Darkhorse Hero
Darkhorse Hero is a one-piece band band from St. Joseph, MO which was formed by frontman-Andrew Gazaway. Darkhorse Hero plays 80's style Hard Rock in the veins of Petra and Survivor. Gazaway has previously stated: "A lot of people have noted over the years that my style sounds very "80s"...that is because i am heavily influenced by 80's music, more specifically Christian 80's rock. I am a Christian. The son of a preacher. And my first taste of music was naturally the legendary PETRA along with Degarmo & Key, Daniel Band Jerusalem along with many more".
Throughout the years, Andrew Gazaway has cut his teeth as a vocalist/guitarist In a number of self-formed bands with his latest endeavor - 'Darkhorse Hero' being conceived in September of 2019. In the following, he states the purpose behind why the band was created: "I dedicated my voice and hands to Jesus as a young child. The songs are inspired by Him and the purpose is to tell His story. I hope it encourages those who don't know Jesus to seek Him and those who do to continue fighting everyday for His Kingdom."
Throughout the years, Andrew Gazaway has cut his teeth as a vocalist/guitarist In a number of self-formed bands with his latest endeavor - 'Darkhorse Hero' being conceived in September of 2019. In the following, he states the purpose behind why the band was created: "I dedicated my voice and hands to Jesus as a young child. The songs are inspired by Him and the purpose is to tell His story. I hope it encourages those who don't know Jesus to seek Him and those who do to continue fighting everyday for His Kingdom."
In 2019 Darkhorse Hero stepped onto the Rock music scene with the release of their debut full-length self-titled album. This is an independent studio release with the band's CD being manufactured at Atomic Disc located in Salem, OR. The album was recorded at a studio in Columbia, MO called 'His Musician Pool'. Concerning the studio musicians that helped with the recording, Gazaway states: "I used a couple session players to cover bass and drums. I was completely blown away by Nathan Yake (from ihop) who did the drumming, he gave the album a solid foundation to build on."
When it comes to the meaning behind the album's cover art, Gazaway states: "First off, I wanted something eye catching and cool and I feel like it did the trick. The theme portrayed by the songs of 'Darkhorse Hero' is an unexpected champion showing up to save the day, so I liked the image of a spaceship. I've also been a fan of Petra since the day I was born, my dad raised us on the good stuff, so it's kind of a tribute to the 'Not of this World' days. Bob Hartman inspired me to pick up the guitar".
The soaring Vocals of frontman-Andrew Gazaway draws comparison to such vocalists as Blackie Lawless(W.A.S.P.), Lou Gramm(Foreigner), Jimmy Jamison(Survivor), and even Geoff Tate(Queensryche). Now I wouldn't say that Gazaway's vocals are an exact copy of any of the previously mentioned vocalists but is unique in that he has characteristics of them all without being a clone.
What's great about Gazaway's vocal delivery is that it captures the excitement and energy of the former golden years of Rock'n Roll. In addition, Gazaway does a good job of interjecting different vocal styles throughout as he moves between smooth-soaring vocals to heavier deliveries laced with more gruff. With that said, there are some areas where the vocals come across as a little thin however, this doesn't distract from the overall listening experience. With this repaired for future releases, I can easily see Gazaway being one of the strongest vocalist in the industry.
What's great about Gazaway's vocal delivery is that it captures the excitement and energy of the former golden years of Rock'n Roll. In addition, Gazaway does a good job of interjecting different vocal styles throughout as he moves between smooth-soaring vocals to heavier deliveries laced with more gruff. With that said, there are some areas where the vocals come across as a little thin however, this doesn't distract from the overall listening experience. With this repaired for future releases, I can easily see Gazaway being one of the strongest vocalist in the industry.
Throughout this project, Andrew Gazaway shows his prowess on the six strings which are delivered up via a dual guitar approach. Thanks to the aid of overdubbing, Gazaway is able to be both lead and rhythm guitarist offering up a fuller listening experience. Our guitarist commands the stage as he draws from a deep bag of tricks delivering up everything from driving riffs to Power to 80's style noodling to tapping, to acoustic to Blues style play.
Lyrics are overtly Christ centered and show a love for the Creator:
"Darkhorse Hero"
He's the Darkhorse Hero coming home
Came to this world to reclaim His throne
And everything that stood against Him is blown away
The Darkhorse Hero coming home
came to this world to sing His song
And those who believe in Him will be saved
"Shining"
So with the sword and shield we fight
To the breaking of the night
The sun is rising
Warriors unite
For the kingdom we ride
Justice on the horizon
"Outlaws"
I was born where the eagles fly
and the spirit never dies
dropped down into the mud
was saved by the blood
someone testify
may not be a perfect man
but I'm held in His hand
Rolling hard against the devil
got a beat this rebel
Someone testify
I'm a stranger and I don't belong
This place is not my home
were on the run under the gun outlaws
I am not afraid
on the run outlaws
I am not afraid I am not afraid
"The Warrior King"
He was a warrior
No one knew his name
Didn't come from riches or fame
Kept his head high
And his heart clean
One day he would be king
Went on to slay the dragon
Went on to lead a nation
But he never forgot where he came from
On this rock he built a kingdom
I still believe in paradise
I still believe in love
For God and country I stand and fight
Still holding onto love
He's the Darkhorse Hero coming home
Came to this world to reclaim His throne
And everything that stood against Him is blown away
The Darkhorse Hero coming home
came to this world to sing His song
And those who believe in Him will be saved
"Shining"
So with the sword and shield we fight
To the breaking of the night
The sun is rising
Warriors unite
For the kingdom we ride
Justice on the horizon
"Outlaws"
I was born where the eagles fly
and the spirit never dies
dropped down into the mud
was saved by the blood
someone testify
may not be a perfect man
but I'm held in His hand
Rolling hard against the devil
got a beat this rebel
Someone testify
I'm a stranger and I don't belong
This place is not my home
were on the run under the gun outlaws
I am not afraid
on the run outlaws
I am not afraid I am not afraid
"The Warrior King"
He was a warrior
No one knew his name
Didn't come from riches or fame
Kept his head high
And his heart clean
One day he would be king
Went on to slay the dragon
Went on to lead a nation
But he never forgot where he came from
On this rock he built a kingdom
I still believe in paradise
I still believe in love
For God and country I stand and fight
Still holding onto love
With the release of 'Darkhorse Hero' the band has shown that they are now a contender in the Hard Rock scene. Darkhorse Hero has delivered up a solid offering that will excite fans of W.A.S.P., Foreigner, Survivor, and Queensryche. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Darkhorse Hero and lets help support this killer band.
Purchases can be made at the following link:
Musicians:
Andrew Gazaway - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Guest Session Musicians:
Steffen Gastineau - Bass
Nathan Yake - Drums
Andrew Gazaway - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Guest Session Musicians:
Steffen Gastineau - Bass
Nathan Yake - Drums