Armada is a melodic Metal band from Michigan that formed back in 1985 by John Heald, Dave Dawdy, and Randy Carlson. Armada was a music ministry where the members dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Over the years, Armada has released three full-length albums with their debut-'All Four One' being released in 1986, their follow-up sophomore album-'Frontline' was released in 1987, and their 3rd album-'Black & White' was released in 1988. The following are some additional releases by the band: In 1998 Armada released a 17-track compilation album called 'Hope Of Glory'(Anthology). The "Hope of Glory-Anthology" project is comprised of various recordings made between 1985 and 1990. In 2001 the band released a 5-track live EP titled 'Live-Spring Arbor 1985'. In 2002 Armada released a 15-track compilation album titled 'Break The Chain'. Also, in 2002 Armada released another compilation from their early days titled 'Artifacts'. These recordings are from Armada's very beginnings, when the band went by the monikers Archangel and Eternity during mid to late 1970's. Armada's track "Suicide" can be found on a multi-band compilation album called 'White Metal Invasion' which was a compilation project released as a joint endeavor by E & E Records and White Throne Magazine in 1988. Armada makes an appearance along side the band Chosen Stranger on another multi-band compilation album titled 'Underground Metal'. Underground Metal was the third album in a series of white metal compilations released by Regency Records.
In 1987 Armada released their independent full-length sophomore album titled 'Frontline'. 'Frontline' was the album that captured the attention of enthusiasts within the christian Metal realm. The album was produced by ED Englerth & John Heald and was engineered by ED Englerth, James Erdman, John Heald and Bill Bartilson. The album was recorded at SCP Studios in Lansing, Michigan - Mixed by Mike Robertson & John Heald at Lansing
Sound Studios. 'Frontline' was originally released on cassette only and suffered from poor sound quality and so the band decided that it was time to give new life to the album. "After much prayer, we have decided to reissue our most popular and successful album - "Frontine". The project has been placed in the very capable hands of our friends at Retroactive Records. The CD will include bonus tracks and complete liner notes. We look forward to a long fruitful partnership with Retroactive, allowing our music new opportunities for ministry."
In 2019 Retroactive Records remastered and re-issued 'Frontline' and has placed it on CD format for the first time ever.
Sound Studios. 'Frontline' was originally released on cassette only and suffered from poor sound quality and so the band decided that it was time to give new life to the album. "After much prayer, we have decided to reissue our most popular and successful album - "Frontine". The project has been placed in the very capable hands of our friends at Retroactive Records. The CD will include bonus tracks and complete liner notes. We look forward to a long fruitful partnership with Retroactive, allowing our music new opportunities for ministry."
In 2019 Retroactive Records remastered and re-issued 'Frontline' and has placed it on CD format for the first time ever.
Dennis Preston created the album's cover art taking inspiration from the lyrics of the band's title track "Frontline" which states: "Through Jesus we have power to command, Crushing satan with an iron hand- on the frontline, Though evil tries to sing the world away, We make our stand and here we'll stay- on the frontline"
The vocals for 'Frontline' are handled by not one but two different vocalists - Doug Oxford & John Heald. I must say that the vocal work on this release has a 70's era gruff vocal direction. However, with their gruff style lower register one wouldn’t think that our vocalists could reach the upper regions on the scale but what we find is that they are more than capable of hitting an occasional impressive higher note.
The band's is upfront about their faith in Christ Jesus as one can see in the following lyric excerpts:
"Frontline"
Satan's fate decided so long before,
Always failing to even the score- on the frontline,
All alone within his lies,
they can’t be heard over victory cries- on the frontline-
Lift our voices in triumph cause the war is already won,
Send a message to the devil, we ain’t finished we’ve just begun-
on the frontline-
"Communication"
Please listen to my cries, listen to my plea,
We can only beat our enemy on our bended knee,
Communication is the key-
"All You Need (Salvation)"
With open arms,
And just the way you are,
No sin is too great, no sin is too small,
To be forgiven,
is what you want,
Jesus is the answer just sing it out loud-
Now I know what I should do,
Now I know what I should say,
Now I know what I should do,
Now I know- what should I say?
Salvation!
Satan's fate decided so long before,
Always failing to even the score- on the frontline,
All alone within his lies,
they can’t be heard over victory cries- on the frontline-
Lift our voices in triumph cause the war is already won,
Send a message to the devil, we ain’t finished we’ve just begun-
on the frontline-
"Communication"
Please listen to my cries, listen to my plea,
We can only beat our enemy on our bended knee,
Communication is the key-
"All You Need (Salvation)"
With open arms,
And just the way you are,
No sin is too great, no sin is too small,
To be forgiven,
is what you want,
Jesus is the answer just sing it out loud-
Now I know what I should do,
Now I know what I should say,
Now I know what I should do,
Now I know- what should I say?
Salvation!
Drummer-John Heald was a writer for White Throne Magazine under the pen name - J Emerson. John also worked with and did some recordings for the band XALT. Unfortunately, John Heald is no longer with us because he passed away in 2004.
According to the band: "Many of the members of Armada are still involved in music ministry, or are active members in the ministry of their local churches. Jesus Christ was and is our salvation and inspiration."
If you are looking for some classic Metal to add to your collection then take into consideration what Armada has brought to the table with their sophomore release - 'Frontline'.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Doug Oxford - Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Sipe - Lead Guitars, Vocals
Dave Dawdy - Guitars, Keyboards
Randy Carlson - Bass Guitar
John Heald (R.I.P. 2004) - Drums, Lead Vocals
Additional musicians:
James Erdman - Lead Guitar on "No Retreat/No Surrender"
Bill Bartilson - Lead Guitar on "No Alibi"
Mike Robertson - Keyboards on "No Alibi"
Doug Oxford - Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Sipe - Lead Guitars, Vocals
Dave Dawdy - Guitars, Keyboards
Randy Carlson - Bass Guitar
John Heald (R.I.P. 2004) - Drums, Lead Vocals
Additional musicians:
James Erdman - Lead Guitar on "No Retreat/No Surrender"
Bill Bartilson - Lead Guitar on "No Alibi"
Mike Robertson - Keyboards on "No Alibi"