{"product_id":"messiah-prophet-master-of-the-metal-new-cd-pure-metal-records","title":"MESSIAH PROPHET - MASTER OF THE METAL (*NEW-CD, Pure Metal Records)","description":"\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/52KvPV5f-y0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew - Factory Sealed - Band reissued but basically looks the same as original issue!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCUSTOMER REVIEW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Master of the Metal\", circa 1986, sounds rather dated now, but was quite groundbreaking when it was released. It was one of the earliest Christian metal albums and among the better ones of its era. I bought this on cassette maybe in 1987 and was pleased to find it on CD a few years back. I still enjoy listening to it when I dig it out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the production quality is not particularly good, but the music is good 80's straight-ahead metal. The songs are well written, with lots of catchy hooks. The vocals are strong and there is some good guitar work throughout the album. Lyrically, the album is fairly bold. Memorably, the last song on the album, \"Voice That's Calling\", ends with an anthemic series of \"Jesus, I will have no gods before You\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are into 80's metal, or particuarly if you are interested in Christian metal history, this is worth getting hold of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. \"Hit and Run\" (4:20)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. \"Master of the Metal\" (5:01)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \"For Whom Does the Bell Toll\" (4:15)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. \"Fear No Evil\" (6:53)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. \"Heavy Metal Thunder\" (5:30)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. \"The Friend\" (3:43)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7. \"Battle Cry\" (6:29)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8. \"Voice That's Calling\" (7:02)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eANGELIC WARLORD REVIEW\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessiah Prophet (previously known as Messiah Prophet Band) experienced a high degree of turnover following the release of its run-of-the-mill 1984 Morada Records debut Rock The Flock: Guitarist Rob Clark departed only to be replaced by rhythm guitarist\/vocalist Brian Nicarry, while bassist Joe Shirk and drummer David Thunder supplanted Dean Pellen (bass) and Dave Daubert (drums) respectively. Returning in 1986 with its Pure Metal sophomore effort Master Of The Metal, Messiah Prophet moves primarily in a straightforward heavy metal direction with occasional tendencies towards melodic metal and commercial hard rock. The end result is a significant leap forward by the band musically in that each of the albums eight tracks are well constructed in holding up under noteworthy melodies and memorable chorus lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClark continues to bring to his high quality classic tenor voice. Newcomer Nicarry, however, handles lead vocals on two tracks and proves an equal talent with a similar classic tenor vocal style. Strauss displays demonstrated improvement on lead guitar, proving to be quite the talented musician in bestowing a plethora of his fast paced and fluid soloing abilities. Nicarry helps round out the mix on rhythm guitar, while Shirk and Thunder combine to form a rhythm section defined by steady bass lines and a thunderous (no pun intended) drum sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe only factor detracting from Master Of The Metal is a slightly thin sounding production job. The bass deserves to be mixed more prominently, while the drums often sound flat and muffled. The rhythm guitar can lack the needed edge and crispness. Only the lead guitar stands out in the mix as it should.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGetting the album underway to several seconds of open air rhythm guitar, \"Heavy Metal Thunder\" advances at a determined mid-tempo pace until it reaches a chorus projecting just the right amount of ardent guitar driven energy. A fiery guitar solo holds sway over the extent of a thirty second instrumental passage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a choppy rhythm guitar propels \"The Friend\" through its first verse in up-tempo fashion, it gains further momentum as it obtains a chorus with a huge catchy hook. Strauss really shines with several seconds of fast paced hammer-on driven lead guitar work. \"The Friend\" is an acronym for Christ:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you think you're at the end\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd your life's just one big sin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust reach out and grab a hand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd you know there is a Friend...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNicarry handles lead vocals on the excellent metal power ballad \"Battle Cry\". An acoustic guitar slowly carries ?Battle Cry? through its first and second verse as vocal harmonies accentuate the emotional atmosphere, the rhythm guitar kicking in as the song picks up in pace for the third. Following several seconds of bluesy lead guitar work, \"Battle Cry\" increases in impetus prior to reaching a chorus of the impassioned variety. \"Battle Cry\" touches upon the issues of spiritual warfare and the battle scars we received as we go through the trials and tribulation of life:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScared alone and hurt again\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are my battle scars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCold and tired no rest in site\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy heart feels the battle scars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy war is not with flesh and blood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStill I'm fighting for my life\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFront lines all the time\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAin't no rest in sight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seven minute epic \"Voice That's Calling\" moves the album back to a more mid-tempo paced heavy metal direction. Evenly propelled through its first verse in a steadfast manner by a driving guitar riff, the song culminates for a sweeping chorus delivering a powerful message:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's a light shining out to the world\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the darkness by His we are hurled\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery knee will bend at the name of Jesus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd every demon bow...