Shining Force
Shining Force is a Heavy Metal/Power Metal outfit from Pasadena, Texas that formed back in 1995 with just one member - Billy Vaughn. In 1997 Billy connected with Vocalist-Randy Dickey as the two had similar visions for the band's direction. In 1998 Shining Force was able to record a demo titled “More Than Conquerors” which helped the band to garner a fan base as they traveled and did various gigs. In 2001 Shining Force released their debut full-length album titled 'Holy Nation'. This debut release was produced through Dewlen Studios and received good reviews from various sources like webzines, magazines, and several radio stations where the band was heard across 26 countries. Then in 2003 the band followed up with their sophomore self-titled full-length album - 'Shining Force'. This album was released on Blood Bought Records and found the band moving into Power Metal territory along with some over all tighter production than previous releases.
Shining Force takes the idea for their band's name from Matthew 5:16 "let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and Glorify your father in heaven"
The band members list their influences as being Judas Priest, Dokken, Deliverance, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Kamelot, Dream Theater, and many more. As one listens to Shining Force's albums, you definitely can hear bits and pieces, of the aforementioned bands, coming out in their arrangements.
"Many years have passed by and we are still at it. Shining Force has been through some trials,
but when we get knocked down we get right back up and get back into the fight."
but when we get knocked down we get right back up and get back into the fight."
In 2019 Shining Force stepped into the studio once more to produce their third full-length album gracefully titled - 'By The Blood'. The production was done by Michael Heald and Billy Vaughn who both produced, mixed, and mastered the CD together. The album was recorded at Heald Studios where Mike was the producer and engineer and Billy Vaughn was the co-producer of the mixing and mastering of the album.
The band's album cover art has greatly improved since that of their earlier releases. The cover art on this 2019 release depicts the biblical scene at Golgotha(Place Of the Skull) where Jesus was crucified. Shining Force takes the idea for their cover art from John 19:17 "And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:"
The band's album cover art has greatly improved since that of their earlier releases. The cover art on this 2019 release depicts the biblical scene at Golgotha(Place Of the Skull) where Jesus was crucified. Shining Force takes the idea for their cover art from John 19:17 "And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:"
If anyone has listened to any earlier releases by the band then you are quite aware of what Vocalist-Randy Dickey offers up with his powerful soaring vocal performance. With this 2019 release Randy delivers the goods with a vocal style that can be compared to vocalist-Chaz Bond of the well known band Jacobs Dream and BioGenesis. One of Randy Dickey's strengths is in creating variance from track to track by the many different vocal deliveries he is able to produce. In addition, Randy does a fine job of giving the songs regular intervals to breath by allowing the instruments frequent opportunities to take front and center.
The Guitar section is comprised of Lead Guitarist-Richard Navarro & Rhythm Guitarist-Billy Vaughn. Navarro & Vaughn both offer up everything from driving guitars to Power Metal riffs to melodic play to Thrash oriented shred. The lead Guitars for track-4 "Demon Fighter" were handled by an additional guest Guitarist-Michael Heald. The last track on the album - "Millennial Reign" is a short melodic instrumental also featuring the guitar work of Michael Heald along with Billy Vaughn.
Bassist-David Lentz lays down some heavy Bass lines for the band while Keyboardist-Dan MacFarland adds some subtle touches to the arrangements.
The main percussionist for Shining Force wishes to remain anonymous so we will refer to him as the anonymous drummer. The anonymous drummer handles the Drums for the band on all tracks accept track-3 - "By The Blood" in which Drummer-Angel Perez filled in. Over all, on this release the Drums take on more of a raw unpolished sound in the mix not unlike what we find on Thrash Metal albums. As a bonus, there's a few times when Anonymous unleashes the double bass pedal kicking the tempo into overdrive.
"Make no mistake Shining Force is honored to call Jesus Lord. We do not judge rather minster through
love and provide a positive Metal product with the message of life and salvation through the King Jesus Christ. Our lyrics are plain and we do not hide our Faith in order to please the media or masses.
