SCANDINAVIAN METAL PRAISE -S-M-P / 2008

THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)
1-GREAT IN POWER
2-WHEN THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD
3-PRAISE ADONAI
4-WORTHY IS THE LAMB
5-WONDERFUL GOD
6-TAKE ME IN
7-WE SING ALLELUI
8-HOLY KING
9-LAULA SUOMELLE
Scandinavian Metal Praise was formed to glorify God and his son Jesus Christ through the metal music. We believe that God is the creator of all the music as well as the creator of this universe and all the living. Most of the songs that you will find here are famous praise songs arranged in the way we feel it's the most natural way for us to praise God. We hope that the message in the songs could help you out in your situation and to bring you closer to God. We will add songs here as soon as we get them done.The concept behind the various “metal praise” projects released over the years can be traced to a pair of early eighties worship hard rock songs by Petra, “Praise Ye The Lord” and “Let Everything That Hath Breath” (off Never Say Die and More Power To Ya respectively). As the decade progressed, several other noteworthy Christian artists jumped on the worship metal bandwagon, including Sacred Warrior (“Holy, Holy, Holy” - Masters Command), Barren Cross (“King Of Kings” - Atomic Arena) and Leviticus Guitarist Bjorn Stigsson (“Come On” - Together With Friends).The first full length metal praise project, appropriately entitled Metal Praise, was released in 1992 and featured “metal interpretations” of well known hymns such as “Rock Of Ages”, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”, “Jehovah Jireh”, “We Exalt Thee” and five others. Guest appearances were made by members of Whitecross, Barren Cross, Sacred Warrior and X-Sinner. All Hail The Power hit the shelves two years later. The brainchild of Guitarist P.K. Mitchell (Neon Cross), AHTP maintained the metal based hymns heading of Metal Praise while showcasing the talents of Drummer Glen Mancaruso (Die Happy), Bassist Jim LaVerde (Barren Cross) and Vocalist Robin Basauri (Red Sea).The latter half of 2008 finds the release of Scandinavian Metal Praise. The project upholds the tradition of Metal Praise and All Hail The Power by taking several popular praise and worship songs and making them over with metal edged guitars, soaring vocals, pounding drums and a hard rock beat. The majority of its tracks are mid-paced and highly melodic, with “Great In Power”, “Wonderful God”, “Take Me In”, “We Sing Alleluia” and “Holy King” all standing out. You will also find a couple of upbeat neo-classical metal pieces (“When The Spirit Of The Lord” and “Laulu Suomelle”) along with a blues based number (“Praise Adonai”) and Semi-Ballad (“Worthy Is The Lamb”)Scandinavian Metal Praise, as its moniker suggests, originated in Finland and was released on the Finnish label Bullroser. The musicians performing on it, however, wish to remain unknown. Out of respect for their desire for anonymity, I will from this point forward refer to them as “Female Lead Vocalist”, “Guitar Player”, “Bass player”, “Keyboardist” And “Drummer”.Yes, all the vocals are female and performed by the same Vocalist. They are very well done. While the “Female lead vocalist” might not have quite the range of countrywoman Johanna Aaltonen (HB), she is a fine talent and performs at a high level. If I were to invite a comparison, she brings a bit more of a raspy touch as opposed to the smoother style of Johanna.The “Guitar player” proves adept as well, adorning the album with his driving riffs and crunchy rhythm guitar. The only potential drawback to SMP, and this is only a minor issue, is its lack of lead guitar. The reason I mention this is that the majestic atmosphere of a metal praise release perfectly lends itself to some bluesy guitar licks or blazing soloing. Otherwise, the “guitar player” puts in a solid showing. Keyboards are found in just the right amount.The “Keyboardist” plays a highlighting role in adding the needed texture to each track without coming across overbearing or heavy handed. In forming a solid team with the “Guitar player”, he brings enhanced depth and character to the project(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)