steven patrick

Solo effort from ex-Holy Soldier singer. Steven's real last name is O'Donnell. So, yes, that is his brother handling the guitars on his solo album. They also played together in a band named Victory, before Steven joined Holy Soldier.

RED REIGN (1995) EMERALD STARE

I was a huge fan of Holy Soldier back when Steven was their vocalist. So when I found out that he had released a solo-album after his demise from that band, it became essential for me to hear it (and own it, of course). Turned out that was easier said than done. 'Red Reign' is one of the rarest albums in the Christian metal circuit. A friend of mine did send me a CDR for me to listen to, as he was lucky enough to find an original for a decent price. Then the strangest thing happened. Almost immediately after receiving the CDR, a used copy turned up for sale at Nordic Mission. So for a little over 10$ I secured this gem. They usually sell for at least 5 times as much on eBay! So what about the music then, you might ask. Well, it's not the best album I own..... The opener is a killer melodic metal tune, and Steven sings better than ever on this album. But it contains 1 or 2 many fillers to really hit it big time with me. Don't get me wrong, this is still a decent melodic metal album. Some people say that this is the album Holy Soldier should have made, instead of 'Promise Man'. The production, or rather the mixing, on this record, is not very good. The vocals are way up front, making Steven's higher notes sound almost intolerable at times. A tune like "Sheperd's Eye" really suffers from this. Steven Patrick delivers a bluesier southern rock feel, which sets it apart form anything Holy Soldier ever did. So if you like your metal very melodic, and with a strong message, I will recommend this album. But don't pay ridiculous amounts of money for it.

Killer tracks: Run Like The Devil, Angel Sing, Sparrow Song

Related artists:

Holy Soldier