'Messiah Prophet Band' is a Heavy Metal band that formed in Pennsylvania back in the late 70's by both Dean Pellman and Gil Tabor as a cover band originally calling themselves the 'Messiah Prophet Band'. By 1983 the group had developed into a five-piece band including frontman-Charlie Clark, Guitarist-Andy Strauss, Guitarist-Rob Clark, Bassist-Dean Pellman, and Drummer-Dave Daubert. In 1984 'Messiah Prophet Band' signed with Morada Records out of Nashville, Tennessee. In the Spring of 1984, the band stepped into the studio to record their full-length debut release titled 'Rock The Flock'. Their debut release finds the band playing Melodic Metal with unabashedly bold christian lyrics.
In 1986 'Messiah Prophet Band' signed with the well known record label - Pure Metal Records. Shortly after signing, they shortened their band's name to Messiah Prophet. Messiah Prophet is credited as one of many bands from the early 80's responsible for pioneering the christian Metal movement.
In 1986 'Messiah Prophet Band' signed with the well known record label - Pure Metal Records. Shortly after signing, they shortened their band's name to Messiah Prophet. Messiah Prophet is credited as one of many bands from the early 80's responsible for pioneering the christian Metal movement.
In 1986 Messiah Prophet released their follow-up full-length sophomore album titled 'Master Of The Metal'. This album finds the band at the top of their game with killer vocal work from both Charlie & Brian performing all the right hooks along with a well improved guitar section leaving little to complain about. With their new release came quite a few changes to the line up with the band now consisting of Lead vocalist-Charlie Clark, Lead Guitarist-Andy Strauss, Rhythm Guitarist/Lead Vocalist-Brian Nicarry, Bassist-Joe Shirk, and Drummer-David Thunder. Brian Nicarry handles Lead Vocals on "Battle Cry" and "For Whom Does the Bell Toll" while Charlie Clark manages vocals on all other tracks.
'Master Of The Metal' was produced by Bill Grabowski and Executive produced by Ray Nenow, Raymond Fletcher, and Robert W. Spangler Jr. The album was recorded & mixed at Susquehanna Sound and then mastered at Masterdisk. Messiah Prophet was known for being one of the first bands to sign with the Pure Metal Records label. The album's production is not bad, when taking into consideration the era in which it was released, but still sounds a bit thin and could benefit from being remastered and reissued.
Shortly after the release of 'Master Of The Metal' the band quickly embarked on a large domestic tour around the country storming the stage while perform to a strong and growing fan base.
'Master Of The Metal' was produced by Bill Grabowski and Executive produced by Ray Nenow, Raymond Fletcher, and Robert W. Spangler Jr. The album was recorded & mixed at Susquehanna Sound and then mastered at Masterdisk. Messiah Prophet was known for being one of the first bands to sign with the Pure Metal Records label. The album's production is not bad, when taking into consideration the era in which it was released, but still sounds a bit thin and could benefit from being remastered and reissued.
Shortly after the release of 'Master Of The Metal' the band quickly embarked on a large domestic tour around the country storming the stage while perform to a strong and growing fan base.
As you move from track to track, one thing that becomes evident is that the
band's lyrics are overtly Christ centered which can be seen in the following lyric excerpts:
band's lyrics are overtly Christ centered which can be seen in the following lyric excerpts:
"Master Of The Metal"
He's the Master
The Master of the metal
For Him I sing
He's the Master
The Master of the metal
Christ, my Lord, my King
He's the Master of the metal
You say you like the sound
But still you're going down
You're in the danger zone
We offer you the news
It's up to you to choose
It's time to come on home
Well Jesus is the way
He wants to give you life
So open up your heart
The time is now to start
He wants to give you life
"For Whom Does the Bell Toll (Ps. 23)"
For whom does the bell toll?
For whom does it ring?
The children of God will see his face, and will sing,
And though I walk through valleys and shadows of death,
I know that you are near me, and I will fear no evil.
"Fear No Evil"
No, there's no more need to run,
Fight, stand up for the Son,
He has given you the sword,
Fight, he's given you his word.
Fear no evil, (bloody hands and fangs)
Fear no evil, (creatures of the night)
Fear no evil, (challenge you to fight)
Fear no evil.
For whom does the bell toll?
For whom does it ring?
"The Friend"
When you think you're at the end, and your life's just one big sin,
Just reach out and grab a hand, and you know there is a friend,
And you know there is a friend.
He's the Master
The Master of the metal
For Him I sing
He's the Master
The Master of the metal
Christ, my Lord, my King
He's the Master of the metal
You say you like the sound
But still you're going down
You're in the danger zone
We offer you the news
It's up to you to choose
It's time to come on home
Well Jesus is the way
He wants to give you life
So open up your heart
The time is now to start
He wants to give you life
"For Whom Does the Bell Toll (Ps. 23)"
For whom does the bell toll?
For whom does it ring?
The children of God will see his face, and will sing,
And though I walk through valleys and shadows of death,
I know that you are near me, and I will fear no evil.
"Fear No Evil"
No, there's no more need to run,
Fight, stand up for the Son,
He has given you the sword,
Fight, he's given you his word.
Fear no evil, (bloody hands and fangs)
Fear no evil, (creatures of the night)
Fear no evil, (challenge you to fight)
Fear no evil.
For whom does the bell toll?
For whom does it ring?
"The Friend"
When you think you're at the end, and your life's just one big sin,
Just reach out and grab a hand, and you know there is a friend,
And you know there is a friend.
Curt at 'heavyharmonies.com' had the following to say about the band's follow-up release: 'Master of the Metal' may not have the best production values, but on this recording Messiah Prophet shows that they've got the two most important things for a Christian heavy metal band to possess. An uncompromising love of Christ and a sound that will peel your face off and plaster it to the wall!!! Anyone that loves Metal, whether you're a christian or not, should own this!" I believe Curt said it well so if you are looking to add some classic 80's Metal to your collection in the veins of Mötley Crüe, Sacred Warrior, Skid Row, Rage Of Angels, Def Leppard, Dokken, or even Winger then pick up your copy and let the Heavy Metal Thunder rumble once more.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Charlie Clark - Lead Vocals
Andy Strauss - Lead Guitars, Acoustic Guitar, & Backing Vocals
Joe Shirk - Bass & Backing Vocals
David Thunder - Drums & Backing Vocals
Brian Nicarry - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals, & Lead Vocals on "Battle Cry" and "For Whom Does the Bell Toll"
Charlie Clark - Lead Vocals
Andy Strauss - Lead Guitars, Acoustic Guitar, & Backing Vocals
Joe Shirk - Bass & Backing Vocals
David Thunder - Drums & Backing Vocals
Brian Nicarry - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals, & Lead Vocals on "Battle Cry" and "For Whom Does the Bell Toll"