Zion
Zion formed in 1981 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota back in the golden days of the 80's Metal scene. One of the bands that highly influenced Vocalist Rex Scott was the Beatles and you can see some of that influence coming out in this promotional band photo.The band gets their name 'Zion' from the account of Biblical 'Mount Zion' (1 kings 8:1).
In 1982 Zion released a two track Demo called 'Roll The Rock/Less Of Me' with the two tracks being 'Roll The Rock' & 'Less Of Me'. It's notable that these tracks both ended up on their 1989 -'Thunder From the Mountain' disc.
Tracks:
1-Roll The Rock
2-Less Of Me
Musicians:
Rex Scott-Vocals,Guitars
David Moore-Guitars
Marlin Saner-Guitars
Tommy Bozung-Drums
Tracks:
1-Roll The Rock
2-Less Of Me
Musicians:
Rex Scott-Vocals,Guitars
David Moore-Guitars
Marlin Saner-Guitars
Tommy Bozung-Drums
In 1984 Zion released a 10-track full length Demo called 'Rock For Eternity'. This release was a cassette only release.
Tracks:
1-Rock For Eternity
2-Your Love
3-Jesus Loves
4-Full Of Fire(Scott & Fisher)
5-You Need Jesus(Scott & Fisher)
6-Joy Of The Lord(Scott & Fisher)
7-Discontented Man(Dave Moore)
8-One Solitary Life(Fisher)
9-Time Is Running Out
10-Never Had The Chance
Musicians:
Rex Scott-lead vocals, drums and guitar.
Bruce Fischer-vocals, guitar
Dave Moore-vocals, guitar
Greg Sauer-vocals, bass
Tom Bozung-drums
Tracks:
1-Rock For Eternity
2-Your Love
3-Jesus Loves
4-Full Of Fire(Scott & Fisher)
5-You Need Jesus(Scott & Fisher)
6-Joy Of The Lord(Scott & Fisher)
7-Discontented Man(Dave Moore)
8-One Solitary Life(Fisher)
9-Time Is Running Out
10-Never Had The Chance
Musicians:
Rex Scott-lead vocals, drums and guitar.
Bruce Fischer-vocals, guitar
Dave Moore-vocals, guitar
Greg Sauer-vocals, bass
Tom Bozung-drums
In 1989, Zion released their debut album 'Thunder From The Mountain' which was produced by David Zaffiro(Bloodgood,David Zaffiro) who is mostly known for his work a lead guitarist for Bloodgood. The band was very appreciative of David's work in helping the band release a melodic Metal album that most Metal heads could appreciate. However, the band felt that there was a lot of raw intensity sacrificed by Zaffiro eliminating some of the band's harder edge for the sake of a more AOR sound.
When I look at Zion's album artwork on their 1989 debut, what comes to mind is what is stated in Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
The band gets their name from 'Mount Zion', the band's debut 'Thunder From The Mountain' also is taken from this idea, with 'The Mountain' being Mount Zion.
Zion broke up just as they were getting ready to record their sophomore release which was difficult for the band as they had been together for more than 10 years.
X-Sinner's Guitarist Greg Bishop called Rex Scott in 1990 offering him the position of lead Vocalist. Then in 1991 Rex took center stage behind the mic helping X-Sinner release their sophomore album 'Peace Treaty'. Since then, X-Sinner along with Rex Scott, went on to release 2003-'X-Sinner Presents The Angry Einsteins' , 2006-'Fire It Up' , 2006-'Loud And Proud' , 2008-'World Covered In Blood'. These are all good releases however, I prefer Rex Scott's work that he did with Zion over his latter day work.
While we are on the subject of Vocals, we have to mention the backup choir Vocals that are not unlike the choir Vocals of great bands like Theocracy or Stryper.
Guitars are performed by David Moore & Rex Scott from a duo guitar approach with plenty of 80's noodling and solos which is how we like it here at Christian Molten Metal. They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel here but then that's not necessary anyway. This duo team just gave the listener solid driving riffs that go beyond just supporting the vocalist. The guitars here add energy to the tracks driving the songs along. Do I have to mention the track "Is It A Crime"? OK, I will because the guitar work on this AOR tune is incredible and this track should be put in the Christian Music-Hall Of Fame if there ever was such a thing.
