True Strength
True Strength is a Power Metal band from the US that formed back in 2012 by Guitarist-Ryan Darnell & original Drummer-Chris Clark. The group takes the idea for their band's name from Psalm 118:14 "The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation." In 2014 True Strength stepped onto the Power Metal scene with the release of their debut independent full-length album titled 'The Cross Will Always Prevail'. The line-up consisted of Vocalist-Rus Gib, Lead Guitarist-Josh Cirbo, Rhythm Guitarist & Bassist-Ryan“The Archangel”Darnell, and Drummer-Chris Clark. In 2016, Just 2 years later, True Strength returned to the studio and released their independent full-length follow up album titled 'Steel Evangelist'. In 2017 their sophomore album - 'Steel Evangelist' was Remastered and re-released by Roxx Records. The line-up for this release was comprised of Vocalist/Rhythm Guitarist/Bassist-Ryan“The Archangel”Darnell, Lead Guitarist-Josh Cirbo, and Drummer-Ryan Mey.
Some of the groups that have Influenced the band members over the years are Iron Maiden, Stryper, Bloodgood, Saint, and Megadeth just to mention a few.
Some of the groups that have Influenced the band members over the years are Iron Maiden, Stryper, Bloodgood, Saint, and Megadeth just to mention a few.
In 2019 True Strength released their third full-length album titled 'Sanguinary Vivification'. This album finds the band moving in and out between traditional Power Metal & Technical Power Metal. They say that the third time's the charm and with 'Sanguinary Vivification' this proves to be the case with this being the band's strongest release to date. The meaning behind the album's title 'Sanguinary Vivification' is - to be brought to life by blood. The following two verses both help to understand this biblical concept: Leviticus 17:11 "Because the life of the flesh is in the blood itself, and I myself have given it to you all so that atonement may be made for your souls on the altar, since the blood itself makes atonement through the life that is in it." Romans 5:9 "Much more then, being now justified by His blood, shall we be saved from the wrath of God through Him."
This 2019 release features the renowned American Power Metal vocalist-George Tsalikis(Zandelle) in addition to songwriter/Bassist/Rhythm Guitarist-Ryan"The Archangel"Darnell, lead guitarist-Josh Cirbo, and Drummer- Ryan Mey.
Vocalist-George Tsalikis(Zandelle) has more of a European flare to his delivery and helps the band to bridge the gap between European & Western Power Metal. Tsalikis' delivery draws comparison to such European Vocalist as Chris Bay(Freedom Call).
Within this release we find that the guitar department is not holding back and produces a full wall of driving in your face melodic shred. However, this comes as no surprise with the likes of Josh Cirbo on Lead Guitars &
Ryan“The Archangel”Darnell on Rhythm Guitars one can expect a Metal feast.
According to Roxx Records, in late 2017, True Strength went into the studio to record their third album, "Sanguinary Vivification". As with "Steel Evangelist" they elected to work with Robert Sands on the recording of the album. The album was mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Productions. Darnell recorded the rhythm guitar, bass, acoustic guitar and piano in three sessions. Josh Cirbo finished the lead guitar tracks after a year into the project and Ryan Mey completed the drum parts and both were sent to Sands to be added to the tracks. After being dissatisfied with his vocal performance on "Steel Evangelist", Darnell took a more patient approach and decided to hire a long-term vocalist for True Strength. During a single year, he went through over six different vocalists, with scheduling issues being the main reason for them being unable to perform on the album. Finally, Darnell's friend and former True Strength drummer Chris Clark was able to get him in touch with Zandelle's vocalist, George Tsalikis who Darnell was a big fan of since the late-90's, early-2000's. Immediately, Darnell hired Tsalikis and he completed the vocals for Sanguinary Vivification in January 2019.
This 2019 release features the renowned American Power Metal vocalist-George Tsalikis(Zandelle) in addition to songwriter/Bassist/Rhythm Guitarist-Ryan"The Archangel"Darnell, lead guitarist-Josh Cirbo, and Drummer- Ryan Mey.
Vocalist-George Tsalikis(Zandelle) has more of a European flare to his delivery and helps the band to bridge the gap between European & Western Power Metal. Tsalikis' delivery draws comparison to such European Vocalist as Chris Bay(Freedom Call).
Within this release we find that the guitar department is not holding back and produces a full wall of driving in your face melodic shred. However, this comes as no surprise with the likes of Josh Cirbo on Lead Guitars &
Ryan“The Archangel”Darnell on Rhythm Guitars one can expect a Metal feast.
