In Los Angeles, back in the late 1970's, a young man by the name of Joshua Perahia was attending pre-med classes at UCLA when he realized that his love music was stronger than his desire to finish med school. He quit med school and began a full-time career in the Rock music scene. Through his faith and desire to share his love of God, Joshua made it his life’s mission to realize his musical vision and JOSHUA was born. and in the 1980's he began to work on material for a debut release.
In 1982, under the moniker 'Joshua', the band released their debut 6-track EP titled 'The Hand Is Quicker Than The Eye' which was released on Enigma Records. 'The Hand Is Quicker Than The Eye' generated a solid hit for the band in - "November Is Going Away" which was played on radio stations all over the country. In Japan, "November Is Going Away" went to the top as a number 1 hit. This is an AOR release for fans of Journey with vocals in the veins of Steve Perry performed by frontman-Stephen Fontaine. Steven is backed by the melodic 80's style guitar play of Guitarist-Joshua perahia.
The musicians for Joshua's debut were Vocalist-Stephen Fontaine, Lead & Rhythm Guitarist-Joshua Perahia, Bassist-Mahlon Hawk, Keyboardist-Donnie Gougeon, and Drummer-Tony Zaccaglin.
The musicians for Joshua's debut were Vocalist-Stephen Fontaine, Lead & Rhythm Guitarist-Joshua Perahia, Bassist-Mahlon Hawk, Keyboardist-Donnie Gougeon, and Drummer-Tony Zaccaglin.
In 1985, under the moniker 'Joshua', the band released their follow-up sophomore album titled 'Surrender' which was released on Riff Records. With the release of 'Surrender' the band began to move in a different lyrical direction with their lyrics now being confrontational & evangelical in nature. This change in lyrical direction was due to Perahia having a religious experience at a Hal Lindsey lead Bible study back in 1983 resulting in Joshua converting to Protestant Christianity from his Greek Orthodox upbringing.
'Surrender' was released with various album covers which can be a bit confusing for those wanting to make purchases. However, on this recording frontman-Jeff Fenholt delivers up a solid performance for the band with his soaring delivery drawing comparison to vocalist-Jimi Jamison(Survivor). We also find that the guitar section is a bit more aggressive with guitarist-Joshua Perahia and the addition of shredder-Ken Tamplin(Shout,Tamplin). Throughout the album one will find melodic tapping along with plenty of lightening fast guitar play.
The line-up for 'Surrender' was comprised of Lead Vocalist-Jeff Fenholt, Lead Guitarist-Joshua Perahia, Guitars & Backing Vocals-Ken Tamplin, Bassist-Loren Robinson, Keyboardist-Patrick Bradley, and Drummer-Joe Galletta.
'Surrender' was released with various album covers which can be a bit confusing for those wanting to make purchases. However, on this recording frontman-Jeff Fenholt delivers up a solid performance for the band with his soaring delivery drawing comparison to vocalist-Jimi Jamison(Survivor). We also find that the guitar section is a bit more aggressive with guitarist-Joshua Perahia and the addition of shredder-Ken Tamplin(Shout,Tamplin). Throughout the album one will find melodic tapping along with plenty of lightening fast guitar play.
The line-up for 'Surrender' was comprised of Lead Vocalist-Jeff Fenholt, Lead Guitarist-Joshua Perahia, Guitars & Backing Vocals-Ken Tamplin, Bassist-Loren Robinson, Keyboardist-Patrick Bradley, and Drummer-Joe Galletta.
1988 Joshua released their 3rd full-length album titled 'Intense Defense' on the RCA Europe record label. The recording was produced by Eddie Kramer, who has worked with such bands as Kiss, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. The album was recorded & mixed at Dierks Studios and released on RCA Records.
Magazines such as Kerrang!, Metal Forces, and Aardshok have all declared Joshua's 'Intense Defense' release to be “Best AOR hard rock album ever”. Some might find this statement difficult to accept but upon having heard this release I can definitely see how the reviewers came to their conclusion. Joshua Perahia recruited Vocalist-Rob Rock as frontman for the band, I must say that I haven't heard him in such rare form on any other band's release nor on any solo albums. Here on 'Intense Defense' Rob Rock delivers one of his best performances on one of the most melodic albums in the history of Rock music. Were talking soaring melodic vocal work with hooks galore accompanied by the energetic guitar work of shredder-Joshua Perahia. This combination is sure to have the listener reeling in amazement and hitting the repeat button over and over again.
