Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a Power Metal outfit from Pennsylvania with a strong emphasis on ministry. The group's sound is comparable to such bands as Metal Church, Haven, Shining Force, and Seventh Servant. Sardonyx seeks to introduce people to their Creator as they teach the bible from track to track introducing the listener to the knowledge of God all the while making disciples of Jesus Christ .
I was able to ask the band the meaning behind their moniker and they had the following to say: "Well, Jacob, you may be a little underwhelmed by my answer, but this is the way I remember it. We were looking for a band name (every band needs a name) and we were going through the book of Revelations where John talks about the foundations of the New Heaven....and the fifth foundation is called Sardonyx....and we had 5 members of the band at that time, and so......we said.."Hey that's sounds like a good name"...and that's it. No special hidden meaning...just us looking for a band name and seeing the word Sardonyx."
The band originated back in 1988 when two young bands decided to unite and form one band under the moniker Sardonyx. The original founding members were Tom Denlinger-Vocals, Rod Feltman-Lead Guitars, Michael Anthony-Drums, Tim Swarthout-Lead Guitar, and Chuck Turner on Bass. In 1990 the newly formed band played their first gig at East Juniata High School in mid-state Pennsylvania. Within the same year, Sardonyx recorded their first 4 track EP demo titled 'Rebel Of Reason' at the home studio of Dave Kurtz(Thresher). Shortly thereafter, Guitarist-Tim Swarthout left the band reducing them to a four-piece Metal outfit for the following 3 years. From their conception the band has been and still is an independent band and in their bio had the following to say about it: "We were counseled by multiple people that we should remain an unsigned band if we were to be so hardcore in our message. So many bands told us that we were doing more for ourselves than their labels were doing for them. So we decided to remain an unsigned, independent band even though many of our friends in were signed to REX Records."
Sardonyx has published their own fanzine titled 'LightShine Metal Mag' where they feature letters both for and against what they are doing in their Metal music band ministry. The Mag grew to 16 pages and was sent to over 8,000 people in 42 different countries helping to strengthen and grow their fan base.
In 1992 Sardonyx played at the Creation Festival on the Fringe Stage which garnered the band even more attention from the Metal community. Within the same year, the band was able to finalize and release their full-length debut album titled 'Majestic Serenity' which did well for the band helping them to pay off their project quickly since they weren't signed to a label. In 1994 the band played in the 'Creation Festival' again with the intention of splitting up afterwards mostly due to changes happening in the music industry and Grunge taking over the music scene. In 1996 Tom was moved to put together a progressive Rock theatrical production where some friends joined forces with Tom to bring this project to life in 1996. The band chose the name 'The Scream Of The Guillotine'. This was a full length Rock opera complete with actors and a soundtrack. However, this ambitious theatrical project wouldn't see the light of day until it was finally finished & released in 2001.
In 2004 Sardonyx came back together once again to produce another 4 track demo studio project. With this demo, the band flexes their music muscles having a little fun in the studio by showcasing four different genre styles of Metal music. After their demo project, Sardonyx fans wouldn't see another release for the next 14 years. Sardonyx reformed in 2016 and spent three years working on a new release that would be titled 'Sons Of The Kingdom'.
I was able to ask the band the meaning behind their moniker and they had the following to say: "Well, Jacob, you may be a little underwhelmed by my answer, but this is the way I remember it. We were looking for a band name (every band needs a name) and we were going through the book of Revelations where John talks about the foundations of the New Heaven....and the fifth foundation is called Sardonyx....and we had 5 members of the band at that time, and so......we said.."Hey that's sounds like a good name"...and that's it. No special hidden meaning...just us looking for a band name and seeing the word Sardonyx."
