Defector is a Melodic Hard Rock band from Hot Springs, AR that was formed back in the early 2000's by guitarist-Dave Harvey. Before Defector saw its conception, from 2001-2006, Dave Harvey was in a band called ‘3:16’. The songs that '3:16' recorded were never originally released on any official format. More recently, these tracs were re-recorded by Dave Harvey & his band Millennial Reign at The Recovery Room Studio in Conway, AR. For the first time, fans of the genre were able to listen to these previously unreleased tracks that were now found on Millennial Reign's debut 2012 self-titled album. The track-list for MR's 2012 release included 1.The Ascension 2.Broken 3.We Are The Ones 4.Run For Your Life 5.Left Alone 6.Always 7.Fire By Night 8.Live Forever 9.Everyday 10.Lost In Vegas. The line-up for this 2012 release was comprised of lead vocalist-Trae Doss, guitarist/keyboardist-Dave Harvey, bassist-Harm Wilson, and drummer-Bryan Diffee.
Dave Harvey had the following to say about the album: "Shortly after releasing ‘Carry The Fire’ on Ulterium, I felt it best to take the project album completely off the market because it really wasn’t Millennial Reign material. I had been considering releasing those original recordings under a different side-project-name for people to hear, so after contacting and discussing with ROXX, the project took on a whole new life. I hope you enjoy these songs as we bring them to you completely remastered but in their original format as Defector ‘Fire By Night’, enjoy.”
Dave Harvey had the following to say about the album: "Shortly after releasing ‘Carry The Fire’ on Ulterium, I felt it best to take the project album completely off the market because it really wasn’t Millennial Reign material. I had been considering releasing those original recordings under a different side-project-name for people to hear, so after contacting and discussing with ROXX, the project took on a whole new life. I hope you enjoy these songs as we bring them to you completely remastered but in their original format as Defector ‘Fire By Night’, enjoy.”
In 2023 Defector released their debut full-length studio album titled 'Fire By Night' on Roxx Records. As mentioned above, Defector is a re-release of previously unreleased songs that made there way onto Millennial Reign's debut recording. This 'Fire By Night' album is a Jewel case limited edition, 500 piece pressing, & comes complete with a 12-page booklet, lyrics, liners, and a new album design. The album was produced by Defector & executive produced by Bill Bafford of Roxx Records. The cover art was done by Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal.
The track-list for Defector's 2023 release includes 1.The Ascension 2.Always 3.We Are The Ones 4.Run For Your Life 5.Left Alone 6.Broken 7.Fire By Night 8.Live Forever 9.Everyday 10.Lost In Vegas.
Frontman-Trae Doss has a good medium range clean vocal style and occasionally reaches some higher notes. With that said, Trae's vocal style fits well with Melodic Rock music and the band's arrangements. if I had to make a comparison between Trae Doss and other vocalists, then I would have to say that Sean Murphy (Fighter) comes to mind along with Henrik Bath and his early work with Harmony.
Over the years, Guitarist-Dave Harvey has proven to be quite capable behind the 6-strings. This project is no exception to the rule, as we find Dave unleashing some tight melodic riffs and 80's era noodling from beginning to end!
Lyrics are evangelical and point others to the One
who offers hope-Jesus Christ as one can see in the following excerpts:
who offers hope-Jesus Christ as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Always"
If you would only trust Me
I'll set you free
I will be there for you
And I will see you through
When the road seems too long
And there's just no going on
There is nobody that can do
What I do!
"We Are The Ones"
Sometimes we feel like
We are running in circles within
Our hearts are weak, and we can't go on
Cause we are weighted down with sin
That's when we realize
We can turn to You for everything
Oh Yeah!
“Broken”
I’m not running any more
If You’ll open up the door
I promise I’ll come running
With arms wide open
I'm ready to break free
From all these chains that drag me under
Open my heart and let You come inside
I'm not angry any more
I've given up my heart, my soul, my love to You
“Live Forever”
If you want to live forever
there’s a better way
I’m reaching out to you
but you don’t hear a word I say
If you want to live forever
There’s just one way to go
“Fire By Night”
(Exodus chapters 13-14)
400 years in Egypt
Bound with chains and misery
God's the One who redeemed us
He led us out, across the sea
God has led us out of light
Cloud by day, fire by night
Delivered out of Egypt’s hands
We were led into the promised land
God has led us out of light
Cloud by day, fire by night
"Live Forever"
If you want to live forever
There's a better way
I'm reaching out to you
But you don't hear what I say
If you want to live forever
There's just one way to go
Lose yourself in Me
And let Me take control
If you would only trust Me
I'll set you free
I will be there for you
And I will see you through
When the road seems too long
And there's just no going on
There is nobody that can do
What I do!
"We Are The Ones"
Sometimes we feel like
We are running in circles within
Our hearts are weak, and we can't go on
Cause we are weighted down with sin
That's when we realize
We can turn to You for everything
Oh Yeah!
“Broken”
I’m not running any more
If You’ll open up the door
I promise I’ll come running
With arms wide open
I'm ready to break free
From all these chains that drag me under
Open my heart and let You come inside
I'm not angry any more
I've given up my heart, my soul, my love to You
“Live Forever”
If you want to live forever
there’s a better way
I’m reaching out to you
but you don’t hear a word I say
If you want to live forever
There’s just one way to go
“Fire By Night”
(Exodus chapters 13-14)
400 years in Egypt
Bound with chains and misery
God's the One who redeemed us
He led us out, across the sea
God has led us out of light
Cloud by day, fire by night
Delivered out of Egypt’s hands
We were led into the promised land
God has led us out of light
Cloud by day, fire by night
"Live Forever"
If you want to live forever
There's a better way
I'm reaching out to you
But you don't hear what I say
If you want to live forever
There's just one way to go
Lose yourself in Me
And let Me take control
Defector fans may have already noticed that the first single & title track, “Fire By Night” can also be found on Roxx Records 2023 release 'NLTM Sampler Volume 2'.
Defector is for fans of Fighter, The Word66, Latter Reign, and GTR from the mid 1980's. If you are looking for some solid Hard Rock music to add to your collection, then you are going to love this 2023 project. Help support the band and Christian Hard Rock by procuring your copy of 'Fire By Night' today!
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Trae Doss - Lead Vocals
Dave Harvey - Guitars, Bass, Keys, Backing Vocals
Bryan Diffee - Drums
Trae Doss - Lead Vocals
Dave Harvey - Guitars, Bass, Keys, Backing Vocals
Bryan Diffee - Drums