The line-up for 'Intense Defense' was comprised of Lead Vocalist-Rob Rock, Lead Guitarist-Joshua Perahia, Keyboardist-Greg Shultz, Bassist-Emil Lech, and Drummer-Tim Gehrt. My personal conclusions is that you should make every effort to find and purchase this release!
Magazines such as Kerrang!, Metal Forces, and Aardshok have all declared Joshua's 'Intense Defense' release to be “Best AOR hard rock album ever”. Some might find this statement difficult to accept but upon having heard this release I can definitely see how the reviewers came to their conclusion. Joshua Perahia recruited Vocalist-Rob Rock as frontman for the band, I must say that I haven't heard him in such rare form on any other band's release nor on any solo albums. Here on 'Intense Defense' Rob Rock delivers one of his best performances on one of the most melodic albums in the history of Rock music. Were talking soaring melodic vocal work with hooks galore accompanied by the energetic guitar work of shredder-Joshua Perahia. This combination is sure to have the listener reeling in amazement and hitting the repeat button over and over again.
The line-up for 'Intense Defense' was comprised of Lead Vocalist-Rob Rock, Lead Guitarist-Joshua Perahia, Keyboardist-Greg Shultz, Bassist-Emil Lech, and Drummer-Tim Gehrt. My personal conclusions is that you should make every effort to find and purchase this release!
"Remembering You"
Tried to make it on my own,
knew someday I'd never be alone
My world was lost, a city so cold,
time hasn't changed, your world so old
Oh Lord, remembering you
My world was lost, a city so cold,
time hasn't changed, your world so old
Oh Lord, remembering you, remembering you
"Reach Up"
Save your money,pay the bills,
work your life and get cheap thrills
Never listen, always need
another drug to fill your greed,
Try to run, can't hide,
live your life just one big lie,
Take a ride on an endless train,
trouble is it's all in vain
REACH UP OH OH OH OH
REACH UP OH OH OH OH
I'm moving higher, to the top,
I need the spirit, ain't never gonna stop now
Take me with you, someday,
way out 'till the stars touch my face
In the morning, with no warning,
see it turn, it's coming your way
Fast as lightning, in a flash,
raise your arms, it's coming down fast
REACH UP OH OH OH OH
REACH UP OH OH OH OH
"Only Yesterday"
Only Yesterday, we were strong
Only Yesterday, Where has it gone
I Don't know what it is that you've been told
Those liars talk and now your misinformed
The word is solid, it cuts you down to size
Why live in darkness it's time you realize...
...What can I say to bring a change of heart
Just stop and listen, take it from the start
"Crying Out For Love"
You're cold as steel this drilling inside of me
I'm lost in your lies just one more to deceive
You do not need to be alone
All those stories you sold me
At night, you are where you're going
In your eyes you know that you showing
In my heart I know that I have to break free
Crying out for love
It is an endless struggle
Crying out for love
Save my life tonight
I'm crying out for love
"Tearing At My Heart"
When all the dreams pass away
And fall in despair
When all the hope seems to fade
You 'll still be there
"Look To The Sky"
In days of decision with conflict and visions,
there burns a star
Look to the sky for the answers
that you need to know
Start once again, rejecting the trends
knowing who you are
Your heart is renewed,
with the Spirit that soon takes control...
...Look to the sky no need to find a place to hide
Look to the sky you'll find the answer in the light
Tried to make it on my own,
knew someday I'd never be alone
My world was lost, a city so cold,
time hasn't changed, your world so old
Oh Lord, remembering you
My world was lost, a city so cold,
time hasn't changed, your world so old
Oh Lord, remembering you, remembering you
"Reach Up"
Save your money,pay the bills,
work your life and get cheap thrills
Never listen, always need
another drug to fill your greed,
Try to run, can't hide,
live your life just one big lie,
Take a ride on an endless train,
trouble is it's all in vain
REACH UP OH OH OH OH
REACH UP OH OH OH OH
I'm moving higher, to the top,
I need the spirit, ain't never gonna stop now
Take me with you, someday,
way out 'till the stars touch my face
In the morning, with no warning,
see it turn, it's coming your way
Fast as lightning, in a flash,
raise your arms, it's coming down fast
REACH UP OH OH OH OH
REACH UP OH OH OH OH
"Only Yesterday"
Only Yesterday, we were strong
Only Yesterday, Where has it gone
I Don't know what it is that you've been told
Those liars talk and now your misinformed
The word is solid, it cuts you down to size
Why live in darkness it's time you realize...
