Heaven's Force was an American Christian metal band that formed in Fort Worth, Texas in 1983. It is thought to be the first Christian thrash metal band.[1][4] The band consisted of vocalist/drummer Dave Gryder, guitarist Chris Richie, and bassist Kelly Berger. Their debut demo, Aggressive Angel, was released in 1983 and their self-titled second demo was released the following year before the group disbanded in late 1984. In 2008, Richie committed suicide after a long time of depression.[5] After this unfortunate event, Gryder stated during an interview in 2014 that the band would never reunite without their friend.[5] The band re-released their demos via Open Grave Records on the compilation album Aggressive Angel in 2009.[6] The band has been compared to Slayer, Venom, and Exciter.[7]
Heaven's Force | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Fort Worth, Texas, United States |
| Genres | Christian metal, thrash metal,[1][2] power metal,[1] speed metal[1] |
| Years active | 1983–1984 |
| Labels | Independent, Open Grave Records |
| Past members | Dave Gryder Kelly Berger Chris Richie |
Members edit
- Last known lineup
- Dave Gryder – vocals, drums
- Christopher "Chris" Richie – guitar (died 2008)
- Kelly Berger – bass guitar
Discography edit
| Heaven's Force discography | |
|---|---|
| Compilation albums | 1 |
| Demos | 2 |
- Demos
- Aggressive Angel (1983)
- Heaven's Force (1984)
- Compilation album
- Aggressive Angel (2009)
- Compilation appearances
- Texas Metal Archives Volume One (2009; Metal Rising/Brainticket Records)
- Back in the Day: An Old School Compilation (2018; The Bearded Dragon Productions)
References edit
- ^ a b c d "Heaven's force". Encyclopedia Metallum. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
- ^ xFiruath (June 10, 2009). "Heaven's Force". Metal Underground. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
- ^ Beard, Mace (October 17, 2016). "Interview: Dave Gryder, formerly of Heaven's Force". The Bearded Dragon.
- ^ "HEAVEN'S FORCE Demos To Be Released; Four Tracks Streaming Online Now". BraveWords.com. June 10, 2009. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
- ^ a b Classic Christian Rock Zone (May 2014). "Interview with Dave Gryder, Ex-Heaven's Force". Blogspot. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
- ^ "Heaven's Force Demos To Be Released". Blabbermouth.net. June 10, 2009. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
- ^ "Heaven's Force". No Life Til' Metal. Retrieved March 22, 2016.