Description
Promise Man is the third album by the American hard rock band Holy Soldier, released on ForeFront Records in 1995, distributed by Chordant Distribution Group. The album was engineered by Doug Beiden with David Zaffiro of Bloodgood fame producing.
Back from semi-obscurity, just minutes ahead of the “Where Are They Now?” editor, Holy Soldier has reappeared with a bone-crushing hard rock disc that thumps you in the skull without apology. After an extended vacation, the band checked in earlier this year with a version of Larry Norman’s «Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus?» (heard on the ‘One Way‘ compilation). Its interpretation of the Norman classic was both shocking and revelatory. Graduates of the Los Angeles club scene, few suspected the band could delve that deeply into a bluesy sound while retaining its appeal to a metal-oriented crowd.
But ‘Promise Man’ is neither a blues album or a heavy metal album (and thank goodness for both of those facts!) No, Holy Soldier and long-time friend and producer extraordinaire David Zaffiro have pulled off a thoroughly modern return. If anything, the album owes more to the thick, sludgy sound of Seattle grunge than any other current hard rock form. But the band steers clear of the temptation to cop Soundgarden and Pearl Jam riffs. There’s an intensity to its performance and complexity to its song structure that recalls King’s X at its best. Eric Wayne has a thick, syrupy voice that possesses a degree of soul not usually associated with hard rock music, When he throws his tremendous lungs behind the chorus of «Rust», the hair on your neck will stand up! Band mates Michael Cutting, Andy Robbins, and Scott Soderstrom layer acoustic, electric and bass guitars as well as mandolin in a fashion which also displays the band’s growth and sets it apart from most rock outfits. Couple that with songwriting which also sidesteps 99 percent or rock lyrical clichés, and you’ve got a brilliant record which ranks with the best of the year. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, November 1995]
Girder Music Promo, 2026
Promise Man (30th Anniversary Collector Edition)
Originally released in 1995, Promise Man marked a bold new era for Holy Soldier, shifting from their polished glam-metal roots to a darker, grunge-influenced modern rock sound that stood proudly beside the greats of its time – Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, and Pearl Jam. With the addition of Eric Wayne on vocals, the band embraced a deeper emotional tone and lyrical honesty that elevated their message of faith and redemption to new heights.
Critically praised and winner of two Dove Awards in 1996 (Hard Rock Album of the Year and Hard Rock Recorded Song of the Year), Promise Man stands as one of the most powerful and authentic reinventions in Christian rock history.
Now celebrating its 30th Anniversary, Promise Man returns for the first time ever on vinyl, beautifully remastered and presented in a premium collector’s edition that captures the full depth and intensity of this landmark release.
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/promise-man/716420503)
CD tracklist:
01. Promise Man – 4:35
02. Mumbo Jumbo – 4:33
03. My World – 4:02
04. Rust – 5:45
05. Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus – 4:05
06. Break It Down – 3:55
07. Cover Me – 4:33
08. Grind – 3:14
09. Love Conquers All – 5:13
10. Sand – 4:29
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Myrrh Records. Remastered for vinyl and re-issued as a Limited Edition 12-inch vinyl LP by Girder Music in 2026 (limited to 250 copies worldwide), pressed on Rust Orange Vinyl. (Band Supported. Includes Producers Corner Write-Up by David Zaffiro.) Also re-issued on CD.
Promise Man, 30th Anniversary Collectors Edition. Remastered and pressed on Rust Orange Vinyl, Girder Records 2026.
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