Battalion is a Melodic Metal/Power Metal band from La Crosse, Wisconsin which formed back in 1990. Battalion draws comparison to well known bands like Recon, Queensrÿche, & Sacred Warrior. The band's line-up was originally comprised of vocalist/drummer-Rob Kay, lead guitarist-Les Rouse, rhythm guitarist-Arron Pabst and bassist-Kjell Hatlevig.
Shortly after forming, the band began writing material and playing live shows in local venues garnering the outfit a much needed fan base. With Rob Kay singing from behind the kit, it caused a conundrum for the group in that, "technically", their was no one fronting the band at their venues. However, the group didn't have to look far to solve this problem. After announcing that they were looking for a new lead vocalist, the group's soundman-Brad Lundstrom stepped forward to fill the position. With Brad now behind the mic, the band was ready to take the world by storm!
Shortly after forming, the band began writing material and playing live shows in local venues garnering the outfit a much needed fan base. With Rob Kay singing from behind the kit, it caused a conundrum for the group in that, "technically", their was no one fronting the band at their venues. However, the group didn't have to look far to solve this problem. After announcing that they were looking for a new lead vocalist, the group's soundman-Brad Lundstrom stepped forward to fill the position. With Brad now behind the mic, the band was ready to take the world by storm!
In 1992 Battalion recorded their self-titled cassette demo on Edge Entertainment Records. This recording features 8-tracks including 1.Don't Wait 2.Run Away 3.Test of Time 4.Judgement Day 5.He Is Lord 6.I Give You My Life 7.Vices 8.The Lord Sees. The band's line-up for their demo release included vocalist-Brad Lundstrom,
lead guitarist-Les Rouse, bassist-Kjell Hatlevig, and drummer-Rob Kay. Their '92 demo recording landed the band a small tour around the U.S. allowing them the opportunity to start building a fan base.
lead guitarist-Les Rouse, bassist-Kjell Hatlevig, and drummer-Rob Kay. Their '92 demo recording landed the band a small tour around the U.S. allowing them the opportunity to start building a fan base.
In 1993 Battalion stepped into the studio to begin working on new material for a debut album. Shortly after starting to record, the band went through some unexpected changes to their roster. Rob Kay up and left the band opening the door for percussionist-Joe Siegel to take over as the new drummer. Kjell Hatlevig also left the group and was promptly replaced by bassist-Jay Curatolo. With the new members in place, the band continued moving forward with the recording of their debut album.
In 1994 Battalion released their debut full-length album titled 'Runaway' on Moonlite Records. Recorded at Eclipse Studios, Omaha, Nebraska. This recording finds the band at the top of their game with a strong Melodic Metal/Power Metal release. The album features 11-tracks laced with 80's style guitar shredn', along with strong vocals with all the right hooks. Yes, frontman-Brad Lundstrom brings to the table a strong performance complete with soaring vocals that have a strikingly similar style to that of vocalist-Vett Roberts(Recon). In addition, Lundstrom draws comparison to world renown vocalist-Geoff Tate(Queensrÿche).
The track-list for 'Runaway' includes 1.Don't Wait 2.Runaway 3.Only Human 4.He Is Lord 5.The Lord Sees 6.Eyes of Love 7.Judgment Day 8.Gates of heaven 9.I Give You My Life 10.Take a Stand 11.Vices. The
line-up for the band's debut album included vocalist-Brad Lundstrom, lead guitarist-Les Rouse, bassist-Jay Curatolo, and drummer-Joe Siegel.
It's worth noting that while releasing their debut album 'Runaway,' the band featured some adds in various Heaven's Metal Magazine issues in order to garner support for the album. With the release of their debut album, the band was poised to take on the world. They went on to do some live shows and various venues and then began writing new material for a new album with the hope of working with a new label - Rugged Records. Unfortunately, that project never came to fruition due to the band splitting up with all members going their separate ways. The problem was that the band had reached an impenetrable & unscalable wall as they entered into a new era where Grunge was taking over the music industry and snuffing out the Metal flame.
However, in 1996 Battalion re-united for a show in their hometown with original members Rob Kay, Kjell and Chad Hatlevig, Les Rouse and Brad Lundstrom playing both old and new material. Their hometown show would prove to be the last live performance their fans would see from Battalion.
line-up for the band's debut album included vocalist-Brad Lundstrom, lead guitarist-Les Rouse, bassist-Jay Curatolo, and drummer-Joe Siegel.
It's worth noting that while releasing their debut album 'Runaway,' the band featured some adds in various Heaven's Metal Magazine issues in order to garner support for the album. With the release of their debut album, the band was poised to take on the world. They went on to do some live shows and various venues and then began writing new material for a new album with the hope of working with a new label - Rugged Records. Unfortunately, that project never came to fruition due to the band splitting up with all members going their separate ways. The problem was that the band had reached an impenetrable & unscalable wall as they entered into a new era where Grunge was taking over the music industry and snuffing out the Metal flame.
However, in 1996 Battalion re-united for a show in their hometown with original members Rob Kay, Kjell and Chad Hatlevig, Les Rouse and Brad Lundstrom playing both old and new material. Their hometown show would prove to be the last live performance their fans would see from Battalion.
