{"product_id":"xalt-dark-war-retroarchives-edition-new-180-gram-vinyl-retroactive-records","title":"XALT - DARK WAR (Retroarchives Edition) (*NEW-180 Gram Vinyl, Retroactive Records)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/F9z4wbWq-_E\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e***We strongly encourage you to purchase hassle-free low cost insurance for your order at checkout. It will cover your entire order against damage, not just this item. Insurance does not cover lost packages. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirst time ever in vinyl!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e180-Gram heavy-weight vinyl\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes 12x12 insert with lyrics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes detailed write ups and reflections from band leader, James Erdman\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart of the elite Limited Run Vinyl series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimited to just 200 copies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABOUT THE ALBUM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e is an unabashedly \"old school\" metal record, and for as much as collectors have sought out this near impossible find, this 1988 cassette only album was an independent release put out by a band that was leading a Christian metal movement in Michigan, Ohio and the surrounding areas! The band would not have the support of a label (Pure Metal) until their sophomore release, \u003cem\u003eUnder the Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e. Dark War has consistently been on the the most requested (and bootlegged) Christian Metal reissues list because the songs are nothing less than lumbering beasts with monolithic slabs of rhythm guitar, and hooks that bring to mind 1980s Dio - especially his work with Black Sabbath during their \u003cem\u003eHeaven \u0026amp; Hell\u003c\/em\u003e era. Its literally impossible to listen to such epic tracks as The Cross, God In A Box, and Dark War and and not imagine how easily Xalt could have become the next MTV sensations right alongside Stryper, Judas Priest, and Dokken. Yes, Dark War is THAT good! And, for almost 30 years its never been officially available in any format but cassette...until Retroactive Records reissued the CD in 2017, and this is the first time this classic has ever been offered on vinyl!  Remastered for vinyl by Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound), this reissue resurrects one of Christian Metal's greatest moments. Enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracks\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e1. Ariel\u003cbr\u003e2. The Cross\u003cbr\u003e3. God In A Box\u003cbr\u003e4. Where Victory Storms\u003cbr\u003e5. Angry Fire\u003cbr\u003e6. Ready For The Fight\u003cbr\u003e7. A Warrior's Honor\u003cbr\u003e8. Looking Down A Loaded Gun\u003cbr\u003e9. Palace Daydream\u003cbr\u003e10. Soldiers In The Mist\u003cbr\u003e11. Dark War\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eANGELIC WARLORD CD REVIEW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEighties metal is an open-ended designation.  One cannot escape the fact fans and critics alike most often identity with the period for that of the ‘hair metal’ variety - or what commonly falls under the melodic, glam or pop metal heading - and rightly so in light of the popularity to well known bands such as Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Poison, Stryper and Mötley Crüe.  That said, when you go beneath the surface, you will find so much more musically to the decade in question.  On one hand, you have that of the traditional metal form (ranging from Judas Priest to Saxon to Saint) not to mention the power and progressive side of things (Queensryche, Helloween and Sacred Warrior).  On the other, thrash and speed metal deserve mention (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Deliverance and all things in between) as does that of a heavy blues based nature (Guns N’ Roses \u0026amp; Whitesnake).  Last but not least and deserving every bit the consideration is instrumental hard rock (can you say Joe Satriani?).   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eOne band which falls under the ‘eighties metal’ heading and potentially touches upon most if not all the styles referenced above is Xalt and its custom cassette 1988 full-length offering\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e, but first a history lesson.  Xalt came roaring out of the late eighties Christian metal underground following the commercial success of Stryper in joining a host of other ‘white metal’ bands both signed (Barren Cross, Guardian, Bloodgood \u0026amp; Whitecross) and unsigned (Soldier, Paradox, Apostle \u0026amp; Revelation).  Good news is that Xalt is one of the few to make the transition from independent act to one with a label deal in that if followed up\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eon Pure Metal Records with its 1990 debut full length\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnder The Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(a medium to good album) and 1991 sophomore effort\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHistory\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(a VERY good album bordering on great).  Xalt closed out its career in 1997 with the modern sounds of its Kaluboné Records third and final album\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHelium Blue Gazebo\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eXalt first came to my attention from a review of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ein\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHeaven’s Metal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e18 and a full page add the same issue, but I did not actually hear the group until acquiring a pair of compilation releases to include Dark War tracks, with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnderground Metal 2\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efeaturing “Dark War” and the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhite Metal Invasion\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003etape “The Cross”.  Despite both songs being right down my alley musically I never took the plunge and - much to my chagrin - purchased\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eback in the day.  Hence, I did not have opportunity to listen to the album in its entirety until August of 2017 when it was re-mastered (by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound), and re-issued on CD for the first time by Retroactive Records.  In addition to the 11 included on\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e, the re-issue also comes with six previously unreleased demo tracks that the group recorded during the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnder The Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epre-productions sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eTo say that I was impressed with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewould be an understatement in that I immediately took to the Xalt penchant for blending various forms of metal and the first class manner in which it performed and recorded its material.  