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrauss once again flashed his brilliance with another display of blistering lead guitar work. I like how the song closes out its last several minutes as Clark continually wails away, \"Jesus, Jesus I will have no gods before You.\" Great song.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpening to a drum solo and a muscular bass line, \"Hit And Run\" launches into a fast paced riff accentuated by sirens. The song proceeds to move ahead with a ton of hard hitting energy until it culminates for an infectious chorus underlined by deep sounding vocal harmonies. Several seconds of fiery lead guitar work perfectly aligns itself with the songs upbeat momentum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mid-tempo hard rock of the albums title track commences to a heavy duty riff that fortifies its first verse with a ton of metal edged grace and class. Picking up in pace for its bridge, ?Master Of The Metal? evenly flows to a portent chorus giving rise to a deep and heavy ambience. Pounding double bass supports just under a minute of the albums best lead guitar work. \"Master Of The Metal\" talks about exactly that:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus said upon this Rock\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy Church will stand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd for my Church\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'll come again\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe's the Master\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Master of the metal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Him I sing...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChrist, my Lord, my King\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe haunting semi-ballad \"For Whom Does The Bell Toll\" begins, appropriately, to the sound of ringing bells before keyboards slowly carry its first verse as Nicarry sings lyrics taken from Psalm 23:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat though I walk through valleys\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd shadows of death\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI know You are near me\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd I will fear no evil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter an acoustic guitar takes the song through its second verse, the rhythm guitar kicks in to drive a melodic based chorus also inspired by Psalm 23:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYea though I walk\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough valleys of death\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI will fear no evil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe song returns to an acoustic laced direction as it continues to draw upon Psalm 23:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThou preparest a table\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the presence of my foes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe anointest my head with oil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy cup overflows\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd goodness and mercy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShall follow me\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd I will dwell in the House Of God\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForever\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Fear No Evil\" closes the album in good hard rocking fashion. Racing along at breakneck speed (no pun intended) during its first verse, the song picks up in pace as vocal harmonies enter the mix in time to reinforce a chorus carried at an energy-laden upbeat tempo. A bass guitar solo opens an instrumental passage culminating on over a minute of high-octane lead guitar work. The message to \"Fear No Evil\" ties into that of \"For Whom Does The Bell Toll\":\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo - there's no more need to run\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFight - stand up for the Son\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe - has given you the Sword\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFight - He's given you His Word\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFear no evil...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI cannot say enough good things about Master Of The Metal, a terrific work of art giving rise to consistent songwriting backed by first rate lead vocals and equally noteworthy musicianship. Only a muddy sounding production job holds back what otherwise is a top notch effort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy 1989 the musicians performing on Master Of The Metal had departed leaving Charlie Clark as the bands lone member. Clark proceeded to reform the group with an all new line up in time to record the song \"Blinded\" for the Star Song compilation Ultimate Metal. At the time \"Blinded\" was recorded, however, Messiah Prophet was still under contract to Refuge, but when the label was unable to get the ball rolling for a follow up release, the band disbanded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by: Andrew Rockwell\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrack Listing: ?Heavy Metal Thunder? (5:32), ?The Friend? (3:44), ?Battle Cry? (6:25), ?Voice That?s Calling? (7:00), ?Hit And Run? (4:17), ?Master Of The Metal? (4:59), ?For Whom Does The Bell Toll (Psalm 23) (4:10), ?Fear No Evil? (6:49)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMusicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharlie Clark  Lead Vocals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndy Strauss  Guitars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrian Nicarry  Guitars \u0026amp; Lead Vocals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoe Shirk  Bass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Thunder  Drums \u0026amp; Percussion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuest Musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uoXyu6GiO2I\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBill Grabowski  Guitars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlexander Paul - Guitars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Boone's Overstock","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51705075630326,"sku":"mlt1789815938993","price":16.47,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0808\/4907\/6470\/files\/messiah-prophet---master-of-the-metal-new-cd-pure-metal-records_1.jpg?v=1789815944","url":"https:\/\/intentionalcladfit.shop\/products\/messiah-prophet-master-of-the-metal-new-cd-pure-metal-records","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}