gray dot profile]
* [http://www.firestream.net/fs_rate.php?go=showcat&cat_id=251 Holy Soldier] at [http://www.firestream.net Firestream.net]
* [http://www.andyrobbins.com/ Andy Robbins' personal website]