Goliath is a 3-piece Doom Metal band from Indiana that was founded by Mick Rowe back in the early 2000's. Mick Rowe got his start as Guitarist for the 80's band 'Tempest' with his brother Jamie Rowe(Guardian) on lead Vocals. Shortly after releasing two albums, Tempest band members decided to go there separate ways with the group ending in 1990. Nine years later, in 1999 the creative juices began to flow again and Mick Rowe began recording from his own living room. The recording was an experimental Goth project titled 'Midnight Orchestra' which sold over 3000 copies garnering Mick a huge following. After the success of Midnight Orchestra, Mick began to write and develop some tracks for a future project called 'Goliath'. In order to get the new project up and running, Mick contacted a label called 'The Music Cartel' who agreed to work on the project. Bassist-Michael X and drummer-Wil D. Kay were contacted and they both soon came on board to complete the new band - Goliath.
Some thoughts by Mick Rowe:
“Ministry is one of the most important things in my life! I feel like all music can be passionate, but in my opinion, the most passionate music is Christian music. I know many may not agree with me, but I feel that Christian music is very important in today's society. I have seen so many people uplifted and encouraged because someone had the passion of Jesus Christ, the passion of music, and put them together.”
Mick further states:
“Why would someone miss the opportunity to share Jesus Christ with someone, just because they want to be entertaining and not offensive? I hear a lot of bands confess they’re not a ministry, but they are Christian entertainment, and I must ask, is that what the Bible tells us to do? No.” continues Rowe “The Bible I read tells me to go out into the world, and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am proud to say that is what I'm going to do.”
“These may be strong words, but I feel we are losing ground by just sitting back, and not standing up for our faith. I watch television news, and I see how children are treating their parents, with little or no respect.” Rowe continues. “I see how everyone else treats their brother, like an enemy. The Book of Romans tells us, that in the final days, the world will basically go to hell, and when I look out my window, I can see that to be a truth.”
“We have just looked away too long, and tried too hard to fit in with the world.” If most people would read the Bible daily, they would see that we are not going to get along with the world.” Rowe believes many bands, and labels are un-equally yoked, and does not feel that God will honor that for long, that being a reason why we see many labels being bought out and liquidated on a monthly basis and bands left out in the cold.
Mick further states:
“Why would someone miss the opportunity to share Jesus Christ with someone, just because they want to be entertaining and not offensive? I hear a lot of bands confess they’re not a ministry, but they are Christian entertainment, and I must ask, is that what the Bible tells us to do? No.” continues Rowe “The Bible I read tells me to go out into the world, and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am proud to say that is what I'm going to do.”
“These may be strong words, but I feel we are losing ground by just sitting back, and not standing up for our faith. I watch television news, and I see how children are treating their parents, with little or no respect.” Rowe continues. “I see how everyone else treats their brother, like an enemy. The Book of Romans tells us, that in the final days, the world will basically go to hell, and when I look out my window, I can see that to be a truth.”
“We have just looked away too long, and tried too hard to fit in with the world.” If most people would read the Bible daily, they would see that we are not going to get along with the world.” Rowe believes many bands, and labels are un-equally yoked, and does not feel that God will honor that for long, that being a reason why we see many labels being bought out and liquidated on a monthly basis and bands left out in the cold.
In 2001 Goliath released their debut full-length album titled 'The Gate' on 'The Music Cartel' records.
'The Gate' is a classic Doom Metal project that can be compared to Black Sabbath's earlier albums. Goliath delivers up some of the best Doom offerings that can be had in the christian metal realm. When we think of Doom Metal, normally the band that comes to mind is 'Place Of Skulls' who have quite a few releases to their credit. Then there are some Thrash Metal bands that incorporate Doom touches within their arrangements like 'Grave Forsaken' , 'Mortification' , and 'The Moshketeers'.
It' no secret that Mick Rowe is a big fan of Horror Movies and all things monsters. With that said, it's easy to see reflections of this played out in the band's arrangements. Some bands that have included horror elements into their music have labeled themselves as Horror Rock with their genre placement. Speaking of the Album's cover art, it's worth noting that the middle tombstone has the inscription "Midnight Orchestra-RIP". Is it possible that Rowe engraved his previous band's moniker on this stone marker as a means of mentally closing that door and moving on to bigger and better things?
Even though this 2001 album is a Doom project showcasing guitars that slowly sludge along, we quickly discover that the rhythm guitar work of Vocalist Mick Rowe, helps to pick up the pace of each track bringing balance & energy to the arrangements.
The Bass work is brought to us by bassist-Michael X who does a good job with his haunting bass lines.
Percussionist-Wil D. Kay plays the drums in such a manner to create ambiance helping to create a darker atmosphere throughout this sinister production.
As a side note, Mick Rowe has included some short preaching segments between tracks. These added clips help the band to get their message out in a different way aside from the lyrics of each track.