The band originated back in 1988 when two young bands decided to unite and form one band under the moniker Sardonyx. The original founding members were Tom Denlinger-Vocals, Rod Feltman-Lead Guitars, Michael Anthony-Drums, Tim Swarthout-Lead Guitar, and Chuck Turner on Bass. In 1990 the newly formed band played their first gig at East Juniata High School in mid-state Pennsylvania. Within the same year, Sardonyx recorded their first 4 track EP demo titled 'Rebel Of Reason' at the home studio of Dave Kurtz(Thresher). Shortly thereafter, Guitarist-Tim Swarthout left the band reducing them to a four-piece Metal outfit for the following 3 years. From their conception the band has been and still is an independent band and in their bio had the following to say about it: "We were counseled by multiple people that we should remain an unsigned band if we were to be so hardcore in our message. So many bands told us that we were doing more for ourselves than their labels were doing for them. So we decided to remain an unsigned, independent band even though many of our friends in were signed to REX Records."
Sardonyx has published their own fanzine titled 'LightShine Metal Mag' where they feature letters both for and against what they are doing in their Metal music band ministry. The Mag grew to 16 pages and was sent to over 8,000 people in 42 different countries helping to strengthen and grow their fan base.
In 1992 Sardonyx played at the Creation Festival on the Fringe Stage which garnered the band even more attention from the Metal community. Within the same year, the band was able to finalize and release their full-length debut album titled 'Majestic Serenity' which did well for the band helping them to pay off their project quickly since they weren't signed to a label. In 1994 the band played in the 'Creation Festival' again with the intention of splitting up afterwards mostly due to changes happening in the music industry and Grunge taking over the music scene. In 1996 Tom was moved to put together a progressive Rock theatrical production where some friends joined forces with Tom to bring this project to life in 1996. The band chose the name 'The Scream Of The Guillotine'. This was a full length Rock opera complete with actors and a soundtrack. However, this ambitious theatrical project wouldn't see the light of day until it was finally finished & released in 2001.
In 2004 Sardonyx came back together once again to produce another 4 track demo studio project. With this demo, the band flexes their music muscles having a little fun in the studio by showcasing four different genre styles of Metal music. After their demo project, Sardonyx fans wouldn't see another release for the next 14 years. Sardonyx reformed in 2016 and spent three years working on a new release that would be titled 'Sons Of The Kingdom'.
As part of the band's accolades, Sardonyx has played along side of such well known bands as Sacrament, Haven, Thresher, Overdrive, Rez Band, Whitecross, Seraiah, The Brave, and Guardian just to mention a few.
In 2018 Sardonyx released the followup to their 1992 debut-'Majestic Serenity' brilliantly titled 'Sons Of The Kingdom'. This sophomore album was released on the band's own independent label-'Lightshine Music Group'. I must add that the sound quality/production doesn't come across as the normal independent release and sounds as though it was recorded at a professional studio. 'Sons Of The Kingdom' feels like a slightly more mature more focused album than their debut. One reason is that the band steers toward and stays more focused on the Power Metal genre without swerving to the left or the right. Another reason is simply stronger song structure.
Vocalist-Tom Denlinger does a good job of varying his vocals on this 2018 release. He delivers with the right amount of gruff and grit without coming out of character giving this project a strong Metal feel.
Guitarist-Rod Feltman quickly shows that this isn't his first rodeo as he delivers up some intricate guitar play. The shred takes us from 80's era allusions to 90's era guitar play and all the way up to more modern guitar shred styles. In essence, Rod takes one on a historic journey through the ages delivering up various guitar techniques and amazing the listener as he melts them all together.
Holding the lines of the percussion department is newbie Drummer-Bill Pagaran and Bassist-Chuck Turner(founding member). Bill unleashes his furry behind the kit punishing the skins and often employing the double bass pedal to get it done while Turner's Bass lines help keep things heavy throughout the band's arrangements.
When it comes to their lyrics, Sardonyx is a ministry focused band meaning that the band is not trying to hide their faith and proudly boast lyrics that are overtly Christ centered. With that said, it's possible for a band of this nature to come across as being "preach-heavy" in that there's too much information for the listener to process or handle. However, Sardonyx overcomes this enigma by adding the right amount of guitar solos here and there throughout in order to give the listener a chance to rest and reflect on the lyrical message.