In 2012 Battalion's '94 debut, along with earlier recordings, were re-issued by Arkeyn Steel Records and titled 'Runaway'. This anthology collection comes re-mastered featuring new album cover-art, unpublished band photos, lyrics, and a detailed biography. 'Runaway' features 18-tracks including their 1994 debut album, their unreleased 1995 demo, and a couple of live tracks. As seen on the back of the album's cover, tracks 1-11 are taken from 'Runaway'(1994), track-12 is taken from their 'Demo 1992' Tape(1991-1992), tracks 13-16 are taken from their unreleased 'Demo 1995' tape(1994-1995), tracks 17-18 are taken from their 'Live At Union' bootleg video tape (1992).
The track-list for this 2012 'Runaway' collection includes 1.Don't Wait 2.Runaway 3.Only Human 4.He Is Lord
5.The Lord Sees 6.Eyes Of Love 7.Judgement Day 8.Gates Of Heaven 9.I Give You My Life 10.Take A Stand
11.Vices 12.Test Of Time 13.Day Of The Coming 14.Here And Now 15.On And On Again 16.Instrumental
17.Don't Wait (Live) 18.Let God Shine (Live).
The track-list for this 2012 'Runaway' collection includes 1.Don't Wait 2.Runaway 3.Only Human 4.He Is Lord
5.The Lord Sees 6.Eyes Of Love 7.Judgement Day 8.Gates Of Heaven 9.I Give You My Life 10.Take A Stand
11.Vices 12.Test Of Time 13.Day Of The Coming 14.Here And Now 15.On And On Again 16.Instrumental
17.Don't Wait (Live) 18.Let God Shine (Live).
Axeman-Les Rouse manages the guitar section for the band and takes advantage of a technique called overdubbing in order to capture a duo guitar sound. Les helps bring the band's arrangements to life with plenty of 80's inspired fret boarding and noodling.
On this release, I like the fact that Jay Curatolo's bass makes its presence known while drummer-Joe Siegel gives the skins a good punishing.
On this release, I like the fact that Jay Curatolo's bass makes its presence known while drummer-Joe Siegel gives the skins a good punishing.
The band's lyrics are thought provoking and Christ
centered as one can see in the following excerpts:
centered as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Runaway"
Runaway, oh, you're heading for a fall
Listen to your heart
Is this really what you want?
Runaway, if you only knew
Love is waiting for you
It's just a prayer away
"Only Human"
But, just listen to your heart
And you'll know it's true
Faith is a substance found
For things not yet seen
Through faith we understand
The worlds were framed by the word of God
Some day I know I'll stand amongst the Heavens
Anyone who believes in Him shall not perish
We're only human our flesh will pass away
But our spirit will remain
"He Is Lord"
Two thousand years ago a man came to earth
They all knew He was one of a kind born of Virgin birth
Little did the people know the reason He had to come
They didn't recognize He was God's only son? He healed the sick and made the blind man see
He led a sinless life to become a perfect sacrifice
"Eyes Of Love"
No booze, no drugs
And yet you are under control
You say it's hard to say no to your flesh
We'll I can tell you here and now
The word of God is what we're lookin' for
I pray today yes to make it clear
"Judgement Day"
You ran your own life every day
Never wanting to hear what God had to say
You had the good things
That money could buy
How could you know there was so little time
Well are you ready to meet the King
On that day there'll be nowhere to hide
That's the day when the King of Kings will preside
How will you plead
What will you say
When you stand before Him on Judgement Day
Runaway, oh, you're heading for a fall
Listen to your heart
Is this really what you want?
Runaway, if you only knew
Love is waiting for you
It's just a prayer away
"Only Human"
But, just listen to your heart
And you'll know it's true
Faith is a substance found
For things not yet seen
Through faith we understand
The worlds were framed by the word of God
Some day I know I'll stand amongst the Heavens
Anyone who believes in Him shall not perish
We're only human our flesh will pass away
But our spirit will remain
"He Is Lord"
Two thousand years ago a man came to earth
They all knew He was one of a kind born of Virgin birth
Little did the people know the reason He had to come
They didn't recognize He was God's only son? He healed the sick and made the blind man see
He led a sinless life to become a perfect sacrifice
"Eyes Of Love"
No booze, no drugs
And yet you are under control
You say it's hard to say no to your flesh
We'll I can tell you here and now
The word of God is what we're lookin' for
I pray today yes to make it clear
"Judgement Day"
You ran your own life every day
Never wanting to hear what God had to say
You had the good things
That money could buy
How could you know there was so little time
Well are you ready to meet the King
On that day there'll be nowhere to hide
That's the day when the King of Kings will preside
How will you plead
What will you say
When you stand before Him on Judgement Day
Battalion has delivered up a solid offering with their debut release so if you are looking for some Metal in the veins of bands like Recon, Queensrÿche, & Sacred Warrior then you are in the right place. Help support faith based Metal by purchasing your copy of 'Runaway' today!
Musicians:
Brad Lundstrom - Lead Vocals
Les Rouse - Lead Guitars
Jay Curatolo - Bass
Joe Siegel - Drums
Brad Lundstrom - Lead Vocals
Les Rouse - Lead Guitars
Jay Curatolo - Bass
Joe Siegel - Drums