According to Roxx Records, in late 2017, True Strength went into the studio to record their third album, "Sanguinary Vivification". As with "Steel Evangelist" they elected to work with Robert Sands on the recording of the album. The album was mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Productions. Darnell recorded the rhythm guitar, bass, acoustic guitar and piano in three sessions. Josh Cirbo finished the lead guitar tracks after a year into the project and Ryan Mey completed the drum parts and both were sent to Sands to be added to the tracks. After being dissatisfied with his vocal performance on "Steel Evangelist", Darnell took a more patient approach and decided to hire a long-term vocalist for True Strength. During a single year, he went through over six different vocalists, with scheduling issues being the main reason for them being unable to perform on the album. Finally, Darnell's friend and former True Strength drummer Chris Clark was able to get him in touch with Zandelle's vocalist, George Tsalikis who Darnell was a big fan of since the late-90's, early-2000's. Immediately, Darnell hired Tsalikis and he completed the vocals for Sanguinary Vivification in January 2019.
This album is the first concept album that True Strength has attempted.
Each song seeks to show the parallel between the "Prophecy of the Suffering Servant" in the Book of Isaiah,
and the life and the passion of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and how He and He alone fulfilled the prophecy written nearly 700 years before His birth. The lyrics for each song derive from actual scripture in the books
of Isaiah, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, as well as the book of Revelation!
Each song seeks to show the parallel between the "Prophecy of the Suffering Servant" in the Book of Isaiah,
and the life and the passion of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and how He and He alone fulfilled the prophecy written nearly 700 years before His birth. The lyrics for each song derive from actual scripture in the books
of Isaiah, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, as well as the book of Revelation!
"Silent Before the Shearers"
Christ was returned to site of the Praetorium
The wife of Pilate warned him to abstain
Pilate called the people, the rulers and the priests
And said to them "You brought me this man
I have examined him and found no grounds for your charge
Neither has Herod who sent him back to me
So I will punish him and release him back to the world-
For he's done nothing, that’s deserving of death."
But the whole crowd shouted, to release Barabbas, and they called him to send Jesus away.
They showed no mercy, Israel's Savior, they just call for His death
"His Blood Is On Us"
Oh and the people cry-out
“Crucify him!”
The same mouths that cried “hosanna” now shout
“Crucify him!”
-CHORUS-
His Blood is on us and Our Children!
His Blood is on us and Our Children!
"By His Wounds We Are Healed"
They have pierced my hands and my feet
They have numbered all my bones
Surely He took up our pain
And bore our suffering,
We considered Him punished by God,
Stricken by Him, and afflicted.
But He was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The punishment that brought us peace was on Him,
"Worthy Is The Lamb"
Lamb of God!
You take away our sins!
O Lamb of God!
Worthy is the Lamb!
O Lamb of God!
Jesus Christ is Lord!
O Lamb of God!
Christ was returned to site of the Praetorium
The wife of Pilate warned him to abstain
Pilate called the people, the rulers and the priests
And said to them "You brought me this man
I have examined him and found no grounds for your charge
Neither has Herod who sent him back to me
So I will punish him and release him back to the world-
For he's done nothing, that’s deserving of death."
But the whole crowd shouted, to release Barabbas, and they called him to send Jesus away.
They showed no mercy, Israel's Savior, they just call for His death
"His Blood Is On Us"
Oh and the people cry-out
“Crucify him!”
The same mouths that cried “hosanna” now shout
“Crucify him!”
-CHORUS-
His Blood is on us and Our Children!
His Blood is on us and Our Children!
"By His Wounds We Are Healed"
They have pierced my hands and my feet
They have numbered all my bones
Surely He took up our pain
And bore our suffering,
We considered Him punished by God,
Stricken by Him, and afflicted.
But He was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The punishment that brought us peace was on Him,
"Worthy Is The Lamb"
Lamb of God!
You take away our sins!
O Lamb of God!
Worthy is the Lamb!
O Lamb of God!
Jesus Christ is Lord!
O Lamb of God!
With their latest release True Strength has delivered up a solid Molten Metal album that will fit nicely in any Metal collection. Fans of bands like Sacred Warrior, HammerFall, Warlord, Iron Maiden, Bloodgood, Freedom Call, Bride, Queensrÿche, Kamelot, and Rhapsody of Fire will absolutely love TRUE STRENGTH's new release! When one purchases a physical copy of the 'Sanguinary Vivification' CD it will come with a Limited Edition (True Strength Psalm 118:14 - Ryan"The Archangel"Darnell) - Signature Custom Guitar Pick by Steve Clayton USA Guitar Picks! All digital sales of the 'Sanguinary Vivification' album will be donated in the band's name to the International Christian Concern (https://www.persecution.org/), a charity that assists persecuted Christians and their families around the world.
Purchases can be made at the following link:
Musicians:
George Tsalikis(Zandelle) - Vocals
Josh Cirbo - Lead Guitars
Ryan“The Archangel”Darnell - Rhythm Guitars, Bass
Ryan Mey - Drums
George Tsalikis(Zandelle) - Vocals
Josh Cirbo - Lead Guitars
Ryan“The Archangel”Darnell - Rhythm Guitars, Bass
Ryan Mey - Drums