David Zaffiro
David Zaffiro Hails from the US and is well known for his work in Seattle as Guitarist for the christian Metal pioneers- Bloodgood. Zaffiro cut his teeth as a professional guitarist back in 1986 when he took the lead guitarist spot for Bloodgood on their 1986 self-titled release. He continued with the band on their 1987 sophomore release titled 'Detonation', and also their 1988 release 'Rock In a Hard Place.
Zaffiro left bloodgood shortly after their 1988 release and promptly began a solo career that would deliver up four albums over a six year span. He was now free to express himself and his Ideas that he had always dreamed of recording. The result is a lighter AOR sound that is sure to appeal to classic Metal/Rock fans.
One thing that stands out on these four albums is that the Heavy Metal of his Bloodgood days is a bit more toned down here. However, don't let that deter you from checking out his work because in my opinion, it has stood the test of time. Another very cool aspect that we find David now implementing is a Progressive element which helps to take the listener on a musical journey.
Zaffiro left bloodgood shortly after their 1988 release and promptly began a solo career that would deliver up four albums over a six year span. He was now free to express himself and his Ideas that he had always dreamed of recording. The result is a lighter AOR sound that is sure to appeal to classic Metal/Rock fans.
One thing that stands out on these four albums is that the Heavy Metal of his Bloodgood days is a bit more toned down here. However, don't let that deter you from checking out his work because in my opinion, it has stood the test of time. Another very cool aspect that we find David now implementing is a Progressive element which helps to take the listener on a musical journey.
In 1989 Zaffiro released his debut titled 'The Other Side'. I remember having bought this album on cassette back in the day. I can assure you that the cassette was well played and worth every penny of it.
Needless to say, I love listening to Heavy Metal including everything from Thrash to Symphonic Metal however, there are times when I just want to tone things down a little and that's when bands like David Zaffiro step in. In Ecclesiastes 3 The Bible teaches us that there's a time for all things. I believe that Christians should also make time to listen to simple praise music as well so they can glorify their Father from their heart.
With that being said, I have recently repurchased 'The Other Side' and 'In Scarlet Storm' from ITunes showing just how much I like David's work.
As I mentioned above, one thing that stands out, yet in a subtle way, is the Progressive qualities of the tunes as they build going from soft to strong and intense. This depth helps to set Zaffiro apart from other bands in the same genre.
It's really hard to draw comparisons to Zaffiro's Vocal delivery Because he has a Blues-infused delivery that is simply impossible to duplicate. Also, he easily reaches for the higher notes and does well in the lower registers. Vocals can go from strong and intense to soft and relaxed allowing the listener to enjoy a whole gamete of vocal work.
One thing that the 80's Metal scene was well known for was the hook and we find that David is no stranger to this idea as his songs are laced with plenty of them drawing the listener in and making the listening experience more enjoyable. I must say that David Zaffiro is one of the better vocalists in the Metal industry.
Zaffiro handles the electric axe very well as one might imagine having played for Bloodgood on their first three albums. There's a mature laid back quality to his performance here yet very enjoyable in every sense. There are moments where the shredding goes from driving to Power Metal riffage to soft accompaniment to acoustic to 80's noodling delivering up a variety of styles for the listener. The Barn Burner on this disc is "I See Red" where we find Zaffiro swinging his axe with plenty of ferocity.
David Hubbard & Kelly Carpenter handle the keys from a duo approach. They really do a fine job as they both add the right touches of atmosphere to each tune. Their style fits well with the progressiveness of the album as they take you into thick dreamy atmospheres on a few tracks then in others they simply just add little touches here and there that move the songs along.
Lyrics are uplifting and point us to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as you can see here:
Needless to say, I love listening to Heavy Metal including everything from Thrash to Symphonic Metal however, there are times when I just want to tone things down a little and that's when bands like David Zaffiro step in. In Ecclesiastes 3 The Bible teaches us that there's a time for all things. I believe that Christians should also make time to listen to simple praise music as well so they can glorify their Father from their heart.
With that being said, I have recently repurchased 'The Other Side' and 'In Scarlet Storm' from ITunes showing just how much I like David's work.
As I mentioned above, one thing that stands out, yet in a subtle way, is the Progressive qualities of the tunes as they build going from soft to strong and intense. This depth helps to set Zaffiro apart from other bands in the same genre.
It's really hard to draw comparisons to Zaffiro's Vocal delivery Because he has a Blues-infused delivery that is simply impossible to duplicate. Also, he easily reaches for the higher notes and does well in the lower registers. Vocals can go from strong and intense to soft and relaxed allowing the listener to enjoy a whole gamete of vocal work.
