Holy Soldier formed back in 1985 in Los Angeles, CA by bassist Andy Robbins and guitarist Jamie Cramer. Holy Soldier is a Glam Metal band who were known for their gospel message as they played in local clubs and venues throughout California. Holy Soldier had everything going for them with a catchy 80's Rock'n sound, long hair, and sporting well-put-together band look that could have even made members of Stryper jealous.
In 1990 Holy Soldier released their full-length debut self-titled studio album on Myrrh Records. Holy Soldier's debut release finds the band delivering up a killer dose of 80's era Glam Metal. This debut release has it all and brings to the table a big sound, catchy hooks, memorable guitar riffs, and spot on production by David Zaffiro(Bloodgood). When we think of glam-Hair bands with "costumes", usually Stryper comes to mind with their yellow and black striped outfits. However, Holy Soldier was no stranger to the Glam Metal scene either, having some of their own over-the-top costumes which helped complete the look of the sound that the band was conveying. The line-up for their debut album was comprised of lead vocalist-Stephen Patrick, guitarist-Jamie Cramer, guitarist-Michael Cutting, bassist-Andy Robbins, and drummer-Terry Russell.
In 1991, at the Dove Awards, the band took home two well deserved awards with one being 'Hard Rock Album' of the year and the second being 'Hard Rock Song' of the year. During a hard extensive tour schedule, Vocalist Steven Patrick and Guitarist Michael Cutting both up and left the band. It wasn't long before they were replaced by vocalist-Eric Wayne and guitarist-Scott Soderstrom who helped the band finish their tour for their debut release.
Later on that same year, in 1991, to the band's surprise, vocalist-Steven Patrick returned and the group quickly got to work on material for a second release.
Later on that same year, in 1991, to the band's surprise, vocalist-Steven Patrick returned and the group quickly got to work on material for a second release.
In 1992 Holy Soldier released their sophomore full-lenght studio album titled 'Last Train' on Myrrh Records. The album was produced by David Zaffiro(bloodgood) and manufactured by Word, Inc. Last Train had a captivating sound with tight production but the album didn't meet the sales expectations of the label so the band was dropped from their record label's roster. I personally believe that one major thing that played a big part in the lack of interest in the album was that they moved away from their solid up-front Christ centered message and became more vague within their lyrics.
One thing worth noting is that track-4 "Gimme Shelter" is a Rolling Stones cover song. The band's line-up for 'Last Train' was comprised of lead vocalist-Steven Patrick, guitarist-Jamie Cramer, guitarist-Scott Soderstrom, bassist-Andy Robbins, and drummer-Terry Russell.
One thing worth noting is that track-4 "Gimme Shelter" is a Rolling Stones cover song. The band's line-up for 'Last Train' was comprised of lead vocalist-Steven Patrick, guitarist-Jamie Cramer, guitarist-Scott Soderstrom, bassist-Andy Robbins, and drummer-Terry Russell.
Not long after the release of 'Last Train', once again, Steven Patrick left the band to pursue a solo career leaving the band's frontman position void.
In 1995 Holy Soldier released their third full-length album titled 'Promise Man' on ForeFront Records. Listening to this album one will soon notice that 'Promise Man' has tight production, as one might expect with the album being produced by David Zaffiro(Bloodgood). With vocalist-Eric Wayne now filling the fronman position, the band capitalized on his lower register in order to produce a grungier record. This was a good move for the band with the 90's Grunge scene in full swing at the time. This third release was well received by their fans and went on to win a Dove Award for their song "Promise Man" and was also found in some Album of the Year categories. 'Promise Man' saw a return to more solid Christ centered lyrics by the band. One tune worth noting is track-5 "Why Don't You Look Into Jesus" which is a Larry Norman cover song. The band's line-up for 'Promise Man' was comprised of lead vocalist-Eric Wayne, guitarist-Jamie Cramer, guitarist-Scott Soderstrom, bassist-Andy Robbins, and drummer-Terry Russell.
With this '95 release, even though the band was getting a lot of support from their fans, their record label 'ForeFront Records' wasn't showing the same measure of love and support. The next move that the band made was to ask to be released from their label contract.
With this '95 release, even though the band was getting a lot of support from their fans, their record label 'ForeFront Records' wasn't showing the same measure of love and support. The next move that the band made was to ask to be released from their label contract.
After a short hiatus, the band decided to give their fans one last 'Encore' and invited fans to join them at a special live concert held in Rocketown Nasheville, Tennessee to record their last album. 'Encore' was recorded live and would feature the band's original vocalist-Steven Patrick along with vocalist-Eric Wayne performing all the bands greatest Hits. The album also features special guest vocalist-Pat Boone on track-11 "Eyes Of Innocence" who, at that time, was a recent convert. This release was produced by bassist-Andy Robbins on his own label called Spaceport Records. As a bonus, 'Encore' also includes two brand new song - track-1 "Whisper" & track-12 "In The End". In addition, there's a different rendition of their original track "Eyes of Innocence" off their debut release.
In 2005, Holy Soldier officially disbanded after the release of 'Encore'. but later that year reunited with vocalist-Don Russell(Terry Russell's Brother) to do a string of concerts up until 2006.
If you like bands like Stryper, Sacred Warrior, or Crystavox then you are going to love what Holy Soldier brings to the table. Help support Holy Soldier and Metal music by picking up a few of the band's albums today!
Current Musicians:
Andy Robbins - Bass, Guitar, Vocals (1985-1997, 2005-2006)
Michael Cutting - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals (1985–1991, 1995–1997, 2005-2006)
Jamie Cramer - Guitars, Vocals (1985–1992, 2005-2006)
Terry Russell - Drums, Vocals (1985–1992, 2005-2006)
Don Russell - Lead Vocals (2005–2006)
Andy Robbins - Bass, Guitar, Vocals (1985-1997, 2005-2006)
Michael Cutting - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals (1985–1991, 1995–1997, 2005-2006)
Jamie Cramer - Guitars, Vocals (1985–1992, 2005-2006)
Terry Russell - Drums, Vocals (1985–1992, 2005-2006)
Don Russell - Lead Vocals (2005–2006)