SION is a Portuguese Heavy Metal band from São Bernardo do Campo, Brasil that was formed in 2000 by long time friends guitarist-Silvio Ferderle and drummer-Rodrigo Santana. In the beginning, the group went by a different moniker calling themselves 'Archangel'. Not long after coming together, Silvio & Rodrigo began searching out other musicians for their project. They contacted keyboardist-Richard Krasnuk who promptly came on board. The group then reached out to bassist-Wagner Malaguês and vocalist-Marcelo Marques to fill the band's other vacant positions. Wagner & Marcelo were both available at the time and didn't delay in joining forces with the other 3 to complete the roster for this South American band. The members of Sion all have a heart for reaching out to people and felt immediately drawn together in this purpose. They came together with a common goal - to take the Gospel message to the world, especially to the younger generations.
In 2003 'Archangel' garnered much needed recognition when they participated in a contest that was promoted by Nossa Rádio - which is a communication network of the 'International Church of the Grace of God'. The band was selected as the best band from over a thousand subscribers. With their newfound success, the band was energized & motivated to move forward. At this time, the group changed their name to 'SION' and began working on material for venues and a debut release.
In 2003 'Archangel' garnered much needed recognition when they participated in a contest that was promoted by Nossa Rádio - which is a communication network of the 'International Church of the Grace of God'. The band was selected as the best band from over a thousand subscribers. With their newfound success, the band was energized & motivated to move forward. At this time, the group changed their name to 'SION' and began working on material for venues and a debut release.
Zion, sometimes written as Sion in the bible, is referring to a location and is used as a synonym for Jerusalem as well as for the Land of Israel as a whole. The following verses show the two different spellings for Zion:
Isaiah 2:3 “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Romans 11:26 "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob".
Isaiah 2:3 “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Romans 11:26 "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob".
In 2004 Sion released their debut full-length album titled 'Sacrifício' on Graça Music. With the release of their debut album, track-4 "À Procura" was picked up and played on some local radio stations garnering the band no small amount of success and much needed recognition from the Brazilian Metal community. This debut recording seems to have been some what of an experimental project for the band in order to help them find their niche as a Metal band. Even though there are a few tracks worth checking out here, overall the album's arrangements lack the structure to make them memorial along with the absence of hooks which are necessary to hold the listener's attention.
In 2010 SION released their sophomore full-length album titled 'Honra e Glória' on Graça Music. The album was produced by Richard Krasnuk along with help from members of Sion. This follow-up release finds the band in top form with high-end vocals by Marcelo, heavy guitar play by Silvio, punchy bass lines by Wagner, subtle keyboards by Richard, and relentless drums by Rodrigo. Their sophomore album reveals a more mature band with all the right hooks, stronger production, tighter arrangements, and more cohesive song structure.
I must say, frontman-Marcelo Marques' delivery took this listener by surprise and is one of the many things that drew my attention to the band. Without question, Marcelo can hold his own up against the best of singers within the same Metal genre. There are times when Marcelo's vocals take on a heavy raspy delivery not unlike that of Herbie Langhans(Seventh Avenue) or JT(Metal Nobre). Then, there are times when Marcelo's vocals and the music style both mellow out and we discover some Eros Ramazzotti influences within a few different tracks.
There are a number of tracks that stand out on this 2010 offering including 1. Honra e Glória 2. Guerreiros da Luz 3. O Desafio 6. Palácios 7. Continue! 10. Nossas Vidas 11. Brasil 12. Pra Você Viver 13. Tão Perto 14. Somente Deus 15. Nova Chance. This is not to say that the other unlisted tracks are terrible either. However, when it was all said and done, these were some of the better offerings that stood out to this listener.
Shredder-Silvio Ferderle presents a wide range of guitar styles on this release including heavy driving guitar work, Power Metal, Bluesy guitars, and 80's style noodling.
The album's lyrics for 'Honra e Glória' are thought provoking and Christ centered
as one can see in the following excerpts:
as one can see in the following excerpts:
(Lyrics have been translated from Portuguese to English)
"Honra e Glória" - (Honor and Glory)
As he rises in the sky in all strength and power, nothing can stop Him
All who defy Him will know His fury
Revenge is in His hands
His soldiers on their knees adore Him, await order of battle
To help His bride, like lightning, crosses the sky!
"O Desafio" - (The Challenge)
What are you going to do, fight or give up?
But in the arm of God you can win!
You're being watched at all times, there's no escaping The
fight waged in the battle against evil
Our weapons are spiritual
There's no turning back
And our General is what makes us win!
"Palácios" - (Palaces)
Our moments alone
See your hands pierced
Your body pierced
Death memories of that cross
You suffered for me Jesus
I love you and I hope this day comes
In your palaces I will live
All suffering and pain in heaven will not exist
Your word will be fulfilled
"Nossas Vidas" - (Our Lives)
Whatever it takes, let's move on
No enemy will stop us
Planting, watering and harvesting
All the promises you made us
I will love you forever
Whatever comes Christ is our shelter, yes let's win
Nothing will shake our faith
"Pra Você Viver" - (For You to Live)
I am Jesus of Nazareth
I was killed on the cross for you to live
I am Jesus of Nazareth
I was killed on the cross for you to live... For you to live
"Somente Deus" - (Only God)
Only God will change your story your situation
There's a way out for you, now don't give up
Walk on the right path, the right decision:
Come walk in the light, Life, peace and joy
And eternal love he will give you, his name is Jesus!
"Honra e Glória" - (Honor and Glory)
As he rises in the sky in all strength and power, nothing can stop Him
All who defy Him will know His fury
Revenge is in His hands
His soldiers on their knees adore Him, await order of battle
To help His bride, like lightning, crosses the sky!
"O Desafio" - (The Challenge)
What are you going to do, fight or give up?
But in the arm of God you can win!
You're being watched at all times, there's no escaping The
fight waged in the battle against evil
Our weapons are spiritual
There's no turning back
And our General is what makes us win!
"Palácios" - (Palaces)
Our moments alone
See your hands pierced
Your body pierced
Death memories of that cross
You suffered for me Jesus
I love you and I hope this day comes
In your palaces I will live
All suffering and pain in heaven will not exist
Your word will be fulfilled
"Nossas Vidas" - (Our Lives)
Whatever it takes, let's move on
No enemy will stop us
Planting, watering and harvesting
All the promises you made us
I will love you forever
Whatever comes Christ is our shelter, yes let's win
Nothing will shake our faith
"Pra Você Viver" - (For You to Live)
I am Jesus of Nazareth
I was killed on the cross for you to live
I am Jesus of Nazareth
I was killed on the cross for you to live... For you to live
"Somente Deus" - (Only God)
Only God will change your story your situation
There's a way out for you, now don't give up
Walk on the right path, the right decision:
Come walk in the light, Life, peace and joy
And eternal love he will give you, his name is Jesus!
Even if you're like me and can't understand Portuguese, I believe one can still appreciate the band's work. Give this album a spin because the vocals, the hooks, and the melodic arrangements, will all have you beggin' for more! SION's 2010 album - 'Honra e Glória' is a solid offering and will make a handsome addition to any Metal collection.
Musicians:
Marcelo Marques - Vocals
Silvio Ferderle - Guitars
Wagner Malaguês - Bass
Richard Krasnuk - Keyboards
Rodrigo Santana - Drums
Marcelo Marques - Vocals
Silvio Ferderle - Guitars
Wagner Malaguês - Bass
Richard Krasnuk - Keyboards
Rodrigo Santana - Drums