Messenger is a Heavy Metal band from Washington, D.C. that was formed by vocalist-Frank Herring back in 2008. The group got its start as Frank began writing songs and, in the process, started searching for band members. It was at that time, in the fall of 2008 when Vlad Gurin joined as guitarist for the band. It wasn't long before the group contacted guitarist-Joe Fulford who promptly came on board to complete the guitar section. The band then got in touch with bassist-Elliott Powell and drummer-Tim Tieff who were both added to the Messenger's roster completing the band.
When it comes to the meaning behind the band's name Frank had the following to say: "I started a solo project writing songs from a Rock perspective. One day I shared Christ with a co-worker at my day job. Afterwards, the co-worker said, “Frank, you & I are messengers in this world.” I took the idea and ran with it."
When it comes to the meaning behind the band's name Frank had the following to say: "I started a solo project writing songs from a Rock perspective. One day I shared Christ with a co-worker at my day job. Afterwards, the co-worker said, “Frank, you & I are messengers in this world.” I took the idea and ran with it."
In 2008, just after their conception, Messenger stepped onto the Hard Rock/Metal scene with the release of their debut independent full-length album titled 'I'm Talking To You'. This was a solid first release for the band which helped them garner recognition and a much needed fan base as a new artist. The band was off to a good start with the album receiving some favorable reviews in the Metal community. In 2010 Messenger followed up with the release of an independent live-in-concert album titled 'On Delivery (Live)'. After the release of their debut, Messenger showed no signs of stopping and followed up with the release of their 2012 sophomore independent full-length album 'You Choose'. With their sophomore album, the band showed strong signs of maturing as a Heavy Metal band. The album went on to receive favorable reviews within the Metal community. After the release of their second full-length album, the band shied away from the studios and focused on touring, gigs, concerts, and playing in venues for the next eight years.
"The band was formed to reach our world
with the message of Christ that we carry in our hearts."
with the message of Christ that we carry in our hearts."
In 2020, to the delight of the their fans, Messenger followed-up with the release of their third independent full-length studio album simply titled 'In To Win'. The album was recorded and mixed at the band's very own recording house called 'Studio Vovka' which the band has been developing since 2011. Studio Vovka has now expanded to a full on recording, mixing, and mastering facility. The album's production was managed in house by both Frank Herring & Vlad Gurin including all recording, mixing & mastering. All of Messenger's songs and music were developed by Frank Herring & Vlad Gurin. The album's cover art was designed by Frank Herring who also managed the layout for both the 6 panel CD wallet and the CD on-disc printing.
This release represents some of the band's strongest Metal offerings to date. The arrangements quickly draw the listener in with a slurry mix of unrelenting Heavy Metal seasoned with energizing Power Metal riffs, fist poundin' Thrash, and some Hard Rock to balance things out. Yes, Messenger has dug deep into their bag of tricks this time around, and have shown that they are not holding anything back with this 2020 release. 'In To Win' finds Messenger taking a little from the 80's golden years and lightly seasoning it with some present day modern touches. From track to track one is going to find that the band's arrangements are nothing short of energetic and electrifying to say the least. One would think with 13-tracks there would be at least 1 skipper in the bunch however, that is not the case here. With that said, some tracks that stand out on this 2020 project include track-1 "Time Machine", track-2 "Blind Sided", track-3 "Take Flight", track-5 "Crows and the Hawk", track-6 "Messenger at Arms", track-7 "Satan's Nightmare", track-8 "When I Go", track-10 "Anchor", track-11 "Trial and Triumph", and track-13 "Fear No Evil". Well, that's just about the entire album so one can easily see that Messenger has out done themselves with this recording!
Frank explains the meaning behind their album's cover art: "The Fire Hawk means so many things. It provokes a phoenix-like rebirth idea. It evokes freedom, drive and energy toward victory. It makes us think of ‘Take Flight that is a song referencing the flight of birds. And we have so many birds used in this album also. Some are metaphors, others are sound effects. It just makes sense."
This release represents some of the band's strongest Metal offerings to date. The arrangements quickly draw the listener in with a slurry mix of unrelenting Heavy Metal seasoned with energizing Power Metal riffs, fist poundin' Thrash, and some Hard Rock to balance things out. Yes, Messenger has dug deep into their bag of tricks this time around, and have shown that they are not holding anything back with this 2020 release. 'In To Win' finds Messenger taking a little from the 80's golden years and lightly seasoning it with some present day modern touches. From track to track one is going to find that the band's arrangements are nothing short of energetic and electrifying to say the least. One would think with 13-tracks there would be at least 1 skipper in the bunch however, that is not the case here. With that said, some tracks that stand out on this 2020 project include track-1 "Time Machine", track-2 "Blind Sided", track-3 "Take Flight", track-5 "Crows and the Hawk", track-6 "Messenger at Arms", track-7 "Satan's Nightmare", track-8 "When I Go", track-10 "Anchor", track-11 "Trial and Triumph", and track-13 "Fear No Evil". Well, that's just about the entire album so one can easily see that Messenger has out done themselves with this recording!