One thing that the 80's Metal scene was well known for was the hook and we find that David is no stranger to this idea as his songs are laced with plenty of them drawing the listener in and making the listening experience more enjoyable. I must say that David Zaffiro is one of the better vocalists in the Metal industry.
Zaffiro handles the electric axe very well as one might imagine having played for Bloodgood on their first three albums. There's a mature laid back quality to his performance here yet very enjoyable in every sense. There are moments where the shredding goes from driving to Power Metal riffage to soft accompaniment to acoustic to 80's noodling delivering up a variety of styles for the listener. The Barn Burner on this disc is "I See Red" where we find Zaffiro swinging his axe with plenty of ferocity.
David Hubbard & Kelly Carpenter handle the keys from a duo approach. They really do a fine job as they both add the right touches of atmosphere to each tune. Their style fits well with the progressiveness of the album as they take you into thick dreamy atmospheres on a few tracks then in others they simply just add little touches here and there that move the songs along.
Lyrics are uplifting and point us to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as you can see here:
"The Other Side"
Light glistens through the sky
And all that was fear has died
The kingdom of glory awaits
The promise of God beyond the gates
I find I am in paradise
On the other side...
"Spirit Of The Lord"
Father of eternity, infinity commands
Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End
Always the same, again and again
Beyond space and time, His love extends
Wisdom bows at His side
Knowledge lays prostrate, contrite
The sword that cuts, tween marrow-n-bone
The promise of God to seal his own
"To The End"
And when I throw my hands
And feel like letting go
I have to keep in mind
My life is not my own
For we can gain the world but lose our soul
To the end I'll follow You to the end
To the end yes I'll follow You to the end
Light glistens through the sky
And all that was fear has died
The kingdom of glory awaits
The promise of God beyond the gates
I find I am in paradise
On the other side...
"Spirit Of The Lord"
Father of eternity, infinity commands
Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End
Always the same, again and again
Beyond space and time, His love extends
Wisdom bows at His side
Knowledge lays prostrate, contrite
The sword that cuts, tween marrow-n-bone
The promise of God to seal his own
"To The End"
And when I throw my hands
And feel like letting go
I have to keep in mind
My life is not my own
For we can gain the world but lose our soul
To the end I'll follow You to the end
To the end yes I'll follow You to the end
'The Other Side' is an incredible album that deserves the attention of classic Metal fans.
Musicians:
David Zaffiro–Lead Vocals & Guitars
Kelly Carpenter-Keyboards
David Hubbard-Keyboards
Bill Hale–Bass
Davin McLaird–Drums
Guest Musicians:
Maverick Gibson–Rhythm Guitar
Mark Mosholder-Bass
David Zaffiro–Lead Vocals & Guitars
Kelly Carpenter-Keyboards
David Hubbard-Keyboards
Bill Hale–Bass
Davin McLaird–Drums
Guest Musicians:
Maverick Gibson–Rhythm Guitar
Mark Mosholder-Bass
In 1990 Zaffiro released his sophomore full length album called 'In Scarlet Storm'. This 1990 AOR release has a slightly heavier feel to it with plenty of guitar riffs to please the classic Metal fan. It also includes a sweet guitar solo called "Blue Ice" which is over 4 minutes of 80's style noodling the which makes these ears very happy.
The tunes on 'In Scarlet Storm' still have a progressive engagement to them but not to the extent of his debut release.
David's Vocals are overall heavier than those on his 1989 release, appealing more to those who like the heavy tones of vocalist Les Carlson(Bloodgood). However there are moments where Zaffiro vocals lean towards the softer side but they are few and far between on this disc.
Lyrics are uplifting as seen here:
The tunes on 'In Scarlet Storm' still have a progressive engagement to them but not to the extent of his debut release.
David's Vocals are overall heavier than those on his 1989 release, appealing more to those who like the heavy tones of vocalist Les Carlson(Bloodgood). However there are moments where Zaffiro vocals lean towards the softer side but they are few and far between on this disc.
