Shining Force is a Power Metal band from the lone star state of Texas and the brainchild of guitarist-Billy Vaughn. Shining Force formed back in 1995 when Billy had a moment of divine clarity. It was at that moment when Billy discovered his true calling and purpose. He would use Metal music to reach the world with a message of salvation. Billy then brought on vocalist-Randy Dickey, lead guitarist-Richard Navarro, bassist-Jose Chavez, and drummer-Ralph Mendez. With a full roster, the band released a demo in 1998 titled “More Than Conquerors”. During the next 3 years, the band played at several hundred different venues all over the area reaching many for the kingdom of God. In 2001 Shining Force stepped onto the Metal scene with the release of their independent debut album titled 'Holy Nation'. With their first release, the group began gaining traction. Just two years later, in 2003 the band followed-up with the release of their sophomore self-titled album 'Shining Force' on Blood Bought Records. The album received rave reviews and found the band entering into the Power Metal realm of music. However, after the release of their sophomore album, Shining Force went on a 16-year hiatus leaving fans to wonder if they would ever hear from them again. In 2019, to the surprise of their fans, Shining Force returned to the Metal scene with their third full-length album titled 'By The Blood'. The album finds the band continuing in the Power Metal direction of their sophomore release. 'By The Blood' was a solid release and went on to garner the band rave reviews. However, while recording the album, Billy was struck by a deadly illness, and it was at that time that two members decided to leave the band. The band continued doing venues as long as they could until the illness got worse. Billy then had to go through a liver transplant. After the surgery, Billy made a recovery and returned to playing some gigs and venues. During this time, he recruited some new musicians in order to fill the vacant positions. The roster for 'By The Blood' was comprised of vocalist-Randy Dickey, lead guitarist-Richard Navarro, rhythm guitarist-Billy Vaughn, bassist-David Lentz, keyboardist-Dan MacFarland, along with an anonymous drummer.
       The band takes the idea for their moniker from scripture found in Matthew 5:16 "let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and Glorify your father in heaven".
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2024
       In 2024 Shining Force released their fourth full-length studio album titled 'Spiritual Warfare' on Roxx Records. The album was mixed by Travis Wills(Crimson Glory) & mastered by his friend Derek Taylor. 'Spiritual Warfare' finds founding member Billy Vaughn returning with a whole new Power Metal sound and a totally new roster. The line-up for 'Spiritual Warfare' is comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist-Abel Molano, rhythm guitarist-Billy Vaughn, guitarist-Chris Tooke, bassist-Arnold Cantu, and drummer-Ernie Lopez. 
       The album's musical direction draws comparison to bands like Within Silence, Queensrÿche, and Sacred Warrior. The arrangements contain progressive elements along with plenty of time changes and hooks all helping to make this a solid project. When it comes to production, where their 'By the Blood' album had a more raw overall sound along with lower tuned guitars, this latest release has a more polished sound with guitarists playing a more modern-day Power Metal sound.
       The album also features a strong performance from guest musician Tim 'Ripper' Owens(Judas Priest, Iced Earth) on track-5 "Angel of Light". The track-list for 'Spiritual Warfare' includes 1.Spiritual Warfare  2.Savior of the World 3.Shining Force 4.All For The One 5.Angel of Light 6.Alive 7.Seven 8.Battle Hymn 9.One Way In No Way Out 10.King of Kings 11.The Holy One.     
       Abel Molano takes front and center for the band as their new vocalist. Molano is a very capable vocalist and does a good job of mixing things up with his vocal deliveries throughout this project. Where Molano really stands out and excels as a singer is with his higher and heavier vocal deliveries throughout this project.
       Shining Force has not one or two, but 3 very talented shredders in their arsenal. The string section is managed by rhythm guitarist-Billy Vaughn, guitarist-Chris Tooke, & guitarist-Abel Molano. I can't say enough about the guitar work here on this record. Billy, Chris, & Molano all do their parts in unleashing a heavy 6-string assault! The guitars move in and out from Power Metal riffs to Neo-classical to acoustic to Thrash to modern-day noodling & soloing styles. The guitar section even delivers up some Doom guitars in the opening of track-7 "Seven".
       Bassist-Arnold Cantu does a good job of holding his own with his bass lines while drummer-Ernie Lopez drops the hammer on the skins from track to track.
Lyrics are Christ centered and evangelical as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Savior of the World"
He is the Savior of the World
He lived and died for us all
He brings us hope and love
the Savior of the World


"All for the One"
I found the key inside
the one who took His life
trail set ablaze tonight
all for the One who fights


"Alive"
God give me
the strength I need
to survive
the battle of my life
waking up to the morning sun
feeling the light
life's just begun
every breathe a gift to receive
living each moment I truly believe


​"Battle Hymn"
Father, hear my prayer
give me the strength I need
Father, can You hear me calling?
please shed Your grace on me
Verse 2

with faith as my armor
his sovereign word my sword
in the distance I can see
that glory is calling me
the war is won, He gave us victory


"The Holy One"
in the midst of the darkness
there shines a light for you and me
in a world that’s corrupted
there stands a hope that we can't see
with our eyes we see the evil
but with our faith we overcome these deeds
the devil’s presence is among you
but our God has a plan you see

Jesus has overcome
Jesus the Holy One
Jesus has overcome
Jesus the Holy One
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(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
       With their latest offering, Shining Force moves in a good direction as they take listeners on a Powerful hard hittin' musical ride. If you're looking for some new Power Metal to add to your collection, then check out this latest release 'Spiritual Warfare' by Shining Force. Help support Christian Metal and the band by picking up your copy of 'Spiritual Warfare' today!
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:​
Musicians:
Abel Molano - Lead Vocals, Guitars
Chris Tooke - Guitars
Billy Vaughn - Rhythm Guitars
Arnold Cantu - Bass
Ernie Lopez - Drums