Description
Celestial Messenger is the debut album by the American progressive metal band Trytan, released on R.E.X. in 1987, distributed by Regency Music. The album was recorded and mixed at Prism Studios in South Holland, Illinois; with Rob Vukelich and the band producing.
Featuring Lary Dean on guitar and lead vocals; Steve Robinson on bass, keyboards, and vocals; and Scott Blackman on drums and vocals.
[Devlin Donaldson and Steve Rabey, CCM, December 1987]
Girder Music Promo, 2025
Originally released in 1987 on the legendary R.E.X. Records label, Celestial Messenger by Trytan is a landmark of progressive Christian metal – blending the technical brilliance of bands like Rush and Dream Theater with the melodic depth of Queensrÿche and the spiritual vision of early Genesis. Now officially licensed and faithfully remastered for vinyl in 2025 by Rob Colwell, this definitive edition offers both longtime fans and new listeners a sonic experience that transcends time.
This Collector’s Edition is limited to just 200 copies and includes two bonus tracks from Trytan’s triumphant return at the Cornerstone 2001 concert – adding historical depth to an already celebrated release.
Also included are detailed song memoirs from Lary Dean himself, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and meaning behind each track – an introspective companion to the album’s intricate musicianship and spiritual message.
Critically acclaimed with an 85% review rating on Angelic Warlord and ranked #25 on their Top 50 Christian Rock & Metal Albums of the ’80s, this reissue cements Celestial Messenger as both a historical milestone and a must-own artifact for collectors of classic Christian metal. Once these 200 copies are gone, they’re gone for good.
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/celestial-messenger/1562967981)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Gettin’ Ready” – 3:44
A2. “Don’t Turn Away” – 4:08
A3. “Mr. Electric” – 5:14
A4. “It’s War” – 5:19
Side Two
B1. “Rip Van Winkle” – 4:22
B2. “Chains” – 4:47
B3. “Nowhere To Run” – 4:57
B4. “Genesis” – 7:07
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by R.E.X. Music. Re-issued on CD by Clockwork Records in 1993 and by Fox Records in 1997. Remastered for vinyl by Rob Colwell and re-issued as a Limited Edition 12-inch vinyl LP by Girder Music in 2025, pressed on Opaque New Turquoise Vinyl. Includes 2 bonus tracks: “Don’t Turn Away” and “It’s War”, Live at Cornerstone 2001 concert. (Released through Limited Run Vinyl/Limited Run Music, limited to 200 copies worldwide.)
Celestial Messenger, Remastered and pressed on Opaque New Turquoise Vinyl, Girder Music 2025.
Let us take you back in time to the 80’s. Open the wardrobe and grab your spandex trousers, look in the mirror and get the spray ready to make that hair big! Trust us – just close your eyes and take a super-charged spaceship back to the glory days of hard rock and heavy metal smack-dab in the middle of 1987! The music on Celestial Messenger is exquisite – featuring thundering bass lines, wickedly righteous guitar riffing, and drumming perfection while all being tied together with the silky-sweet Geddy Lee inspired vocals of Lary Dean. One listen to the remastered magic of this classic album and we were instantly hooked just like 30+ years ago when we bought the cassette at our local Christian bookstore! The Rush-inspired synthesizers cannot be overlooked as they continue to be a critical part of Trytan’s progressive rock masterpiece that has aged like a fine wine over time. As an added treat, Retroactive Records worked with the band to come up with three must-hear bonus tracks from Trytan demos and wow – wow – and more wow are they progressive rock round-house kicks – one after the other. While they are demo tape tracks, the music is top-shelf elite and the kind of songs you want to listen to repeatedly. Tryan proves this band knows how to balance melody, musicianship, jams, complexity and hooks with progressive rock finesse. The 2021 Gold Disc Remaster is the quintessential CD reissue of this revered classic. This CD reissues comes with the strongest recommendation possible. It is elite in every way and comes with a Trytan foil-stamped trading card. For fans of Kansas, Rush, Balance of Power, Threshold, Jacobs Dream, Veni Domine.
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