Don’t be misled:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis not another muddy-sounding-recorded-in-the-garage eighties era demo tapes from some band with more exuberance than ability.  Rather, Xalt is the real deal, and it recorded\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewith the type of budget that lends a professional sound, at least when factoring its late eighties independent release.  Hence, how sound quality is such I am not comfortable referring to\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eas a ‘demo tape’.  At the very least, I rate it alongside Soldier’s\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBabylon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand Revelation’s\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpiritual Wind\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eas the best custom cassette releases I heard from the period.          \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eTo understand Xalt and its penchant for blending various forms of metal one need listen to the first side to\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e.  It begins with short introductory piece “Ariel”, which with its use of symphonic keyboards and orchestration comes across similar to the typical opening instrumental track you might find on a modern power metal album.  Xalt was WAY ahead of its tine in this regard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eInitial vocal cut “The Cross” represents quintessential Xalt with its equal joining of anthem like momentum and accessible precision.  A commercial essence comes to the forefront in the process, as the song brings the type of catchy hooks and inviting guitar rhythms to place it well within eighties melodic metal territory.  I can see it holding up quite well if re-recorded by a contemporary artist such as Rob Rock or Stryper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eStarting to a drum solo and several seconds of open-air guitar, “God In A Box” takes the heavier and more bottom heavy approach in touching upon straight on mid-tempo heavy metal territory.  Steve David’s larger than life bass prevails, particularly for the songs instrumental moments, as does the varied vocal abilities to Scott Doerfler, whom can stretch for classic metal territory or reach down for some lower register emotion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e“Where Victory Storms” second of the albums four instrumentals, proves more of a riff driven piece in which time signatures ranging from up-tempo and galloping to others lending a darker if not ominous signature prevail.  Of course, guitarist James Eardman has a field day in decorating the song with his inviting guitar riffs and soloing of an intricate nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e“Angry Fire” stands out with its tight as it gets guitar harmonies.  The song otherwise touches upon a similar metal anthem feel as “The Cross”, but with its assertive guitar riffs, makes the overall heavier statement.  What I ultimately find on “Angry Fire” is a blending of multifarious forms of metal, at times melodic and others touching upon a straight on form in which Bloodgood comes to mind either way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e“Ready For The Fight” represents a fast paced and relentless barnburner that barely reaches two and a half minutes.  The song, however, approaches speed metal - at least in terms of all out velocity and aggression - although any thrash comparison might be misleading.  Interestingly, some of the guitar tones even reflect a bluesy quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e“A Warriors Honor” takes things back to mid-paced and bass guitar driven territory.  The song proves one of the albums more aggressive- technical and heavy but also darker in mirroring some decided European metal nuances.  Once more, the top of the line work from Eardman deserves note, as rhythm guitars dig and bite and soloing is of a fleet capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e“Looking Down A Loaded Gun” takes a bluesy metal meets hard rock form that points to classic Bride.  Of note are the gritty rhythm guitars, which slam in and out of the mix, and rawer vocal performance of Doerfler, whom lowers his register to align with the earthy nature to the music at hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eEnsuing is third instrumental “Palace Daydreams”, which at two minutes serves an interlude role that bridges the gap between individual songs.  Musically, it proves deliberate and pensive as imposing guitar melodies allow for a delicate but swarthy edge.  While there is nothing wrong with it quality wise, it also forces me to bring up the long complaint I have regarding\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ein that it is too instrumental heavy in that follow up cut “Soldiers In The Mist” is also instrumental.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e“Soldiers In The Mist” is my favorite of the four from the manner in which the group executes it with so much grace, style and intense emotion.  The song gets off to a fast start with its initial seconds compelled by upbeat metal guitars, which abruptly give way to the jazzy bass and slower - almost doom-like - riffing that carry the ensuing two minutes.  Final minute returns things to the same upbeat heading at the start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eAs “Soldiers In The Mist” fades out, albums closing title track cuts in, which leaves impression of one eight-minute progressive based piece.  “Dark War” stands out as this reviewers favorite, with its inviting harmonies and melodies coalescing to form a stylish, mid-paced environs that has inviting written all over it - chorus is by far the albums strongest - but without backing from the Xalt intrinsic heaviness.  The ominous narration at the end helps lend an apocalyptic if not epic metal-based feel. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eThe six demo cuts (all of which were re-recorded for\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnder The Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e) are board mixes that while a bit rough around the edges present with a bit more youthful energy than their better produced\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUTR\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecounterparts.  I do not want to go into too much detail about individual cuts - that would be better reserved for a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUTR\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ereviews - but it is sufficient to say that my favorite of the six is “Through The Night” with its neo-classical guitar flavorings, which get lost on the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUTR\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003erendering.  