Ok, everyone, let’s be honest. You have heard it from all across the land…on your TV screens and across the radio airwaves…from church pulpits in every corner in the country…you have heard a small army of preachers and pastors from almost every denomination say the same thing…that heavy metal is the work of Lucifer himself and is leading the young people of this land into eternal hellfire. However, metal bands like Stryper, Petra, Believer, Tourniquet, Mortification and Whitecross have proven that heavy metal power is truly an ally of the faith, and not the work of forces from the fire below. Even secular metal bands like Dream Evil (“Heavy Metal Jesus”) and Lordi (“The Devil is a Loser”) have made a nod to the man upstairs. In Pekin, Illinois, a fast rising band of metal crusaders has also proven that decibels and the gospel go hand-in-hand! Let me introduce you to the defenders of the faith known as StrangeLand.

StrangeLand was formed in 2000 by vocalist Karl Mustard, axemen Kevin Grose and Kevin Schmitt, bass guitarist Wes Watson and drummer Wade Helm. The band formed with the intention of playing, as they call it, “metal with a purpose”. The purpose? In the immortal words of Elwood Blues…they are on a “mission from God” to spread the faith and a positive message with their melodic power metal attack. They released their first demo in 2005, which was recorded at NoiseGate Studios in their hometown of Pekin, Illinois. Like a hand coming down from heaven above, they use their metal to help people see the light instead of embracing the darkness. He did give rock and roll to us, right? So, let’s listen to StrangeLand use it for His glory!

The intense and gritty old school riffing which opens up the first track, “The Enemy Has Fallen”, gives you the feeling that judgement day is upon us. We are introduced to the strong vocal work of Mustard, who belts out a forceful warning to the armies of darkness. Fans of 80s metal will love this one right off the bat. The musicianship is crisp and tight, and the dual soloing simply slays.

Some people walk their dog, others let their fingers do the walking…not on the Yellow Pages, but on the guitar! That’s exactly what the StrangeLand boys do on “Jesus Walk”. The swaggering hard rock chords and vocals kick along with the drums, giving a perfect backing to the testimony of a life turned around by following the Way. The solo is a squealing delight for the ears on this upbeat stomper. Some hilarious studio banter at the end, too! It’s time to walk!

The final track on this short but oh-so-sweet demo could simply be described as a heavy metal hymn of praise. “Savior, Jesus Christ” is built around another foot-tapping mid-paced chord filled with a melodic crunch and fuzz. Mustard delivers a confident performance as he belts out an ode to the gift of faith. More delicious old school soloing on this one, as the band once again proves they know how to write a hook for a higher authority.

The musicians in StrangeLand know how to deliver their message with precision and force. Equally influenced by bands like Stryper and Primal Fear, they skillfully mix old school metal with dueling axes and European-flavored melodic power licks to create a sound that both 80s metal freaks and power metal aficionados will have no trouble enjoying. Vocalist Karl Mustard belts out his praise with a gritty rock and roll voice that fits the old school licks and solos of guitarists Grose and Schmitt like a glove. Bass man Wes Watson and drummer Wade Helm give the band just the right kick in the butt with their interlocking rhythms. StrangeLand is one very tight group!

StrangeLand is out to tear the stereotypes to shreds and prove to the faithful that heavy metal is not the devil’s tool. On the contrary, what better music is there for the spiritual battle we all wage than some good old-fashioned, foot stomping, head banging heavy rock? StrangeLand is the latest band of crusaders joining the ever-growing legions of the forces of light, and this demo is powerful testimony that the might of metal and the presence of God make an unbeatable team! They truly do deliver on their promise and mission…metal with a purpose!

Review written by: Matt B.        
Date: June 19, 2007             
Rating: 4 stars out of 5