Creed is a Melodic Metal band that formed back in 1982 in the city of Cologne, Germany. Creed should not be mistaken for the mainstream Creed(Scott Stapp). Creed was already in existence before the well known mainstream Creed band came onto the music scene which was formed by Scott Stapp in 1993. As you can see, there is a big difference between when each of these two different bands were formed and should not be mistaken as the same band.
With that said, Creed is one of those underrated unknown Metal bands which most fans of the genre, know little about. Maybe it was due to the period in which they stepped onto the music scene with a market already inundated with countless numbers of bands resulting in the band getting lost in the mix of things. Another possibility is that maybe Creed went unnoticed due to the shift in music styles from the 80's Metal scene to the 90's Grunge/Alternative scene.
With that said, Creed is one of those underrated unknown Metal bands which most fans of the genre, know little about. Maybe it was due to the period in which they stepped onto the music scene with a market already inundated with countless numbers of bands resulting in the band getting lost in the mix of things. Another possibility is that maybe Creed went unnoticed due to the shift in music styles from the 80's Metal scene to the 90's Grunge/Alternative scene.
The band's name 'Creed' was chosen by the group due to its meaning - A faith or a set of beliefs that guide someone's actions.
In 1985 Creed began recording a 4-track EP at Millenium Studios. In 1986 the band finished their self-titled EP which included tracks 1. Turning Darkness into Light 2. New Born 3. Longing for You 4. Silent Prayer. The album was produced by Wolfgang Schmidt and released on the RSM Records label. Creed's line-up was comprised of Lead Vocalist-Jessy Baron, Guitarist-Udo Libutzky, Guitarist-DeeDee Huege, Bassist-Tichy Casni, and Drummer-Claus Binder.
In 1989 Creed released an independent 2-track demo which includes tracks 1. In The Night 2. Tonight. That same year, Creed was honored to be the opening band on Whitecross' 1989 German tour.
In 1990 Pure Metal Records released a multi-band compilation album titled 'Just Be Sure It's Pure'. On this rare compilation, Creed's demo track "In The Night" appears alongside such well known bands as Bride, Seraiah, and Jeff Scheetz just to mention a few.
In 1990 Pure Metal Records released a multi-band compilation album titled 'Just Be Sure It's Pure'. On this rare compilation, Creed's demo track "In The Night" appears alongside such well known bands as Bride, Seraiah, and Jeff Scheetz just to mention a few.
In 1990 Creed released their full-length debut album 'The Sign Of Victory' on Pure Metal Records. The album was released on cassette, vinyl, and CD formats and was produced by Norman Barratt. 'The Sign Of Victory' was recorded at Tonstudio Leonberg and was engineered by Olaf Ritter, Mixed by Manfred Lohse/Olaf and the album was distributed by Star Song. The album's cover art was done by Winnie Schloeffel. Creed's line-up was comprised of Vocalist-Jessy Baron, Guitarist-Udo Libutzky, and Bassist-Tichy Casni.
The first track on the album - "The Sign Of Victory" was recorded live and quickly grabs your attention with a very energetic performance from the band. From beginning to end one will find that there are no skippers on this release. All tracks have their individuality in that the album doesn't sound like one continuous song. As an example of the album's diversity, track-6 "Prayer Of Praise" is a praise song where we find the band moving into Power Metal territory which even includes some double bass pedal action. The last track - "In The Dark" is the barn burner of the album with some heavier guitar work from guitarist-Udo Libutzky.
Frontman-Jessy Baron is a very capable vocalist for the band. Throughout the album we find him staying in true form and drawing comparison with frontman-Jamie Rowe(Guardian).
It's well known that shredder-Andy Gutjahr played guitar for Creed from 1984 to 1985 and is known for his work with bands like Seventh Avenue, Lightmare, Treasure Seeker, Sinbreed, and many more.
The Band's lyrics are Christ centered as one can see in the following excerpts:
"The Sign Of Victory"
Because of the triumphant cross, the mercy's been found!
The battle is ragin', the forces of darkness, they grow
But we'll fight, fight, fight, fight without fear
Armed by the power of God's word so strong, a double-edged sword
We will win the fight, in the end that is near
Because of the triumphant cross, the mercy's been found
All you have to do is fight in the right sign
Sign of the glory
Sign of the glory, the cross is a sign
"Taken By Storm"
Life's a road, the wheels're speedin' cold
Ain't got no time for fairytales, you say
You play the game, don't know it's name
You never took the chance
Soldier of fortune, cash an' romance
Stories being told
Runnin' out of trouble, livin' on the double
That's a bit of luck, again. Real drag...
Shadows are falling
Bad moon is on the rise
Eternity is calling
Thunder is coming down
(Down!) Touch the ground
Ring in the song of return
Freedom has been found
You'll be taken by storm (so surrender)
Because of the triumphant cross, the mercy's been found!
The battle is ragin', the forces of darkness, they grow
But we'll fight, fight, fight, fight without fear
Armed by the power of God's word so strong, a double-edged sword
We will win the fight, in the end that is near
Because of the triumphant cross, the mercy's been found
All you have to do is fight in the right sign
Sign of the glory
Sign of the glory, the cross is a sign
"Taken By Storm"
Life's a road, the wheels're speedin' cold
Ain't got no time for fairytales, you say
You play the game, don't know it's name
You never took the chance
Soldier of fortune, cash an' romance
Stories being told
Runnin' out of trouble, livin' on the double
That's a bit of luck, again. Real drag...
Shadows are falling
Bad moon is on the rise
Eternity is calling
Thunder is coming down
(Down!) Touch the ground
Ring in the song of return
Freedom has been found
You'll be taken by storm (so surrender)
In 1998 Creed's track "Meet Again", from 'The Sign Of Victory' album, was featured on a cover album called 'Treasured Seeker-A Tribute To The Past' which was released on Treasure Hunt Records. This is a well done cover of "Meet Again" and well worth checking out.
Like many other bands of their time, Creed only saw one album come to fruition. The group disbanded in 1995 with all members going their separate ways.
Creed is for fans of Manowar, Guardian, or even Recon. If you are in the market for some older bands that deliver the Metal goods then be sure to give Creed's - 'The Sign Of Victory' album a spin.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Thommy Rausz - Vocals (1991-1995)
Andy Gutjahr - Guitars (1994-1995)
Hans E. Mickel - Guitars (1991-1995)
Tichy Casni - Bass (1982-1995)
Joachim Joos - Drums (1994-1995)
Thommy Rausz - Vocals (1991-1995)
Andy Gutjahr - Guitars (1994-1995)
Hans E. Mickel - Guitars (1991-1995)
Tichy Casni - Bass (1982-1995)
Joachim Joos - Drums (1994-1995)