PRE-ORDER: Apostle "Metal for the Master" LP (Indie Exclusive Color Vinyl)

Some albums capture lightning in a bottle, while others take that lightning and refine it into something sharper, heavier, and more intentional, and Apostle's Metal For the Master (1989) is exactly that kind of record. Following the underground momentum of Hymns, Apostle returned with a bold mission to reimagine and elevate their sound, resulting in a tighter, more focused, and more powerful statement of U.S. neo-classical heavy metal driven by the vision and talent of Matt Harding. There is history woven into this release: some early cassette versions circulated under the name Apostle, and at one point the project was intended to be released as Tone Zone in 1987, but over time the recordings found their identity as Metal For the Master, a title that better reflects the album's intensity, purpose, and conviction. Recorded in Chicago at Tone Zone Studios, the home base of Rez Band, and produced by Glenn Kaiser with engineering by Roger Heiss, the album represents a unique convergence of artistry and influence, giving Apostle the platform to re-record key material with greater clarity, precision, and intensity. From the driving force of "Overcomer" and "Conquerors" to the anthemic power of "King of Kings" and "Holy Soldier," the album delivers a confident, sharpened sound that pushes beyond the raw energy of earlier recordings, with tighter musicianship, more deliberate arrangements, and undeniable impact. Instrumental pieces like "Parting the Red Sea" and "Armageddon" further highlight the band's technical prowess and neo-classical edge, placing Apostle alongside elite players in the genre. Long respected by those who discovered them through compilations like East Coast Metal and White Metal Invasion, Apostle remained one of the great "if you know, you know" bands of the era, and this release changes that. For the first time ever, Metal For the Master arrives on vinyl, pressed on striking turquoise wax as a perfect visual match for the album's bold and refined sound. Part of the Metal Icon Series, this edition has been remastered by Rob Colwell to bring new depth and clarity while preserving the album's original character, and the package includes a 12x12 full-size lyrics insert, Apostle history, and a new write-up that frames the importance of this release within the band's legacy. Visually, the album is reborn with all-new artwork reimagined by NLTM's Scott Waters, giving this classic a fresh and powerful presentation worthy of it's sound. Limited to just 200 copies worldwide, this is a true collector's piece and the definitive vinyl version of one of Apostle's most focused and musically accomplished releases. If you are a fan of Saint, early Bloodgood, Yngwie Malmsteen, Judas Priest, Messiah Prophet, Sacred Warrior, Stryper, or Paradox, this belongs in your collection.

Track List:

1 King of the Saints
2 Overcomer
3 Conquerors
4 Born Again
5 Parting the Red Sea
6 Unlimited Power
7 Armageddon
8 King of Kings
9 Bread of Life
10 Holy Soldier

street date 10/30/2026