Andy J. Fredes is a Power Metal solo artist calling Rialto, CA - home. Fredes originally grew up in Uruguay, South American where, as a youth, he and his family was faced with the choice of either leaving their country or staying to face persecution, torture, or even death from their government. Andy's family chose the latter and faced persecution but by the grace of God they survived. In his high school days, Andy began listening to Metal bands like 'Iron Maiden', 'Black Sabbath', and the Spanish-'Baron Rojo'. Andy began using Metal music as a platform to fight & confront government tyranny and oppression the likes that he saw as a youth growing up in Uruguay. At the age of 18 he moved to Brazil which is a country well known as a central hub for Heavy Metal bands with a passion for the genre. Later on Andy moved to Argentina where he started a few different bands and recorded some demos. He also began training in martial arts which let to engaging in street fighting which inevitably led him into drug abuse for the next 15 years of his life. Then in 1997 he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and was able to immediately drop his addiction to cocaine with the help of Jesus working from within. Shortly thereafter, Andy returned to his homeland of Uruguay and formed a band called 'Guerra Santa'. They became the first Christian Metal Band in Uruguay to play outside churches and reach out to the "real Metal Heads" with a different message. The line-up consisted of Andy J. Fredes on Lead Guitar/Vocals, Sebastian Rebollo on Drums, and Sebastian Cobas on Bass. In 2002 Andy moved to California and partnered with a local church in reaching out to those who share a similar passion and love for heavier styles of music. Andy was rejected by the Hyspanic church due to his long hair and tattoos until he met Dave Maciel. Dave was the Worship Director at Downey First Christian Church who decided to record Andy's first EP as a solo artist.
Some bands that have influenced the band over the years are Iron Maiden, Blind Guardian, Dragon Force, Stratovarius, Angra, & Helloween.
In 2013 Andy J. Fredes released his independent debut 5-track EP appropriately titled 'Battle Anthems'. This 2013 offering represents the culmination of previously released singles in 2012. 'Battle Anthems' was recorded, mixed, and mastered in 2012 at D.M. Gremlin Studios at Long beach California by Wendy Levin and Dave Maciel. "Music and lyrics are mine but I just recorded the vocals, all the instruments were recorded by Dave Maciel who also produced the album."
This debut release showcases a mature band delivering up energetic Heavy Western-style Power Metal in the veins of The Seventh Power, Prelúdio X, Dragon's Cry, and Adiastasia. For the trained listener, within this release there are touches here and there of Neo-classical Metal flavorings.
Andy's Fredes vocal style draws comparison to that of vocalist-Bill Menchen(The Seventh Power). His delivery quickly grows on the listener and draws one into the message that he is trying to convey. One thing that this listener can appreciate is that Andy is not afraid to reach for a higher note which was common for Metal vocalist to do back in the 80's.
This debut release showcases a mature band delivering up energetic Heavy Western-style Power Metal in the veins of The Seventh Power, Prelúdio X, Dragon's Cry, and Adiastasia. For the trained listener, within this release there are touches here and there of Neo-classical Metal flavorings.
Andy's Fredes vocal style draws comparison to that of vocalist-Bill Menchen(The Seventh Power). His delivery quickly grows on the listener and draws one into the message that he is trying to convey. One thing that this listener can appreciate is that Andy is not afraid to reach for a higher note which was common for Metal vocalist to do back in the 80's.
When it comes to the guitar section on his debut release, Andy J. Fredes does not disappoint. The shred is delivered from a duo guitar approach with the use of overdubbing creating layers of guitar work. Nowadays, some bands do the bare minimum when recording their guitar arrangements. However, Fredes lights up the fret board and keeps it burning with intricate energetic guitar work.
Lyrics are overtly Christ centered without coming across as being preachy.
The following are some lyric excerpts:
The following are some lyric excerpts:
"180 Degrees"
I've Been Looking For Answers Through My Whole Life
Everything This World Has For Me I've Tested
Even The Ways That Seem To Be Ways Of Life
In The End There's Nothing Left But Death And Sorrow
Unbeliever No More I'm Going To Trust In God
This Life Is Just A Second The Next One Is Forever
So I Will Walk In The Light Of The Living God
To Love Him, To Serve Him I've Found What I've Been Looking For
"The Avenger"
Sometimes A Word Ends In A Shooting
There's So Much Anger Underskin
Behind The Faces, Behind The Actions
The One To Blame Roam In This World
Who Are They, They Don't Know You
But You Can See The Hate In Those Eyes
This World Is Working Hard To Plant The Seed
Of Hate And Evil In Your Heart
Chorus:
Forgive Them, You Must Love Them
Don't Take The Seed
I'll Be Your Avenger
Don't Go Back, Don't Look Back
Let's Climb Higher
Your Light Shine Stronger At The Top
I've Been Looking For Answers Through My Whole Life
Everything This World Has For Me I've Tested
Even The Ways That Seem To Be Ways Of Life
In The End There's Nothing Left But Death And Sorrow
Unbeliever No More I'm Going To Trust In God
This Life Is Just A Second The Next One Is Forever
So I Will Walk In The Light Of The Living God
To Love Him, To Serve Him I've Found What I've Been Looking For
"The Avenger"
Sometimes A Word Ends In A Shooting
There's So Much Anger Underskin
Behind The Faces, Behind The Actions
The One To Blame Roam In This World
Who Are They, They Don't Know You
But You Can See The Hate In Those Eyes
This World Is Working Hard To Plant The Seed
Of Hate And Evil In Your Heart
Chorus:
Forgive Them, You Must Love Them
Don't Take The Seed
I'll Be Your Avenger
Don't Go Back, Don't Look Back
Let's Climb Higher
Your Light Shine Stronger At The Top
With the release of 'Battle Anthems' Andy J. Fredes has offered up a solid debut EP. If you are into all things Power Metal then don't let this one slip on bye. Hopefully we haven't heard the last from this talented artist and I for one am hungry for more.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Andy J. Fredes - Vocals & All Instruments
Andy J. Fredes - Vocals & All Instruments