Lyrics are a joy to listen to because they came out of an era when bands were not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ as you can see here:
When I look at Zion's album artwork on their 1989 debut, what comes to mind is what is stated in Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
The band gets their name from 'Mount Zion', the band's debut 'Thunder From The Mountain' also is taken from this idea, with 'The Mountain' being Mount Zion.
Zion broke up just as they were getting ready to record their sophomore release which was difficult for the band as they had been together for more than 10 years.
X-Sinner's Guitarist Greg Bishop called Rex Scott in 1990 offering him the position of lead Vocalist. Then in 1991 Rex took center stage behind the mic helping X-Sinner release their sophomore album 'Peace Treaty'. Since then, X-Sinner along with Rex Scott, went on to release 2003-'X-Sinner Presents The Angry Einsteins' , 2006-'Fire It Up' , 2006-'Loud And Proud' , 2008-'World Covered In Blood'. These are all good releases however, I prefer Rex Scott's work that he did with Zion over his latter day work.
While we are on the subject of Vocals, we have to mention the backup choir Vocals that are not unlike the choir Vocals of great bands like Theocracy or Stryper.
Guitars are performed by David Moore & Rex Scott from a duo guitar approach with plenty of 80's noodling and solos which is how we like it here at Christian Molten Metal. They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel here but then that's not necessary anyway. This duo team just gave the listener solid driving riffs that go beyond just supporting the vocalist. The guitars here add energy to the tracks driving the songs along. Do I have to mention the track "Is It A Crime"? OK, I will because the guitar work on this AOR tune is incredible and this track should be put in the Christian Music-Hall Of Fame if there ever was such a thing.
Lyrics are a joy to listen to because they came out of an era when bands were not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ as you can see here:
"Less Of Me"
I'm a driver in the race Power speed for first place I'm a striver for wealth and fame I'm the master of my game To each his own I heard one say But all would be mine if I had my way I'm a liar to think I'd win All kings before me lost in the end Less of me and all I'm trying to be Building my kingdom just to find it so Short of Your Glory I'm a traitor dressed up in pride Constructing life on compromise Manipulator I'll change your mind! Intent to finish all I design I'll use my friends I've lost a few Small price to pay can't wait for you I'm a deceiver bound up in chains Painting my face to hide my pain God save me! I'm a submitter forfeit my rule In the eyes of the world I'm a fool I'm a quitter from serving myself And bearing fruit that rots on the shelf I'm a follower old ways denied Took up the cross I'm crucified I'm now a vessel where Jesus Lives There's nothin' to lose I had nothing to give Less of me the key to my release Surrender this life to you Let Your Glory increase Yeah! |
"Roll The Rock"
Tryin' to find the meaning of life Don't know where to look Well, we don't need "TM" or biofeedback Just open the Book He will roll the stone away from your mind And away from your heart He will give you His light with power and might And that's just a start People seeking a new direction What they need is a resurrection Just as His Son who laid dead in the grave God: "I rolled the rock away" The latest rage because I rock is to call me a fake It might be the money or maybe the fame or who can I take Well, I'm not a scholar but I read in the Book That it's a dangerous thing To call the work of God to be of the devil Makes the warning bell ring! There's no question who I play for Cause I roll for the mightiest rock! If you've got a question about my profession My Boss is ready to talk! Roll the Rock Roll the Rock Roll the Rock Away! |
"He Loves You"
For too long you've been lied to
Been told that sin is O.K.
But it's talkin' you down, it's talkin' you down
There's really a better way
Listen, got something to tell you
Ya don't have to pay the price
Jesus paid it for you
You don't have to gamble your life
'Cause Jesus Loves He Loves You
Jesus Loves He Loves You
Jesus Loves
I'm sick of hearing these lies
Sayin' Hell is O.K.
It's not the truth
It will burn you night and day
But Jesus can save you
He's the only One who can bring you through
So don't ride the Highway to Hell
You really weren't made to
C'mon don't mess around
You're playing with your soul
Don't you know you go on forever
But you decide now where to go
Give it up to Him
Your gift is Eternal Life, Give it up to Jesus
He paid the ultimate price
No sin is too heavy for Jesus to take away
Give it up to Him right now, He will change your life
Today!