...What can I say to bring a change of heart
Just stop and listen, take it from the start
"Crying Out For Love"
You're cold as steel this drilling inside of me
I'm lost in your lies just one more to deceive
You do not need to be alone
All those stories you sold me
At night, you are where you're going
In your eyes you know that you showing
In my heart I know that I have to break free
Crying out for love
It is an endless struggle
Crying out for love
Save my life tonight
I'm crying out for love
"Tearing At My Heart"
When all the dreams pass away
And fall in despair
When all the hope seems to fade
You 'll still be there
"Look To The Sky"
In days of decision with conflict and visions,
there burns a star
Look to the sky for the answers
that you need to know
Start once again, rejecting the trends
knowing who you are
Your heart is renewed,
with the Spirit that soon takes control...
...Look to the sky no need to find a place to hide
Look to the sky you'll find the answer in the light
In 1995, under the moniker 'Joshua Perahia' the band released their 4th full-length album titled 'Chapter One' on M&K Sound. The album was Produced by Joshua Perahia and Denis Degher and released on Long Island Records with different versions of album artwork. 'Chapter One' showcases the band's maturing songwriting & musicianship and was formerly available only in Germany and Japan for a short limited time. The album was reissued in 2001 with some darker artwork as seen above on the far right. For one of the releases of 'Chapter One', Joshua even changed the band's moniker to 'M Pire'.
The line-up for 'Chapter One' was comprised of Lead Vocalist-Michael O’Mara, Lead Guitarist-Joshua Perahia, Guitarist-Peder Rudling, Bassist-Joey Rochrich, Keyboardist-Diane Arens, Backing Vocalist-Elizabeth Vandall, and Drummer-Eric Stoskopf.
This release is for fans of Skid Row, Rage Of Angels, Firehouse, Thee Final Chaptre, and Traxter.
The line-up for 'Chapter One' was comprised of Lead Vocalist-Michael O’Mara, Lead Guitarist-Joshua Perahia, Guitarist-Peder Rudling, Bassist-Joey Rochrich, Keyboardist-Diane Arens, Backing Vocalist-Elizabeth Vandall, and Drummer-Eric Stoskopf.
This release is for fans of Skid Row, Rage Of Angels, Firehouse, Thee Final Chaptre, and Traxter.
In 2001, under the moniker 'Joshua Perahia' the band released their 5th full-length studio album titled -'Something To Say' which was released on M&K Sound. This release was produced by the famous Keith Olsen(Fleetwood Mac, Scorpions, Heart, Santana). The album features Vocalist-Alex Ligertwood(Santana) on four different tracks and Vocalist-Jerry Gabriel(Tower) on the other 8-tracks. It's worth noting that the songs "Something to Say" and "The First and The Last" appear in the upcoming Perpetua Films epic motion picture "The Copper Scroll".
In 2001 under the moniker 'Joshua Perahia' the band released their 6-track EP 'Joshua Perahia Official Joshua Perahia Bootleg CD' which was released on M&K Sound. This Bootleg CD was comprised of 6-tracks originally from the band's 2001-'Something To Say' album and was only sold on the Stryper Expo in Azusa, California in May of 2001.
In 2012, under the moniker 'Joshua Perahia', the band released their 6th full-length album titled 'Resurrection' which was release on Majestic R&P. 'Resurrection' comes with good production and a big sound for the band. founder-Joshu Perahia is back with some heavy guitar play and some lightening fast riffs. I believe this to be Joshua Perahia's heaviest release to date with some strong vocal work from frontman-Mark Boals(Yngwie Malmsteen).
The band also released a 'Collector's Edition' of 'Resurrection' where only 888 copies were issued. They were hand numbered, signed, and came with a signature guitar pick. It also featured two bonus tracks "Dirty Games (rehearsal 1991)", and "Secrets (rehearsal 1986)".
The line-up for 'Resurrection' is comprised of Lead Vocalist-Mark Boals(Yngwie Malmsteen), Guitarist-Joshua Perahia, Keyboardist-Scott Warren, Bassist-Bryan Fleming, and Drummer-Dino Maddalone.
The recording was produced by Dino Maddalone and Executive produced by Hiro Fujii and Joshua Perahia with sound effects done by David Perahia. Mixing and mastering was handled by Wyn Davis.
The band also released a 'Collector's Edition' of 'Resurrection' where only 888 copies were issued. They were hand numbered, signed, and came with a signature guitar pick. It also featured two bonus tracks "Dirty Games (rehearsal 1991)", and "Secrets (rehearsal 1986)".
