ARIEL hales from Victoria, Canada and plays Hard Rock music with a unique Rock sound. ARIEL's sound falls more in line with bands like 'All For The King', 'Slaves Wage', or even 'Twenty One Twelve'. The band saw its conception back in '83 when it was founded by vocalist-Steve Sawatsky. Sawatsky chose the name ARIEL back in 1983 when contemplating starting a gospel rock band. The word Ariel in Hebrew means "lion of God". The band's original line-up included vocalist-Steve Sawatsky, backing vocalist-Lisa Sawatsky, guitarist-Ron Willes, and bassist-Bruce Davies. After forming, the band entered the studio and got to work on recording some demo material. Then in 1984 ARIEL released a 7-track cassette EP titled 'He Comes' on an indie label. Just a couple of years after their '84 release, in 1986 the band released their full-length independent self-titled debut album on Ariel Records. Just when it seemed that the band was hitting their stride, they went on a long 35-year hiatus due to time restraints, new families, jobs, and various commitments all contributing to much needed change. However, in 2021 ARIEL returned to the music scene with the release of their sophomore full-length studio album titled 'Sorrows to Seven' on Ariel Records. 'Sorrows to Seven' was well received helping the band to, once again, regain some needed footing in the Rock community.
Not long after the release of 'Sorrows to Seven' the band once again entered the studios at 'RW Sound' & 'The Morrocan Red Green Room' to record material for a new project.
2025
In 2025 ARIEL released their 3rd full-length studio album titled 'Two Voices Strong' on Ariel Records. The album was Produced by Ron Willes who also mixed the recording along with Steve Sawatsky. 'Two Voices Strong' was mastered by Ron Willes at RW Soundscape. "Two Voices Strong' is a brand-new release for 2025. All new material with the exception of 'The Gathering II' which is a new reissue of a tune which we wrote back in 1986 with additional instrumentation." - Steve Sawatsky -
What really stands out on this 2025 project is how the band mixes things up from track-to-track with varying vocals, differing guitar styles, heaviness, bass lines, and drum styles.
What really stands out on this 2025 project is how the band mixes things up from track-to-track with varying vocals, differing guitar styles, heaviness, bass lines, and drum styles.
Frontman-Steve Sawatsky manages lead vocal duties for the band but he not only sings but also plays
bass, & drums. Steve uses Sonor drums, Pearl pedals, Latin percussion, Zildjian cymbals, Toca & Gibraltar
rack & percussion accessories, Ibanez basses, Markbass amplification, and Taylor guitars.
bass, & drums. Steve uses Sonor drums, Pearl pedals, Latin percussion, Zildjian cymbals, Toca & Gibraltar
rack & percussion accessories, Ibanez basses, Markbass amplification, and Taylor guitars.
Ron Willes handles guitars for the band and interjects a lot of tasty licks throughout this project. on "Wilderness 40" Ron gets an opportunity to show a little of his prowess as a guitarist. Ron uses Gibson, Fender, & Ibanez guitars along with Mesa Boogie and Fender amps.
The album's lyrics are inspired by passages throughout scripture
and cover a wide range of subjects including the two witnesses,
man's condition, salvation, and God's love for his children.
and cover a wide range of subjects including the two witnesses,
man's condition, salvation, and God's love for his children.
"Trust Him"
Guilty before Him we are to blame
Birth of Wisdom fear His Name
All have sinned and fallen by the ways of misery
Trust Him, who has given His Son for sin
Raised up, conquered the grave, gave life within
Give us life
"Two Voices Strong"
Kingdoms will rise and kingdoms fall
Kingdoms will rise and kingdoms all
Seeking their own from ashes they crawl
The man of sin dark within
The man of sin darkness in
Speaking great words new time begin
Time to time, line in sand
Time to time, line in sand
Two voices strong, brightly burning, poured out in song, longing, yearning
Olive trees stand, His will done
Olive trees stand, His will be done
"Buried"
King of peace, enters through the veil
Once for all, over sin prevail
Word made flesh, Life of light will shine
Sacrifice, truth and love defined
There is rest in Him
Trust Him to the end
Stay within His goodness, goodness
"The Gathering II"
(Originally written 1986, reissued 2024)
Though you’re blind and you cannot see,
And your ears, they do not hear
Your Redeemer comes with open arms,
And He alone will dry your tears
Though your numbers are as the sand,
You will dwell in the promised land
When you pass through the waters,
Fear not, they will not overflow
When you walk through the fire,
The burning flame you will not know
"Jesus Redeemer"
Whom do I have in heaven but You?
No one else on earth is true
Though my heart fail and my sight grow dim
You will lift my head and give me hope within
Jesus Redeemer the cross, mercy and grace for the lost
Forever believer no fear, Blessed Redeemer appears
Guilty before Him we are to blame
Birth of Wisdom fear His Name
All have sinned and fallen by the ways of misery
Trust Him, who has given His Son for sin
Raised up, conquered the grave, gave life within
Give us life
"Two Voices Strong"
Kingdoms will rise and kingdoms fall
Kingdoms will rise and kingdoms all
Seeking their own from ashes they crawl
The man of sin dark within
The man of sin darkness in
Speaking great words new time begin
Time to time, line in sand
Time to time, line in sand
Two voices strong, brightly burning, poured out in song, longing, yearning
Olive trees stand, His will done
Olive trees stand, His will be done
"Buried"
King of peace, enters through the veil
Once for all, over sin prevail
Word made flesh, Life of light will shine
Sacrifice, truth and love defined
There is rest in Him
Trust Him to the end
Stay within His goodness, goodness
"The Gathering II"
(Originally written 1986, reissued 2024)
Though you’re blind and you cannot see,
And your ears, they do not hear
Your Redeemer comes with open arms,
And He alone will dry your tears
Though your numbers are as the sand,
You will dwell in the promised land
When you pass through the waters,
Fear not, they will not overflow
When you walk through the fire,
The burning flame you will not know
"Jesus Redeemer"
Whom do I have in heaven but You?
No one else on earth is true
Though my heart fail and my sight grow dim
You will lift my head and give me hope within
Jesus Redeemer the cross, mercy and grace for the lost
Forever believer no fear, Blessed Redeemer appears
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
Looking for some new Hard Rock music to add to your collection? Well, check out what ARIEL has offered up with their latest release 'Two Voices Strong'! Bands with solid Christ centered lyrics seem to be getting harder and harder to come across these days. So do yourself a favor and at the same time help support the band by picking up your copy of 'Two Voices Strong' today!
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Steve Sawatsky - Lead Vocals, Bass, & Drums
Ron Willes - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Lisa Sawatsky - Lead & Backing Vocals
Steve Sawatsky - Lead Vocals, Bass, & Drums
Ron Willes - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Lisa Sawatsky - Lead & Backing Vocals