The following are some lyric excerpts from 'Sons Of The Kingdom':
"Child Of The King"
YES! The Blood of Christ is glorious (1 John 2:2 / 1 Peter 1:18-19 / Ephesians 1:7-8)
NO! It never stops its holy work (1 John 1:7 / Hebrews 10:19)
WE, with Him will reign victorious (Romans 5:17 / 1 John 5:4-5 / Revelation 5:9-10)
SIN, has lost its power over me! (Romans 6:6-7 / 1 Peter 2:24 / 2 Peter 1:3)
"Greater Things"
But don’t say that you love Me and not do what I say (John 14:15, 21-24)
Your words without actions (Luke 6:46-49 / 1 John 2:3-6).
You think you have a better way (Prov. 14:12; 21:2 / Isaiah 55:8-9 / Jeremiah 17:9-10).
Don’t say that you love Me and not do what I say (James 1:22).
Just live to represent Me (2 Corinthians 5:20 / John 20:21).
My signs will follow you today (Mark 16:15-18 / Romans 15:18-19).
"Awake!"
Yahweh is Your Name (Psalm 8:9; 135:13 / Isaiah 42:8).
There is no god like You (2 Samuel 7:22 / 1 Kings 8:23 / Psalm 86:8a).
You are the Great I AM (Exodus 3:13-14 / John 8:58 / Revelation 1:8).
Maker of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1 / 2 Kings 19:15 / Acts 14:15b / Colossians 1:16-17).
I rest in You (Psalm 37:7a; 116:7 / Matthew 11:28-30).
I will praise Your Name forever (Psalm 44:8b; 45:17; 52:9a).
Arise for my help and redeem me for Your mercies’ sake (Psalm 44:26).
YES! The Blood of Christ is glorious (1 John 2:2 / 1 Peter 1:18-19 / Ephesians 1:7-8)
NO! It never stops its holy work (1 John 1:7 / Hebrews 10:19)
WE, with Him will reign victorious (Romans 5:17 / 1 John 5:4-5 / Revelation 5:9-10)
SIN, has lost its power over me! (Romans 6:6-7 / 1 Peter 2:24 / 2 Peter 1:3)
"Greater Things"
But don’t say that you love Me and not do what I say (John 14:15, 21-24)
Your words without actions (Luke 6:46-49 / 1 John 2:3-6).
You think you have a better way (Prov. 14:12; 21:2 / Isaiah 55:8-9 / Jeremiah 17:9-10).
Don’t say that you love Me and not do what I say (James 1:22).
Just live to represent Me (2 Corinthians 5:20 / John 20:21).
My signs will follow you today (Mark 16:15-18 / Romans 15:18-19).
"Awake!"
Yahweh is Your Name (Psalm 8:9; 135:13 / Isaiah 42:8).
There is no god like You (2 Samuel 7:22 / 1 Kings 8:23 / Psalm 86:8a).
You are the Great I AM (Exodus 3:13-14 / John 8:58 / Revelation 1:8).
Maker of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1 / 2 Kings 19:15 / Acts 14:15b / Colossians 1:16-17).
I rest in You (Psalm 37:7a; 116:7 / Matthew 11:28-30).
I will praise Your Name forever (Psalm 44:8b; 45:17; 52:9a).
Arise for my help and redeem me for Your mercies’ sake (Psalm 44:26).
With the release of 'Sons Of The Kingdom', 2018 is proving to be another solid year of fist pound'n molten Metal for the christian Metal realm. If you are into Power Metal and gravitate towards bands like Metal Church, Haven, Shining Force, and Seventh Servant then you are going to love what Sardonyx brings to the table.
Musicians:
Tom Denlinger-Vocals (founding member)
Rod Feltman-Lead Guitars (founding member)
Chuck Turner-Bass (founding member)
Bill Pagaran-Drums
Guest Musicians:
Pete Shoimos–Bass
Erik Ney–Bass
Tom Denlinger-Vocals (founding member)
Rod Feltman-Lead Guitars (founding member)
Chuck Turner-Bass (founding member)
Bill Pagaran-Drums
Guest Musicians:
Pete Shoimos–Bass
Erik Ney–Bass
#powermetal #whitemetal #heavymetal