'In The Midst 777' hails from Vista, CA and is an independent Heavy Metal band formed by vocalist-Gary Lee. I.T.M. 777 delivers up a hard rockin' sound that is guaranteed to give you a double punch to the chest. The band's arrangements draw comparison to such well known acts like Nickleback, Metallica, Creed, Puddle of Mudd, and 3 Doors Down.
Before the band's conception, we find that frontman-Gary Lee Ernst had some struggles and went down many dark paths before finding the Lord. Gary fell into an addiction with drugs and in no time was selling the substance in the streets. This life style led to him landing in and out of jails and prisons for quite some time. Bad decisions left Gary broken and in the process of losing his family. He was beginning to find life unfulfilling and his heart felt dark and desolate. While in prison, Gary started reading the bible and the Lord revealed His word to Gary that day. In a dark desolate jail cell, God changed Gary and made him a new creature through faith in His blood.
Over time, God began slowly revealing his plans and what He desired for Gary and his life. As Gary began read the bible and other literature, God started revealing to him the number 7 along with the phrase "in the midst" which is presented 3 times in Revelation 5:6 "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth". *(We should note that the number 7 means completion, God's work, Divine perfection). During this time, Gary came to the conclusion that God wanted him to form a band and use the phrase 'In The Midst 777' for their name. While still in prison Gary was allowed to have a guitar where he began writing music and leading other prisoners in worship and holding concerts on the prison yard. Gary also used his time in prison to nail down some logo designs that the band is still using even today. Since the formation of the band, In The Midst 777 has done hundreds of gigs and still reaches out to those behind bars who are lost and in need of the Lord.
Over time, God began slowly revealing his plans and what He desired for Gary and his life. As Gary began read the bible and other literature, God started revealing to him the number 7 along with the phrase "in the midst" which is presented 3 times in Revelation 5:6 "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth". *(We should note that the number 7 means completion, God's work, Divine perfection). During this time, Gary came to the conclusion that God wanted him to form a band and use the phrase 'In The Midst 777' for their name. While still in prison Gary was allowed to have a guitar where he began writing music and leading other prisoners in worship and holding concerts on the prison yard. Gary also used his time in prison to nail down some logo designs that the band is still using even today. Since the formation of the band, In The Midst 777 has done hundreds of gigs and still reaches out to those behind bars who are lost and in need of the Lord.
Even though I.T.M. 777 is an independent band they have still managed to achieve some respectable accolades. At the LA Music Awards, the band was nominated 10 times and Awarded Rock Single of the year for their hit single "Wayward Heart". At the 2012 Artist In Music Awards, the group was nominated for Christian Artist of the Year, Best Rock Band, & Best Metal Band. Also in 2012, At the LA Music Awards, they were nominated for Christian Contemporary Artist of the year. In 2013 at The Artists In Music Awards, the band was Awarded Christian Artist of the Year and Gary Lee was Nominated for Male Vocalist of The Year. In 2013 at the LA Music Awards, Gary was Nominated for Singer/Song Writer of The Year. In 2014 at the LA Music Awards, In The Midst 777 was nominated Live Performer Of the year.
Over the years, there have been a number of bands that have influenced members of In The Midst including Kutless, Third Day, Switchfoot, 12Stones, Skillet, P.O.D., and Seventh Day Slumber just to mention a few.
In 2007 'In The Midst' stepped onto the Metal scene with the release of their debut full-length self-titled album on an indie label. This release is comprised of catchy Heavy Metal lightly seasoned with Thrash Metal riffs.
As you might have already noticed, frontman Gary Lee doesn't look like your typical Metal Vocalist with his sculpted Punk hairdo. However, don't let his funky hair style cloud your thought process and cause you to miss out on this slab of Metal. You can rest easy because what Gary & 'In The Midst' bring to the table is far from what's found in the Punk genre. Behind the mic, Gary Lee doesn't venture far off from his medium range delivery which adds a huge part to the bands overall sound. He has a distinct vocal delivery where he sings with the right amount of grit and passion on each track. I'd have to say, if you like vocalists like Glenn Kaiser(Rez band), Victor Griffin(Place of Skulls), or even Rod Kozikowski(Promise Land) then you are going to love what Gary Lee delivers up with his vocal style.
Lead Guitarist-Phil Patnode & supporting guitarist-Gary Lee light things up with some hard and heavy guitar play. Throughout this project, the guitars make their presence known through heavy, driving, crunchy, galloping riffs, that help set the stage for a Metal feast. One track where the guitar work stands out is in the tune "Everything" where we find some sick Thrash Metal riffs along with some stellar vocal work from Gary Lee.
The band's bass position is filled by bassist-Wain Hester who lays down some heavy bass lines on this project. In the group's percussion position there's Scott "The Animal" Prather who brings the skins to submission while keeping time for the band.
In 2013 In The Midst 777 released a 7-track EP titled 'Solid Ground' which is noticeably different from their first release. Solid Ground is an acoustic Rock album with stellar vocal work from frontman-Gary Lee. I have to say, I'm not one who normally gets into acoustic projects mostly because they are often too simple for my taste. However, 'Solid Ground' has a progressive element along with enough Rock and varying acoustic guitar styles to keep things interesting. Some of the acoustic guitar play coupled with the gritty vocal work by Gary Lee often brings to mind Glenn Kaiser(Resurrection Band, Rez). This album represents what can happen when a Metal band does an acoustic project right!
Lyrics are thought provoking and full on for Christ as one can see in the following lyrics:
"Home"
Flying down this Highway I'm all alone
This lonely feeling I can feel it in my bones
I cry out, is there no one there to hear me?
I'm so lost I need to find my way home
Find my way back home
Find my way back home
Find my way back home
Find my way back home
Father God Hallowed be Thy Name
I'm So lost without You
At the Cross You Bore my shame
I wanna live and die for You
How Can I Live and Die for You?
Find My Way Back Home
Find my way back home
Find my way back home
Find my way back home
by Gary Lee Ernst
Flying down this Highway I'm all alone
This lonely feeling I can feel it in my bones
I cry out, is there no one there to hear me?
I'm so lost I need to find my way home
Find my way back home
Find my way back home
Find my way back home
Find my way back home
Father God Hallowed be Thy Name
I'm So lost without You
At the Cross You Bore my shame
I wanna live and die for You
How Can I Live and Die for You?
Find My Way Back Home
Find my way back home
Find my way back home
Find my way back home
by Gary Lee Ernst
If you are in the market for some Metal music to add to your collection then check out what 'In The Midst 777' brings to the table. Give the band a listen and help support them by picking up one of their releases today!
Musicians:
Gary Lee Ernst - Lead Vocals/Guitars
Richard White - Guitars
Wain Hester - Bass
Scott "the Animal" Prather - Drums
Gary Lee Ernst - Lead Vocals/Guitars
Richard White - Guitars
Wain Hester - Bass
Scott "the Animal" Prather - Drums