Apostle was a Christian Power Metal band from Jacksonville, Florida founded in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Matt Harding, guitarist Chip Randall, guitarist Chris Smith, drummer Dusty Lambert and bassist David Lawson. Within the first year the band was down to only Matt Harding and David Lawson, so they brought in drummer Bill Box, and kept on as a trio for 2-3 years. Then David Lawson was out, and in came Mark Borrero on bass. Later Bill Box left and David McKee came on the scene for a few years. Bill Box came back for 'Steel Armada'.  For all intents and purposes, Matt Harding is Apostle. Apostle released several Cassette-only releases with Bill Box on drums; 'Metal For The Master', 'Apostle', 'White Metal', 'King Of The Saints' and 'Steel Armada'. Then drummer David McKee joined for 'Chariots Of Iron' and 'Hymns' (which was produced by Glenn Kaiser of the Rez Band). In 1988, "The Sword" (from 'Hymns') appeared on a Regency Records release called 'East Coast Metal'. Matt Harding released 'Steel Armada' with Bill Box back on drums and Ray Schmidt on bass. Then in 1994, with a new line up, Apostle released 'Prepare To Meet God' with the addition of David Brown on vocals.

PREPARE TO MEET GOD (1994) LIFEFORCE (Bootleg)

Apostle is yet another white metal band I was totally unaware of, until I got the internet. Thanks to places like The Christian Metal Realm and Firestream I learned to know about this power metal band. Although the band released several demos and self released cassette albums during the 80's, it wasn't until 1994 that they got to release a proper full-length album. I'm not sure that LifeForce Records was anything but an independent label, run by the band themselves. But at least this album gave the band some recognition. And the response must have rubbed off on the bootleggers over 10 years later. Because I suspect that my version of this album is a Greek bootleg. Nevertheless, 'Prepare To Meet God' is a great album. The music is epic power metal, the kind they only make in the US. Apostle have much in common with bands like Thunder Rider and Lordian Guard, although Apostle might be a little more accessible then those two. The riffs are galloping, the vocals are wailing, brought to you here by newcomer David Brown, and the lyrics are pointing to our Almighty Savior, Jesus Christ. What more could one ask for? 'Prepare To Meet God' is one of my better finds in recent years! I hope the band gets to re-release more of their old cassette albums on CD in near future!

Killer tracks: Six Hundred Sixty Six, Resurrection Dance, Betrayed, Alpha And Omega, Pray

Apostle also appear on:  

V/A - 'East Coast Metal'