top left to right: Michael Anthony (drums), Tom Denlinger (vocals), Jeff King (keyboards) bottom left to right: Chuck Turner (bass), Rod Feltman (guitars), Kevin Bradley (guitars)

Sardonyx was a power metal ministry band and did live shows from 1990 to 1994. It was founded in 1988 by Rod Feltman, Tim Swarthout, Chuck Turner, Michael Anthony Simione and Tom Denlinger. After releasing a demo in 1990, entitled 'Rebel Of Reason', their one and only full-length album, 'Majestic Serenity', saw the light of day in 1992. This was released on the bands own label, Lightshine, which later on also became the bands ministry foundation. As a band, Sardonyx broke up in 1994. But in 2002 the band was once again announcing activity, and in 2005 a brand new EP was released. 2007 saw their album, and demo, reissued through Retroactive Records.

LINEAR PROGRESSION (2005) LIGHTSHINE (EP)

13 years have gone by since we last got new music from Sardonyx. The members have since then been scattered throughout the US, and therefore it has been difficult for them to get anything new recorded. But in 2002 they decided to at least try. The result is this 4 tracks EP. And what a blast it is to hear this true Christian power metal band in 2005! They describe their music as worship metal, and I can relate to that 100%. The first track is a stinkin' heavy metal tune, with some modern influences. But when a band is old school enough to deliver a killer guitar-solo, then I'm all for it! The next 2 tracks slows it down a bit, and especially "I'm Free" is an anointed track that I can listen to non stop. Man, these guys are all about praising our good Lord! The EP ends with yet another stellar power metal tune, called "Power Unto You". I'd already heard a clip from this one through their website, and I knew I'd love this song based on that. I was totally correct! I wish more bands played this kind of stuff in the Christian scene nowadays. 100% metal, 100% worship! I only hope they can manage to record a full-length for us soon!

MAJESTIC SERENITY (Expanded Edition) (1992/1990, 2007) RETROACTIVE

This is a reissue of the 1992 album, 'Majestic Serenity'. This remastered Expanded Edition comes with the 1990 demo, 'Rebel Of Reason', also remastered, as a bonus. So now we can finally hear these classic albums with improved sound. And I am the first to say that the original recordings never impressed me much. However, the EP the band released in 2005 did, and since I was eager to finally get to hear the bands demo songs, this reissue became a must have item. And I'm happy to say that both albums have undergone a tremendous "face-lift". First of all, the new artwork looks way better, although I'm never a fan of altering classic stuff like that. But the new booklet also comes with the original art, and some really extensive liner notes, so one can only be pleased with the overall look of the new version. And I also find it way easier to get into the bands brand of power metal this time around also. I don't know if it is the remastering that has done the trick, but I actually find myself liking the album way better this time around. Sardonyx play unadulterated US power metal! People today seem to have forgotten what this term originally meant. So lend your ears to this band, and be enlightened. And who's to know, maybe you'll get a spiritual awakening as well. Because these guys wear their beliefs on their sleeves, and makes no bones about telling you that the aim of the band is to reach the lost for Christ. Thus all the lyrics are Christ-centered, and tells you the truth about the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ! I'm really glad Retroactive got to re-release this gem, and that I finally got to hear the 'Rebel Of Reason' demo too. The songs presented on the demo are just as good, if not even better, as the songs from the 'Majestic Serenity' album. They are certainly heavier.

Killer tracks: Paracletos, Corridor Of Light, Holy Avenger, Call Upon The Master, Liar, Don't Chase The Rainbow, Rebel Of Reason

Related artists:

The Scream Of The Guillotine, Sacrament, Messiah Prophet, Believer