Lyrics are uplifting as seen here:
"I Give This Life To You"
I give this life to You
Yes only to You
I give this life to You
Yes only to You
Yes only through You
I can do
All You want me to
Yes only through You
I can see
All Your love and Mercies
...Your words have set me free
Have set me free
Lord to see
Life that flows from Thee
Have set me free
Lord to see
all Your love and mercies
I give this life to You
Yes only to You
I give this life to You
Yes only to You
Yes only through You
I can do
All You want me to
Yes only through You
I can see
All Your love and Mercies
...Your words have set me free
Have set me free
Lord to see
Life that flows from Thee
Have set me free
Lord to see
all Your love and mercies
'In Scarlet Storm' is a killer release worth checking out and should be in all Classic Metal fan's collection.
Musicians:
David Zaffiro-Lead Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Maverick Gibson-Bass, Guitars,Keyboards
Joe Pollastrini-Drums
David Zaffiro-Lead Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Maverick Gibson-Bass, Guitars,Keyboards
Joe Pollastrini-Drums
In 1992 David Zaffiro released a third album called 'Surrender Absolute'. This album finds David leaving the Metal genre and moving down to the Soft Rock section falling more into the 90's Adult Contemporary category.
Zaffiro is a very accomplished Guitarist and for the delight of fans of 80' noodling, David has placed not 1 but 3 guitar solos on this third release. The first of the three that really stands out among the rest is the guitar solo called "Silas And Serai". The second six string solo is called "Attitude" which is properly named as it shreds with attitude much like the guitar work on the first two albums. Then the album closes out with a third axing called "No Long Goodbyes" which shreds in the vain of the first two releases as well.
Zaffiro is a very accomplished Guitarist and for the delight of fans of 80' noodling, David has placed not 1 but 3 guitar solos on this third release. The first of the three that really stands out among the rest is the guitar solo called "Silas And Serai". The second six string solo is called "Attitude" which is properly named as it shreds with attitude much like the guitar work on the first two albums. Then the album closes out with a third axing called "No Long Goodbyes" which shreds in the vain of the first two releases as well.
Musicians:
David Zaffiro-All Vocals And Instruments, Songwriting, Producer
Michael Bloodgood-Bass, Songwriting
Randall Waller-Lead Vocals, Vocals, Bass
John Hopkins-Vocals
Elizabeth Herner-Vocals
Charles Meserole-Guitar
Scott Burell-Sax, Bass
Craig Buhler-Sax
David Zaffiro-All Vocals And Instruments, Songwriting, Producer
Michael Bloodgood-Bass, Songwriting
Randall Waller-Lead Vocals, Vocals, Bass
John Hopkins-Vocals
Elizabeth Herner-Vocals
Charles Meserole-Guitar
Scott Burell-Sax, Bass
Craig Buhler-Sax
In 1994 David Zaffiro released his fourth album titled 'Yesterdays Left Behind' which follows in the veins of his third release 'Surrender Absolute'. There are a few tracks here that are note worthy with the first being the tune "Winds Of September" which is a well executed tune where we find guest vocalist Steven Patrick stepping up to the microphone from the well known band- Holy Soldier. 'Winds of September' was written by Steven Patrick and the vocal work is very reminiscent of his work with Holy Soldier.
For all you Country fans out there, the album also does some experimenting with some Country Blues guitar on one of the tracks simply titled "Bottle Top".
This album is sure to appeal to 90's Soft Rock fans who enjoy bands like Phil Keaggy.
For all you Country fans out there, the album also does some experimenting with some Country Blues guitar on one of the tracks simply titled "Bottle Top".
This album is sure to appeal to 90's Soft Rock fans who enjoy bands like Phil Keaggy.
Musicians:
David Zaffiro-Guitars,Bass,Keyboards,Lead And Backing Vocals
Anthony Sallee-Bass
Chris Kent-Bass
Steven Patrick-Guest Lead And Backing Vocals.
David Zaffiro-Guitars,Bass,Keyboards,Lead And Backing Vocals
Anthony Sallee-Bass
Chris Kent-Bass
Steven Patrick-Guest Lead And Backing Vocals.
What is David Zaffiro up to today? Well he has joined the ranks of excellent producers the likes of John & Dino Elephante(Mastedon) and Christian Liljegren(Narnia,Golden Resurrection).
Some of the bands that Zaffiro has produced are Broken Silence, End Time Warriors, Holy Soldier, Kim Hill, Whitecross, and Zion just to mention a few.
I hope we haven't seen the last release by David Zaffiro as I am hungry for more that is in the veins of his first two albums.
Some of the bands that Zaffiro has produced are Broken Silence, End Time Warriors, Holy Soldier, Kim Hill, Whitecross, and Zion just to mention a few.
I hope we haven't seen the last release by David Zaffiro as I am hungry for more that is in the veins of his first two albums.