Malachia
Malachia is a White Metal band from Los Angeles, California that formed back in 1985 by Bassist-Wade A. Little. Malachia plays 80's style Melodic Heavy Metal in the veins of bands like 'Hawk' or early Queensryche.
At an interview at 'CrossRhythms', founder-Wade Little had the following to say concerning the band's moniker: "After spending the night in prayer and searching through the Bible, I came across the name Malachiah but shortened it by removing the h at the end. I loved this name because it meant, 'messenger of God'. That's what I wanted for this band, that's what I wanted of me, to be that messenger who proclaimed the Good News to a hungry and thirsty world.
At an interview at 'CrossRhythms', founder-Wade Little had the following to say concerning the band's moniker: "After spending the night in prayer and searching through the Bible, I came across the name Malachiah but shortened it by removing the h at the end. I loved this name because it meant, 'messenger of God'. That's what I wanted for this band, that's what I wanted of me, to be that messenger who proclaimed the Good News to a hungry and thirsty world.
In 1986 Malachia released their debut 6-track(not including "Intro") EP strikingly titled 'Under The Blade'.
Their debut was produced by Wayde Production and released on the Wayde Records label on both cassette & 12" vinyl/LP formats & limited to only around 200 copies.
Their debut was produced by Wayde Production and released on the Wayde Records label on both cassette & 12" vinyl/LP formats & limited to only around 200 copies.
At the interview at 'CrossRhythms' Wade recalls how their EP came about: "We recorded demos of our songs at a little studio in North Hollywood prior to 'Under The Blade'. I had a friend who was best friends with Gene Simmons' (Kiss) girlfriend. She said that she would get him the demo to listen to. We went into this small, dark studio, laid down our tracks and, BAM. . . it was over. Not sure when, but a few months after that we were able to get my father to provide some financial support to go into a studio in Los Angeles where we recorded Under The Blade."
Even though Under The Blade mostly finds the band playing straight forward Heavy Metal, the band shows their depth of musicianship by incorporating some Doom guitar play on "Masters Call" and "Let It Go".
Even though Under The Blade mostly finds the band playing straight forward Heavy Metal, the band shows their depth of musicianship by incorporating some Doom guitar play on "Masters Call" and "Let It Go".
The line-up for the band's debut was comprised of Vocalist-Ken Pike, Guitarist-Jeffrey James, Bassist-Wade A. Little, Keyboardist-Steve Ayola, and Drummer-Dave Devaughn. The track list for 'Under The Blade' includes: 1.Narration (Intro) 0:15 2.Heaven or Hell 3:22 3.Mark of the Beast 3:41 4.Masters Call 5:00 5.Let It Go 3:10
6.Red Sunrise 3:46 7.In Christ We Rock 4:55.
6.Red Sunrise 3:46 7.In Christ We Rock 4:55.
In 1987 Malachia released their first and only full-length album titled 'Red Sunrise'. If you have ever asked the question, "Where are all the good christian Metal bands?" then you are in for a treat. With their full-length release, Malachia proves to be just as good if not better than any of their secular counter parts from the 80's Metal scene.
'Red Sunrise' was produced by Ken Roberts along with executive Production from Wayde Productions. The album was recorded in a small studio called The Music Box in Hollywood, CA and mastered at K Disc Studio in Hollywood, CA. The recording was engineered by Carl Lange and the album's cover art was designed by Ken Roberts. Red Sunrise Finds The Band Re-Recording their 6-track debut and adding two new tracks - “Lonely Is The Night" and “Sightless Eyes” bringing the total to 8-tracks in all. These original tracks are now more polished and have a much better sound quality to them. Red Sunrise was released on both cassette and vinyl/LP.
After having viewed the band's cover art, it would be logical to conclude that the group had embraced the Glam Metal scene for this release. However, after giving the album a spin, one quickly realizes that the arrangements here are far from said genre. What we have here is fist pump'n head bang'n guitar smash'n Heavy Metal music.
'Red Sunrise' was produced by Ken Roberts along with executive Production from Wayde Productions. The album was recorded in a small studio called The Music Box in Hollywood, CA and mastered at K Disc Studio in Hollywood, CA. The recording was engineered by Carl Lange and the album's cover art was designed by Ken Roberts. Red Sunrise Finds The Band Re-Recording their 6-track debut and adding two new tracks - “Lonely Is The Night" and “Sightless Eyes” bringing the total to 8-tracks in all. These original tracks are now more polished and have a much better sound quality to them. Red Sunrise was released on both cassette and vinyl/LP.
After having viewed the band's cover art, it would be logical to conclude that the group had embraced the Glam Metal scene for this release. However, after giving the album a spin, one quickly realizes that the arrangements here are far from said genre. What we have here is fist pump'n head bang'n guitar smash'n Heavy Metal music.
In 1987 the band went on to play many clubs, shows, and even made an appearance by performing at the Metal Mardi Gras in California.
