Holy Soldier

Holy Soldier
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1985
Headquarters	Los Angeles, United States
Products	Studio albums, live albums, DVDs

Holy Soldier was a Christian hard rock and glam metal ensemble originating from Los Angeles, established in 1985. Throughout their career, they produced three studio albums.

History

The band was initiated in early 1985 by bassist Andy Robbins alongside guitarist Jamie Cramer. They quickly cultivated a dedicated local fan base before securing a contract with A&M Records in 1989. Recognized for their evangelical message, Holy Soldier frequently performed for mainstream audiences and held one of the highest attendance records at Gazzarri's, a well-known nightclub in Hollywood. That same year, they signed with Myrrh Records, a division of Word/A&M, becoming the label’s inaugural Hard Rock signing. Their debut album, titled Holy Soldier and produced by David Zaffiro, was released in 1990 to favorable critical reception and moderate commercial performance, garnering two Dove Awards in 1991 for both hard rock song and album of the year. Following extensive touring, lead vocalist Steven Patrick and guitarist Michael Cutting departed from the group.

During ongoing tours, Eric Wayne and Scott Soderstrom joined as replacements; Wayne left when Patrick returned in 1991 but rejoined again in 1995. The band’s 1993 release Last Train reached No. 10 on Billboard's CCM chart but did not meet sales expectations, resulting in their release from the label. This album demonstrated artistic growth but incorporated more ambiguous lyrical themes, which sparked criticism within the Christian music community due to its crossover intentions.

After additional lineup shifts and Patrick’s exit, Eric Wayne from Seattle rejoined, guiding Holy Soldier toward a grunge-inspired style reminiscent of Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and Soundgarden. In 1994, they signed with ForeFront Records and reunited with producer David Zaffiro to create Promise Man (1995). This album restored critical praise and earned Dove Awards for best hard rock song and album. Despite these achievements, dissatisfaction with ForeFront's promotional efforts prompted the band to seek contract termination.

Following a hiatus, bassist Robbins independently released a live retrospective album titled Encore on his Spaceport Records label in 1997, featuring performances by both Wayne and Patrick. After this release, Holy Soldier officially disbanded.

The original members briefly reunited in 2005 for a benefit concert and discussed plans for a new album. After Steven Patrick’s short-lived return, Don Russell—brother of original drummer Terry Russell—took over lead vocals for festival appearances during mid-2006.

Members

Final lineup

Andy Robbins – bass, guitar, backing vocals (1985–1997, 2005–2006)
Michael Cutting – guitar, mandolin, backing vocals (1985–1991, 1993–1997, 2005–2006)
Jamie Cramer – guitar, backing vocals (1985–1992, 2005–2006)
Terry "Animal" Russell – drums, backing vocals (1985–1995, 2005–2006)
Don Russell – lead vocals (2005–2006)

Former

Robbie Brauns – lead vocals (1985–1987)
Steven Patrick – lead vocals, acoustic guitar (1988–1990, 1991–1992, 1997, 2005–2006)
Eric Wayne – lead vocals (1990, 1993–1997)
Larry Farkas – guitar (1985)
Scott Soderstrom – guitar (1991–1997)
Chris Hyde – drums (1985)
Jason Martin – drums (1995–1997)
Andy Robbins (distinct from the Andy Robbins of Skin)
Evelyn Watson – provided backing vocals on the 1990 self-titled album and performed live briefly

Discography

Studio albums

1990 – Holy Soldier (Released by Myrrh Records / A&M Records, with production by David Zaffiro)
1992 – Last Train (Issued through Myrrh Records, produced by David Zaffiro)
1995 – Promise Man (Distributed by ForeFront / EMI Records, production handled by David Zaffiro)

Live albums

1997 – Encore (Spaceport Records; production credits to Andy Robbins, Michael Cutting & David Zaffiro; recorded live on February 8, 1997, at Rocketown in Nashville)

DVDs

2006 – Live, Rare and Raw (Released under Roxx Productions/Spaceport Records)

External links