Likewise, “Under The Ruins” translates better as a demo from how its lead guitar stands out that much cleaner in the mix, a particular that could be said for all the demo tracks in comparison.  That said, I like how keyboards lend an element of polish to\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUTR\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eversions to “Kingdom Within” and “Fortress”, while vocals come across smoother on “Lift Him Up” (on the demo Doerfler adds some lower register gravel to his delivery).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eIt is worth noting the professional packaging to the Retroactive re-issue, which starts with the eye catching enhanced version to the cover art but also encompasses a 12 page mini booklet (both attributing to Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal).  Including alongside extensive liner notes from Eardman, is a track by track breakdown, lyrics and retro band photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eWhen factoring the cover art, song titles and lyrics,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eappears to be a semi-concept album based around spiritual warfare.  “Ready For The Fight” certainly confirms this:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe’ve got our armor on\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReady for the fight\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSwords held high\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnd ready to rip the night\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eJesus is the Master and now\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe have no need to fear\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSatan is defeated\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThrough Christ we now see clear\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eAs does “A Warrior’s Honor”:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eStanding on the edge of a nightmare\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePraying for the peace of a dream\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eRunning towards the end of somewhere\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBut it’s not where it seems\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHanging on the edge of a lifetime\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWho will you serve today?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eRunning from the gallows\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eA warrior’s honor betrayed\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eIn the liner notes, Eardman offers the following in regards to “Dark War”: ‘I believe we were in the world to over come it, so that Light would prevail and there would be darkness no more’: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eShadows fall on the mountain tops\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe evil pray for falling rocks\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe King has come\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Beast He’ll slay\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe truth was always there\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt never went’ away…\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn the days of the Dark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHeaven will descend on earth\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe evil will curse the day of their birth\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eFinally, “The Cross” is an exposition of the Crucifixion:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHe was not defeated\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHe took the keys of Death in hand\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eKicked Satan square in the head\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnd on the third day He rose again\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThough they pierced Him and beat Him\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHe forgave them for their sins\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpened the door to paradise\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThose who ask may live and enter in\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eWhile there are many different ways to describe Xalt - melodic, traditional, power\/progressive, instrumental - I find the well rounded label ‘heavy metal’ an accurate indicator of what\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ebrings to the table.  In a sense, the group reminds somewhat of Bloodgood in this capacity in that it is not limited to one specific form or style of hard music.  If I were to invite comparison, I rate\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003emuch higher than\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnder The Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e, albeit I place it slightly lower than the group’s magnum opus\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHistory\u003c\/em\u003e.  It comes down to how\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epresents with the near perfect track listing, with the possible exception including perhaps one too many instrumental cuts.  It is a treat hearing the Retroactive re-mastered version to the album after all these years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003eReview by Andrew Rockwell\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrack Listing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(\u003cem\u003eDark War\u003c\/em\u003e): “Ariel” (:41), “The Cross” (3:19), “God In A Box” (2:53), “Where Victory Storms” (3:03), “Angry Fire” (4:11), “Ready For The Fight” (2:32), “A Warrior’s Honor” (2:49), “Looking Down A Loaded Gun” (4:24), “Palace Daydreams” ( 2:08), “Soldiers In The Midst” (3:08), “Dark War” (5:30)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrack Listing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(demo): “Under The Ruins” (4:04), “Wounded Heart” (4:36),”The Kingdom Within” (2:43), “Lift Him Up” (3:31), “The Fortress” (2:35), “Through The Night” (3:40)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMusicians\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScott Doerfler - Lead Vocals\u003cbr\u003eJames Erdman - Guitars \u0026amp; Keyboards\u003cbr\u003eSteve David - Bass\u003cbr\u003eTodd Gleason - Drums\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Boone's Overstock","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51705133957366,"sku":"bdj1789818049810","price":76.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0808\/4907\/6470\/files\/xalt---dark-war-retroarchives-edition-new-180-gram-vinyl-retroactive-records_1.jpg?v=1789818054","url":"https:\/\/intentionalcladfit.shop\/products\/xalt-dark-war-retroarchives-edition-new-180-gram-vinyl-retroactive-records","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}