The line-up for 'Resurrection' is comprised of Lead Vocalist-Mark Boals(Yngwie Malmsteen), Guitarist-Joshua Perahia, Keyboardist-Scott Warren, Bassist-Bryan Fleming, and Drummer-Dino Maddalone.
The recording was produced by Dino Maddalone and Executive produced by Hiro Fujii and Joshua Perahia with sound effects done by David Perahia. Mixing and mastering was handled by Wyn Davis.
On this release, the lyrical direction is similar to that of their album 'Intense Defense' as one can see here:
"Divine Intervention"
This travesty has only brought me to my knees
And getting closer to your world
Desperately I’m clinging to a rock and begging please
And I feel it getting closer
I need Your Divine Intervention
I need You to intervene right now
“Blood On The Nile”
Is it a statement, a holy war, from a foreign shore
Evil men, hypocrisy, or payback for the free
The weight of the world He carries alone
Brought on by trials and fire
To lift up my voice while calling Your name
That screams from Blood on the Nile
"World At War”
Struck down while the beating continued
Many soldiers laughed in disgrace
Hit so hard you could not recognize Him
In the end you would not know His face
Many gathered to mock and rebuke Him
Just to see Him hang until dead
World at war
Skies are on fire
The nations inspire
Feel His wounds
Put there to guide us
The Lion returns
The hunt will define us
"Miracles"
I was so lonely, always reaching for Your hand
You filled the silence, for a shadow of a man
I’ve been abused and criticized
But I know my heart can take it
Cause every time I see Your face
It just clears my worried mind
I need Your love to keep me happening
I need Your words to make me strong
Under the light of day, I see Your miracles
Over my head it flows like a burning waterfall
“Sing Hallelujah”
Sing highest praises to His name
Sing highest praises to His name, to His name
Song Hosanna, we will sing Hosanna
Sing Hosanna to the King… The King of Kings
Sing Hallelujah
We will sing, Hallelujah
Sing Hallelujah to the Lord…
To the Lord… To the King
This travesty has only brought me to my knees
And getting closer to your world
Desperately I’m clinging to a rock and begging please
And I feel it getting closer
I need Your Divine Intervention
I need You to intervene right now
“Blood On The Nile”
Is it a statement, a holy war, from a foreign shore
Evil men, hypocrisy, or payback for the free
The weight of the world He carries alone
Brought on by trials and fire
To lift up my voice while calling Your name
That screams from Blood on the Nile
"World At War”
Struck down while the beating continued
Many soldiers laughed in disgrace
Hit so hard you could not recognize Him
In the end you would not know His face
Many gathered to mock and rebuke Him
Just to see Him hang until dead
World at war
Skies are on fire
The nations inspire
Feel His wounds
Put there to guide us
The Lion returns
The hunt will define us
"Miracles"
I was so lonely, always reaching for Your hand
You filled the silence, for a shadow of a man
I’ve been abused and criticized
But I know my heart can take it
Cause every time I see Your face
It just clears my worried mind
I need Your love to keep me happening
I need Your words to make me strong
Under the light of day, I see Your miracles
Over my head it flows like a burning waterfall
“Sing Hallelujah”
Sing highest praises to His name
Sing highest praises to His name, to His name
Song Hosanna, we will sing Hosanna
Sing Hosanna to the King… The King of Kings
Sing Hallelujah
We will sing, Hallelujah
Sing Hallelujah to the Lord…
To the Lord… To the King
The following are some additional releases from the band: In 1995 Joshua released a compilation album featuring 2 of their previous releases titled 'Double Trouble: The Hand Is Quicker Than The Eye / Surrender'. In 2007 the band released a video titled 'Intense Defense Live in the Studio' featuring Joshua Perahia and Rob Rock.
A European Metal Magazine - 'Burrn!' dubbed Joshua Perahia the fastest guitarist in the world.
Over the years, Joshua Perahia has released a number of albums and played in venues all over the world and is still active today. If you are in the market for for some Melodic Metal music then look no further because Joshua Perahia has delivered up some solid Metal offerings over the years.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Rob Rock – Lead Vocals
Joshua Perahia – Guitars
Greg Shultz – Keyboards
Emil Lech – Bass
Tim Gehrt - Drums
Rob Rock – Lead Vocals
Joshua Perahia – Guitars
Greg Shultz – Keyboards
Emil Lech – Bass
Tim Gehrt - Drums