For too long you've been lied to
Been told that sin is O.K.
But it's talkin' you down, it's talkin' you down
There's really a better way
Listen, got something to tell you
Ya don't have to pay the price
Jesus paid it for you
You don't have to gamble your life
'Cause Jesus Loves He Loves You
Jesus Loves He Loves You
Jesus Loves
I'm sick of hearing these lies
Sayin' Hell is O.K.
It's not the truth
It will burn you night and day
But Jesus can save you
He's the only One who can bring you through
So don't ride the Highway to Hell
You really weren't made to
C'mon don't mess around
You're playing with your soul
Don't you know you go on forever
But you decide now where to go
Give it up to Him
Your gift is Eternal Life, Give it up to Jesus
He paid the ultimate price
No sin is too heavy for Jesus to take away
Give it up to Him right now, He will change your life
Today!
If you love that nostalgic sound of the 80's with all the cool hooks, sweet guitar licks, and over the top Vocals then this album is recommended with the highest of recommendations.
Tracks for 1989 release:
1-Who Pulls The Strings
2-Kick In The Gates
3-Is It A Crime
4-Help Me
5-Thrill Seeker
6-Sold You A Lie
7-Roll The Rock
8-Less Of Me
9-He Loves You
Musicians:
Rex Scott–Lead Vocals & Guitars
David Moore–Guitars
Jeff Johnson–Bass
Tommy Bozung–Drums
Additional:Guest And Producers: Martin Saner, Charles Meserole & David Zaffiro
1-Who Pulls The Strings
2-Kick In The Gates
3-Is It A Crime
4-Help Me
5-Thrill Seeker
6-Sold You A Lie
7-Roll The Rock
8-Less Of Me
9-He Loves You
Musicians:
Rex Scott–Lead Vocals & Guitars
David Moore–Guitars
Jeff Johnson–Bass
Tommy Bozung–Drums
Additional:Guest And Producers: Martin Saner, Charles Meserole & David Zaffiro
lookin at the cover art on Zion's 'Thrillseeker' album the only thing that comes to mind is that that has got to hurt.
In 2006 Zion released a special album called 'Thrillseeker' using Retroactive Records which is comprised of a few of the band's better tunes performed live along with rare tracks from their Demo releases.
A couple of the live tracks happen to be off their incredible 1989 'Thunder From The Mountain' record -“Who Pulls The Strings”, and “Kick In The Gates”. This album comes highly recommended and is a must have to the serious Zion fan base.
Tracks:
1-Who Pulls The Strings (Live)
2-Kick In The Gates Of Hell (Live)
3-Drum & Bass Solo (Live)
4-Backstage Humor
5-He's Got Power-1982 Demo
6-Radio Snippet
7-Rock For Eternity-1984 Demo 'Rock For Eternity'
8-Your Love-1984 Demo 'Rock For Eternity'
9-Big Fall-rare demo sessions
10-Roll The Rock-rare demo sessions
11-Thrillseeker
Musicians:
Rex Scott–Lead Vocals
David Moore–Guitars
Jeff Johnson–Bass
Tommy Bozung–Drums
In 2006 Zion released a special album called 'Thrillseeker' using Retroactive Records which is comprised of a few of the band's better tunes performed live along with rare tracks from their Demo releases.
A couple of the live tracks happen to be off their incredible 1989 'Thunder From The Mountain' record -“Who Pulls The Strings”, and “Kick In The Gates”. This album comes highly recommended and is a must have to the serious Zion fan base.
Tracks:
1-Who Pulls The Strings (Live)
2-Kick In The Gates Of Hell (Live)
3-Drum & Bass Solo (Live)
4-Backstage Humor
5-He's Got Power-1982 Demo
6-Radio Snippet
7-Rock For Eternity-1984 Demo 'Rock For Eternity'
8-Your Love-1984 Demo 'Rock For Eternity'
9-Big Fall-rare demo sessions
10-Roll The Rock-rare demo sessions
11-Thrillseeker
Musicians:
Rex Scott–Lead Vocals
David Moore–Guitars
Jeff Johnson–Bass
Tommy Bozung–Drums