'The Gate' is a classic Doom Metal project that can be compared to Black Sabbath's earlier albums. Goliath delivers up some of the best Doom offerings that can be had in the christian metal realm. When we think of Doom Metal, normally the band that comes to mind is 'Place Of Skulls' who have quite a few releases to their credit. Then there are some Thrash Metal bands that incorporate Doom touches within their arrangements like 'Grave Forsaken' , 'Mortification' , and 'The Moshketeers'.
It' no secret that Mick Rowe is a big fan of Horror Movies and all things monsters. With that said, it's easy to see reflections of this played out in the band's arrangements. Some bands that have included horror elements into their music have labeled themselves as Horror Rock with their genre placement. Speaking of the Album's cover art, it's worth noting that the middle tombstone has the inscription "Midnight Orchestra-RIP". Is it possible that Rowe engraved his previous band's moniker on this stone marker as a means of mentally closing that door and moving on to bigger and better things?
Even though this 2001 album is a Doom project showcasing guitars that slowly sludge along, we quickly discover that the rhythm guitar work of Vocalist Mick Rowe, helps to pick up the pace of each track bringing balance & energy to the arrangements.
The Bass work is brought to us by bassist-Michael X who does a good job with his haunting bass lines.
Percussionist-Wil D. Kay plays the drums in such a manner to create ambiance helping to create a darker atmosphere throughout this sinister production.
As a side note, Mick Rowe has included some short preaching segments between tracks. These added clips help the band to get their message out in a different way aside from the lyrics of each track.
Lyrics are thought provoking and overtly Christ centered as one can see in the following lyrics:
"I Am"
Hangin' on a cross
We have put Him there
Because we love our sin
and we just don't care
He had to die to save us
Save us from ourselves
But we put His love
Right back on the shelf
I Am hanging here for you
I Am the only Way
I gave my life up for you
Take my blood today
I Am the Way and the Truth and the only Life
Why can't you just believe Me
And let Me take that knife
The knife that always seems to
Tear your heart in two
If you will just believe Me
I'll heal that heart for you
I Am hanging here for you
I Am the only Way
I gave My life up for you
Take My blood today...2x
Or just go to Hell
Take my blood
For I wish you well
I've always loved you so much
Make my heart cry
I've always loved you so much
So much I had to die
yet you still refuse Me
like a never prayer
I'll give that life eternal
But you just don't care
Hangin' on a cross
We have put Him there
Because we love our sin
and we just don't care
He had to die to save us
Save us from ourselves
But we put His love
Right back on the shelf
I Am hanging here for you
I Am the only Way
I gave my life up for you
Take my blood today
I Am the Way and the Truth and the only Life
Why can't you just believe Me
And let Me take that knife
The knife that always seems to
Tear your heart in two
If you will just believe Me
I'll heal that heart for you
I Am hanging here for you
I Am the only Way
I gave My life up for you
Take My blood today...2x
Or just go to Hell
Take my blood
For I wish you well
I've always loved you so much
Make my heart cry
I've always loved you so much
So much I had to die
yet you still refuse Me
like a never prayer
I'll give that life eternal
But you just don't care
"Dear Aleister" refers to English occultist Aleister Crowley who was a luciferian involved
in offering human sacrifices and was proclaimed "The wickedest man in the world" by the press. He was a 33rd degree Mason who openly asked people to call him "The Beast 666". Crowley died in 1947.
in offering human sacrifices and was proclaimed "The wickedest man in the world" by the press. He was a 33rd degree Mason who openly asked people to call him "The Beast 666". Crowley died in 1947.
"Dear Aleister"
Walking with the devil
Through his paradise
You feel at home beside him
Living in his lies
It is a long and white world
That you are sure to fall
From light into his darkness
Now you've lost control
Dear Aleister the embers are burning
There's no returning now
Dear Aleister the embers are burning
There's no returning now
Sweat is pouring from you
Sin is in control
your creed is of no value
From this dying hole
Your running with a fever
To set your mind at ease
You tear your heart eternally
From your sin disease
Walking with the devil
Through his paradise
You feel at home beside him
Living in his lies
It is a long and white world
That you are sure to fall
From light into his darkness
Now you've lost control
Dear Aleister the embers are burning
There's no returning now
Dear Aleister the embers are burning
There's no returning now
Sweat is pouring from you
Sin is in control
your creed is of no value
From this dying hole
Your running with a fever
To set your mind at ease
You tear your heart eternally
From your sin disease
This is one of those projects that one will find themselves listening to for years to come. If your looking for something a little off the trodden path that doesn't disappoint then you are in good hands with Goliath's debut 'The Gate'. Pick up your copy today and help support Metal music.
Musicians:
Mick Rowe - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Michael X - Bass
Wil D. Kay- Drums
Guest Musicians:
Keri Kelli - Guitars
Mick Rowe - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Michael X - Bass
Wil D. Kay- Drums
Guest Musicians:
Keri Kelli - Guitars