Frank explains the meaning behind their album's cover art: "The Fire Hawk means so many things. It provokes a phoenix-like rebirth idea. It evokes freedom, drive and energy toward victory. It makes us think of ‘Take Flight that is a song referencing the flight of birds. And we have so many birds used in this album also. Some are metaphors, others are sound effects. It just makes sense."
Vocalist-Frank Herring has a powerful vocal delivery and quickly captures the listener's attention with his soaring energetic vocals. If I had to make a comparison between Frank Herring's vocal style and another artist I would have to say that his delivery is not unlike that of vocalist-Tom Denlinger(Sardonyx) and vocalist-John Greely(Seventh Servant).
Axeman-Vlad Gurin manages the guitar section for the band and throughout this release one will quickly find that our guitarist is not just a one trick pony. Vlad delivers up nothing short of a Metal feast including everything from heavy guitar riffs to energizing Power Metal fretting to Thrash to acoustic guitar play. Vlad Gurin is given the opportunity to cut loose and show his prowess on the instrumental track "Trial and Triumph" which opens with some smooth Blues flavored guitar play. The tune progresses along with some memorial soloing along with the help of some overdubbed accompaniment rhythm guitar work.
The band's lyrics are evangelical and Christ centered as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Time Machine"
I don't practice vengeance
I believe in lessons learned
His cross and His forgiveness
rebuild my bridges burned
SALVATION IS A TIME MACHINE!
"Take Flight"
If I show the way, if I say the words, if I tell the truth will you now hear?
Will you turn your face, or take flight as birds?
Will you believe His Word and now draw near?
What do you think of purity? What do you think is right?
What do you think brings joy to you, that's deep and true?
The difference is day and night
"Messenger At Arms"
Peace in his heart and Resolve in his mind
Bread of life - heal me Light of the world - show me
Water of life - revive me Wind of the Spirit - take me!
High atop the mountain he returns
"Satan's Nightmare"
I'm humbled now before the Lord. To only Him I yield.
I grip the mighty, holy sword. scratch can't crack my shield.
I've been on my knees. I feel the power!
he's breathing threats | and tries to scare | tries to make a deal.
I resist his lies | and show him where | one day he too will kneel
he'll be on his knees, OVER-POWERED!
"Anchor"
A baby looks upon his loving mother's face
To calm the hurting pang, to show his life some grace.
I met The Maker and He heard me just the same.
He changed me inside out and He took away the blame.
Believing is seeing
We can't deny - Breath and strife
We can't deny - Death and life
"Last Supper"
He was in their midst, for a short time, and He shined so bright
The last supper with His friends, He poured His life out on that night
He broke the bread and He gave the wine, His last drink of the fruit of the vine
He dipped the sop and revealed the one, who would betray Him; perdition’s son
"What you do, do quickly now."
"Fear No Evil"
I will fear no evil for the Lord is with me
In His hands I will always be
It is by faith I can truly see
I will fear no evil, for the Lord is with me
I don't practice vengeance
I believe in lessons learned
His cross and His forgiveness
rebuild my bridges burned
SALVATION IS A TIME MACHINE!
"Take Flight"
If I show the way, if I say the words, if I tell the truth will you now hear?
Will you turn your face, or take flight as birds?
Will you believe His Word and now draw near?
What do you think of purity? What do you think is right?
What do you think brings joy to you, that's deep and true?
The difference is day and night
"Messenger At Arms"
Peace in his heart and Resolve in his mind
Bread of life - heal me Light of the world - show me
Water of life - revive me Wind of the Spirit - take me!
High atop the mountain he returns
"Satan's Nightmare"
I'm humbled now before the Lord. To only Him I yield.
I grip the mighty, holy sword. scratch can't crack my shield.
I've been on my knees. I feel the power!
he's breathing threats | and tries to scare | tries to make a deal.
I resist his lies | and show him where | one day he too will kneel
he'll be on his knees, OVER-POWERED!
"Anchor"
A baby looks upon his loving mother's face
To calm the hurting pang, to show his life some grace.
I met The Maker and He heard me just the same.
He changed me inside out and He took away the blame.
Believing is seeing
We can't deny - Breath and strife
We can't deny - Death and life
"Last Supper"
He was in their midst, for a short time, and He shined so bright
The last supper with His friends, He poured His life out on that night
He broke the bread and He gave the wine, His last drink of the fruit of the vine
He dipped the sop and revealed the one, who would betray Him; perdition’s son
"What you do, do quickly now."
"Fear No Evil"
I will fear no evil for the Lord is with me
In His hands I will always be
It is by faith I can truly see
I will fear no evil, for the Lord is with me
Messenger is for fans of bands like Sardonyx, Seventh Servant, or Saint. If you are looking for some quality Metal to add to your collection then look no further than Washington, D.C.'s very own Messenger. With the release of 'In To Win' Messenger has delivered up a solid Metal offering and proven they are here to stay! Help support the band by purchasing their latest release 'In To Win'. Also, don't forget to check out the interview I had with the band.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Frank Clifton Herring - Vocals & Bass
Vlad Gurin - Guitars
Michael John Hoover - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Rich Sandoval - Bass
Mike Zahorchak - Drums
Frank Clifton Herring - Vocals & Bass
Vlad Gurin - Guitars
Michael John Hoover - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Rich Sandoval - Bass
Mike Zahorchak - Drums