Our Vision is simple; see souls won to the Kingdom of God, set the captives free,
minister to the sick, imprisoned, children, hungry, widow, orphans and single parent homes."
love and provide a positive Metal product with the message of life and salvation through the King Jesus Christ. Our lyrics are plain and we do not hide our Faith in order to please the media or masses.
Our Vision is simple; see souls won to the Kingdom of God, set the captives free,
minister to the sick, imprisoned, children, hungry, widow, orphans and single parent homes."
"Lay It Down"
Consequences come and go
Seems it all attacks your soul, Well
Putting all these things aside
Once in darkness now in light
Put away all the past
There's nothing there for you, No
You were lost but now you're found
You gotta lay it, OH, OH lay it down
"Rapture"
The war cries, the peace denied
As the earth shivers and shakes
The eastern sky opens the Light
Gabriels trump sounds the end of time
Rachel weeps for her children
Their blood flowing in the streets
Jewish cry for the Messiah
The Beast enters the gates!
"By The Blood"
Raised on day three.
Indicative of the Trinity!
Faced death and oh such pain.
Bore all of our sins and our shame.
Now the stone rolled away.
Fulfilling all what they heard him say.
Chorus:
By The Blood we are free, By the Blood victory
By the Blood created Grace!!!!!
"Resist The Devil"
All the things that haunt you
You must let go
The accuser reminds you, to damage your soul
The weapons of our warfare, is God's Holy Word
Speak clearly and out loud, His words to be heard
Resist and he will flee
Resist and be free
Resist the father of lies
Resist take back your life
Resist in Jesus name
Resist lay down your blame
Resist you're under grace
Consequences come and go
Seems it all attacks your soul, Well
Putting all these things aside
Once in darkness now in light
Put away all the past
There's nothing there for you, No
You were lost but now you're found
You gotta lay it, OH, OH lay it down
"Rapture"
The war cries, the peace denied
As the earth shivers and shakes
The eastern sky opens the Light
Gabriels trump sounds the end of time
Rachel weeps for her children
Their blood flowing in the streets
Jewish cry for the Messiah
The Beast enters the gates!
"By The Blood"
Raised on day three.
Indicative of the Trinity!
Faced death and oh such pain.
Bore all of our sins and our shame.
Now the stone rolled away.
Fulfilling all what they heard him say.
Chorus:
By The Blood we are free, By the Blood victory
By the Blood created Grace!!!!!
"Resist The Devil"
All the things that haunt you
You must let go
The accuser reminds you, to damage your soul
The weapons of our warfare, is God's Holy Word
Speak clearly and out loud, His words to be heard
Resist and he will flee
Resist and be free
Resist the father of lies
Resist take back your life
Resist in Jesus name
Resist lay down your blame
Resist you're under grace
"The Shining Force Cd “By The Blood” will be ready for release on May 18th 2019. This is the official release date. I will be dedicating this album to 3 dear people. My Brother Mickey Vaughn who passed away In October of 2017, my friend Rudy Ochoa who also passed away and my friend Garold Sears who is suffering with cancer. The cd sounds amazing and I can’t wait till the release date."
After May 18th the band will be selling physical copies of 'By The Blood' at their Facebook site.
Musicians:
Randy Dickey-Vocals
Richard Navarro-Lead Guitars
Billy Vaughn-Rhythm Guitars
David Lentz-Bass
Dan MacFarland-Keyboards
Anonymous-Drums
Guest Musicians:
Angel Perez-Drums on "By The Blood"
Randy Dickey-Vocals
Richard Navarro-Lead Guitars
Billy Vaughn-Rhythm Guitars
David Lentz-Bass
Dan MacFarland-Keyboards
Anonymous-Drums
Guest Musicians:
Angel Perez-Drums on "By The Blood"