D.O.G.S. of Pray are a Gothic Hard Rock band from the Staunton, VA area. D.O.G.S. of Pray's music style leans more strongly towards the Rock genre with touches of Goth added to their arrangements. However, with that said, the band definitely takes on the darker Goth look in dress which one can easily see in their band's photos.
The christian music scene has seen a fair share of Goth bands with Savior Machine being the most recognizable yet there are some other bands worth noting like Dead Artist Syndrome, Batzz In The Belfry, Amos, and Voice Of Glass.
D.O.G.S of Pray have played such venues as Cornerstone Festival, Liberty University, motorcycle rallies, 7:30 Club along with many other clubs and festivals. They've played along side such acts as Flyleaf, Skillet, Decyfer Down, As I Lay Dying, Demon Hunter, Hawk Nelson, and Anberlin just to mention a few.
The christian music scene has seen a fair share of Goth bands with Savior Machine being the most recognizable yet there are some other bands worth noting like Dead Artist Syndrome, Batzz In The Belfry, Amos, and Voice Of Glass.
D.O.G.S of Pray have played such venues as Cornerstone Festival, Liberty University, motorcycle rallies, 7:30 Club along with many other clubs and festivals. They've played along side such acts as Flyleaf, Skillet, Decyfer Down, As I Lay Dying, Demon Hunter, Hawk Nelson, and Anberlin just to mention a few.
2008
In 2008, D.O.G.S. of Pray burst onto the Hard Rock/Goth scene with the release of their full-length debut album 'The Rise' on the Nashville label - ANA Records. The overall sound structure on this disc can be compared to what we find with bands like Mehida who lean towards complex progressive arrangements. With 'The Rise' we also find some heavy theatrical overtones present which helps to add more depth to their release.
This 2008 release features not one but two lead Vocalists that often deliver from a dual approach. When listening to the Vocal work of Henley, with his no frills mid-range Vocal approach, one can't help but be reminded of such vocalists like Thomas Vikstrom(Mehida), or Peter Sigfridsson(Majestic Vanguard). Then there are moments when Henley reaches for more grit drawing comparison to the grit filled mid-range deliveries we have heard from Tim Steadman along with other Vocalists from the band Grave Forsaken. Henley also touches on some Death Vocal work which adds more flavor to this 2008 disc.
Lead Vocalist Bobbie Folk holds up her end on the mic as well, delivering up a stellar performance for the band. While listening to Bobbie's strong soulful melancholy deliver, one is transported back to the 80's as she brings to mind such acts as Pat Benatar.
Lead Vocalist Bobbie Folk holds up her end on the mic as well, delivering up a stellar performance for the band. While listening to Bobbie's strong soulful melancholy deliver, one is transported back to the 80's as she brings to mind such acts as Pat Benatar.
Eddie Folk & Tom Meadows are the axe men for DOP and both deliver up a respectable performance for the band. Eddie & Tom both bring to the table diversity along with plenty o solos throughout this listening experience. There are some moments where they seem to cross over into the Thrash realm for all you extreme Metal fans out there.
The lyrics are uplifting and show their love for Christ as one can see here:
"Pirates Of The Galilean"
Stealing souls for Christ we’re being
Pirates of the Galilean
Offering grace to all who need it
Pirates of the Galilean
With a bounty on your life
There’s eternity in sight
Risen treasure it is done
Blood of Christ the only rum
"How"
But how did it feel, to take on all of the sorrows?
How did it feel, to take in all the pain?
How did it feel, the crown of thorns upon You?
How does it feel, to take away my shame?
"Alone In The Darkness"
When I’m here all alone in the darkness
I will cry out for Your touch
When I know I’ve got no one to turn to
I will cry out for Your love
El Shaddai
Stealing souls for Christ we’re being
Pirates of the Galilean
Offering grace to all who need it
Pirates of the Galilean
With a bounty on your life
There’s eternity in sight
Risen treasure it is done
Blood of Christ the only rum
"How"
But how did it feel, to take on all of the sorrows?
How did it feel, to take in all the pain?
How did it feel, the crown of thorns upon You?
How does it feel, to take away my shame?
"Alone In The Darkness"
When I’m here all alone in the darkness
I will cry out for Your touch
When I know I’ve got no one to turn to
I will cry out for Your love
El Shaddai
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
In 2012 the band went on to independently record and produce their follow-up sophomore album "Death Will Have To Wait" which was released in the fall of 2012 on Taberah Records. With this album, the group's line-up saw a change as Henley left the band to pursue other endevors. This release features just one lead singer with female vocalist-Bobbie Folk returning and handling all vocal work for the band.
When considering the different bands in the Rock/Goth genres, D.O.G.S. of Pray delivers up the goods and is able to stand up along side some of the better acts withing the music industry. If you are into Rock music yet are looking for something that steps off the beaten path then you should definitely give D.O.G.S. of Pray a listen but be forewarned because this dog bites.
Musicians:
Henley - (Male) Vocals & Keyboards
Bobbi Folk - (Female) Vocals & Keyboards
Eddie Folk - Guitars
Tom Meadows - Guitars
Doug “DZ Groove” Zirk - Bass
Eric Walter - Drums
Henley - (Male) Vocals & Keyboards
Bobbi Folk - (Female) Vocals & Keyboards
Eddie Folk - Guitars
Tom Meadows - Guitars
Doug “DZ Groove” Zirk - Bass
Eric Walter - Drums
