Prodigal is an up and coming Melodic Heavy Metal band from Phoenix Arizona that originated back in 2018 with founding members Vocalist-Mark Fekete(Amethyst) & Guitarist-Jim Maropoulos(Chasen/White Foxx). Both Mark and Jim created Prodigal with the sole purpose of producing 80's style Metal that reaches out and ministers to a nation unaware of God's Word.
Concerning the band's moniker, guitarist-Jim Maropoulos states: "To me it represents when my grandmother was praying for me to return to the family. I was out in the world doing drugs and going to jail. It use to break her heart. She never stopped praying for me. She would call me the Prodigal. She did get to see me return to the family. God restored me and my family. It is truly a Prodigal story."
Vocalist-Mark Fekete states: “Indeed, and what a powerful testimony to the power of PRAYER... We are all Prodigals... We have all dealt with or are dealing with demons... But in the end, our Father never loses hope that we will return.”
Vocalist-Mark Fekete states: “Indeed, and what a powerful testimony to the power of PRAYER... We are all Prodigals... We have all dealt with or are dealing with demons... But in the end, our Father never loses hope that we will return.”
In 2019 Prodigal stepped onto the Metal scene with the release of their 7-track demo smartly titled 'Are You Ready'. Are You Ready delivers up Guitar driven Melodic Heavy Metal that draws inspiration from the 80's and 90's Rock scene. The band is managed by Dave Kruse of 'The Covenant Metal Show' and this recording was released on the Reignbow Records label. The demo has a total running time of around 38 min making this release a little longer than your average EP allowing for a fuller listening experience than most shorter demos offer. In spite of this release being on the level & quality of a demo, the production is pretty good to say the least. From track to track there are a few sound level changes but it doesn't distract from the overall listening experience.
Concerning the history behind track-3 the band had the following to say: "The lyrics to "Are You Ready" are about the end times. This song is a remake of Amethyst's Are You Ready from 1991. Mark Fekete wrote this piece with the former guitarist of Amethyst-Mark Maye in 1991. "Are You Ready" has been a staple at live shows and now Prodigal has taken it and modernized it with the same vocalist."
Mark Fekete, former Amethyst vocalist, delivers up the goods with enough grit and hooks to hold ones attention through repeat listens. In addition, Mark does a good job of interjecting powerful vocals lines throughout the demo to add punch to the tracks at various points.
Shredder-Jim Maropoulos(Chasen/White Foxx) handles lead guitars for the band and is supported by Rhythm Guitarist-Rigoberto Reyes along with additional help from Mark Fekete. Jim Maropoulos is not new on the Metal scene having cut his teeth with bands like Chasen and White Foxx back in the 80's.
Throughout this 2019 release, Maropoulos demonstrates his prowess on the six strings as he is often found cutting loose with some jaw dropping melodic solos. Maropoulos' playing style draws inspiration from the 80’s and 90’s reminding one of such guitarist as Frank DiCostanzo(Rage of Angels) or Oz Fox(Stryper).
It’s also worth noting that on “Revelation Stew” the guitar work takes on an impressive blues style Metal sound not unlike what we have heard from the band Rez in years passed.
Throughout this 2019 release, Maropoulos demonstrates his prowess on the six strings as he is often found cutting loose with some jaw dropping melodic solos. Maropoulos' playing style draws inspiration from the 80’s and 90’s reminding one of such guitarist as Frank DiCostanzo(Rage of Angels) or Oz Fox(Stryper).
It’s also worth noting that on “Revelation Stew” the guitar work takes on an impressive blues style Metal sound not unlike what we have heard from the band Rez in years passed.
Prodigal's Lyrics are thought provoking and Christ centered
as one can see in the following excerpts:
as one can see in the following excerpts:
“Trial by Fire”
You think that you've got it made in this cold cold world on your own
Trying to find the answers, but the questions remain unknown
There is a simple solution to the mystery of this life
Upon the cross salvation was made and blood was shed... Jesus paid the price
“Are You Ready!”
Are you waiting for the King
Or are you gonna take the sting
Are you ready for the call
To worship Christ the Lord of all… Are you Ready!
Are you ready
Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand
“Cold World”
God’s wrath was released through fire and flood
And for the grand finale turning water to blood
Then many diseases and the locusts released
His anger upon us, then out comes the beast
“The Darkness”
You set one foot in the grave
And soon you understand you're only a slave
You're living in your sin
You're running from this life straight into the night
The darkness fills your soul
But there's really just one way to make yourself whole
Reach out to the Father, the only creator
Or death will take its toll
"Prodigal is now working on new material with the current lineup, including the vocals of both Mark Fekete and Brandy Spangle. Stay tuned, and please purchase some music to support the ministry so we can continue to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ the Messiah!"
Pick up your copy of Prodigal's 'Are You Ready' release and lets support the band and lets support Metal music.
Pick up your copy of Prodigal's 'Are You Ready' release and lets support the band and lets support Metal music.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
("Are You Ready" has been submitted to Amazon but may take
from 6-8 weeks to show there so please keep checking back)
from 6-8 weeks to show there so please keep checking back)
Musicians:
Mark Fekete(Amethyst) - Lead Vocals/Guitars
Jim Maropoulos(Chasen/White Foxx) - Lead Guitars
Rigoberto Reyes - Rhythm Guitars
Scott Spangle - Bass
Les Townsend - Drums
Mark Fekete(Amethyst) - Lead Vocals/Guitars
Jim Maropoulos(Chasen/White Foxx) - Lead Guitars
Rigoberto Reyes - Rhythm Guitars
Scott Spangle - Bass
Les Townsend - Drums