The line-up for Red Sunrise was comprised of Vocalist-Ken Pike, Guitarist-Jeffrey James, Bassist-Wade A. Little, Keyboardist-Steve Ayola, and Drummer-Dave Devaughn. The track list for 'Red Sunrise' includes:
SIDE 1: 1. IN CHRIST WE ROCK 3:59 2. RED SUNRISE 3:51 3. LONELY IS THE NIGHT 4:45 4. LET IT GO 3:08
SIDE 2: 1. SIGHTLESS EYES 3:07 2. HEAVEN OR HELL 3:20 3. MARK OF THE BEAST 3:37 4. MASTER'S CALL 4:50
SIDE 1: 1. IN CHRIST WE ROCK 3:59 2. RED SUNRISE 3:51 3. LONELY IS THE NIGHT 4:45 4. LET IT GO 3:08
SIDE 2: 1. SIGHTLESS EYES 3:07 2. HEAVEN OR HELL 3:20 3. MARK OF THE BEAST 3:37 4. MASTER'S CALL 4:50
Today, Malachia's 'Red Sunrise' is a rare gem being hard to find at a decent price. Albums have been selling from 200 - 300 dollars on the internet which shows the need for a re-issue of this release.
(See back of 'Red Sunrise' album cover)
The fool hath said in his heart, "There is no God" Ps 14:1
The fool hath said in his heart, "There is no God" Ps 14:1
In 2018 Roxx Records remastered and re-issued Malachia's 1987 'Red Sunrise' release along with additional content to form this limited edition 'Red Sunrise-The Complete Anthology'. The remastering process has resulted in a more overall polished sound for the band's two previous albums and for the first time, the band's music was recorded on CD format.
Roxx Records' re-issue includes a few never-before heard demo tracks from 1985 including “Keep The Faith”, “Plain Sight”, and “Separate Ways”. In addition, this compilation includes a section titled Lost Garage Tapes/Basement Recordings featuring six different tracks - “Change Of Heart”, “What Must I Do”, “Loves, It’s Only You I See”, “Life Giver”, “Light”, and “Tonal Intensity”. Also included are extensive liner notes from the band members including Bassist-Wade Little, Vocalist-Ken Pike, Guitarist-Jeffrey James, Keyboardist-Steve ‘Chima’ Ayola & Drummer-Dave Devaughn.
Roxx Records' re-issue includes a few never-before heard demo tracks from 1985 including “Keep The Faith”, “Plain Sight”, and “Separate Ways”. In addition, this compilation includes a section titled Lost Garage Tapes/Basement Recordings featuring six different tracks - “Change Of Heart”, “What Must I Do”, “Loves, It’s Only You I See”, “Life Giver”, “Light”, and “Tonal Intensity”. Also included are extensive liner notes from the band members including Bassist-Wade Little, Vocalist-Ken Pike, Guitarist-Jeffrey James, Keyboardist-Steve ‘Chima’ Ayola & Drummer-Dave Devaughn.
Vocalist Ken Pike, with his soaring vocal style, has been compared to such greats as vocalist-Geoff Tate(Queensryche) with good reason. Ken is a huge fan of Geoff Tate's work and draws inspiration from his vocal style. Ken's diversity and vocal range even draws some comparison to that of vocalist-Steve Perry(Journey) & Les Carlsen(Bloodgood).
The guitar section is headed by Lead guitarist-Jeffrey James who is supported by the additional guitar work of frontman-Ken Pike. Axeman-Jeffrey James is a graduate of The Guitar Institute Of Technology located in California. The guitars are energetic & driving not unlike the guitar styles played by other Metal bands from the 80's.
Some time after the release of their 1987 album-'Red Sunrise', the band changed their name to Bashan-Tyre and then in 1990 they changed it to 'Vision'. Vision only recorded one song-"Runaway" for the 'California Metal Band II' compilation CD. "Runaway" was produced and engineered by John and Dino Elefante. Shortly thereafter, the band all went their separate ways. After the disbanding, frontman-Ken Pike went on to join a number of other bands. In 1995, Ken moved to Florida and joined a blues cover band and in 1997 Ken decided to form his own band 'The Turnpike Band'. The Turnpike Band was a modern pop rock band from Florida. Later on, ken returned to his love for Metal music with a Symphonic Metal band called Absolon.
Unfortunately, after all was said and done, Malachia was one of those rare gems that flew under the mainstream radar and never garnered the attention that their band really deserved. Malachia delivers the Metal goods so do yourself a favor and check out what the band has offered up with both 'Red Sunrise' and 'The Complete Anthology' releases.
Musicians:
Ken Pike - Vocals/Guitars
Jeffrey James - Lead Guitars
Wade A. Little - Bass
Steve "Chima" Ayola - Keyboards
Dave Devaughn - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Paul Krause - Violin on "Master's Call"
Ken Pike - Vocals/Guitars
Jeffrey James - Lead Guitars
Wade A. Little - Bass
Steve "Chima" Ayola - Keyboards
Dave Devaughn - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Paul Krause - Violin on "Master's Call"