Holy Soldier

**Former members:** | Andy RobbinsMichael CuttingJamie CramerTerry RussellDon RussellRobbie BraunsSteve PatrickEric WayneLarry FarkasScott SoderstromChris HydeJason Martin

**Holy Soldier** was a power metal and glam metal band that originated out of Los Angeles, California in the United States. Holy Soldier began in 1985, created by Bassist Andy Robbins and Guitarist Jamie Cramer. Throughout the band's career they recorded and released three studio albums, a live album, a DVD, and three singles.

## History

Holy Soldier was formed in January 1985, between Andy Robbins on bass, Jamie Cramer on guitars, Robbie Brauns on vocals, Larry Farkas on guitars, and Pete Kearney on drums. Chris Hyde would briefly replace Kearney. However, Farkas and Hyde would soon depart to perform with Deliverance. Following their departures, Michael Cutting and Terry Russell joined in their respective places. With the lineup finalized, the band began to work on material. In 1987, Brauns departed from the band, being replaced by Steven Patrick. In 1989, when they signed with A&M Records' subsidiary, Myrrh Records. With the label's support, the band began touring with their newly recorded self-titled album. By 1991, Cutting departed the band, with Scott Soderstrom recording guitars with the band. After recording on the album, *Last Train*, Patrick would depart from the band. Eric Wayne would take up the vocalist mantle, who had briefly filled in during 1990.

Wayne brought the band into a different sound, leaning more towards grunge similar to the bands popular at the time such as Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden, and Temple of the Dog. With the new lineup, the band recorded their third album, *Promise Man*, which came out through ForeFront Records, and received high critical acclaim. Despite the success of *Promise Man,* Holy Soldier was unhappy with the lack of support they received from their record label ForeFront Records and the band requested to be let out of their contract with their label. In 1997, after a short hiatus, bassist Andy Robbins independently produced on his own boutique label (Spaceport Records) a live retrospective album featuring both current frontman Eric Wayne and original vocalist Steven Patrick. Following the live album's release, Holy Solider officially disbanded.

In August 2005, Cramer, Robbins, Cutting, Russell, and Patrick all reunited with the band, for a benefit show and a possible studio reunion album. However, Patrick departed once again. Don Russell, Terry's brother, was then hired to continue the reunion shows with the band. In 2007, the band also hired Luke Easter of Tourniquet to perform with them. By the end of 2007, the band had disbanded once again.

## Members

**Last Known Lineup**

* Don Russell - Vocals (2005-2007)
* Jamie Cramer - Guitars (1985-1992, 2005-2007)
* Michael Cutting - Guitars, Mandolin (1985-1991, 1993-1997, 2005-2007)
* Andy Robbins - Bass (1985-1997, 2005-2007)
* Terry "Animal" Russell - Drums (1985-1995, 2005-2007)

**Former**

* Robbie Brauns - Vocals (1985-1987)
* Steven Patrick - Vocals (1987-1990, 1991-1992, 1997, 2005-2006)
* Eric Wayne - Vocals (1990, 1992-1997)
* Larry Farkas - Guitars (1985)
* Scott Soderstrom - Guitars (1991-1997)
* Pete Kearney - Drums (1985)
* Chris Hyde - Drums (1985) (deceased 2015)
* Jason Martin - Drums (1995-1997)

**Live**

* Luke Easter - Vocals (1997, 2007)

## Discography

**Studio albums**

* *Holy Soldier* (1990)
* *Last Train* (1991)
* *Promise Man* (1995)

**Live albums**

* *Encore* (1997)

**EPs**

* *Holy Soldier* (1990)

**Singles**

* "Tear Down the Walls" (1990)
* "Virtue and Vice" (1992)
* "Last Train" (1992)

## References

1. ↑ Beck. Chris (June 2006). "Holy Soldier". Heaven's Metal Magazine. Retrieved on January 15, 2021.
2. ↑ Brown, Jimmy (December 20, 2015). "Jimmy Brown of Deliverance, Jupiter VI (Chapter One)". As The Story Grows Podcast. Retrieved on January 15, 2021.
3. ↑ Van Pelt, Doug (April 1990). "In the News: Holy Soldier". CCM Magazine. 12 (10): 19 ISSN 1524-7848.
4. ↑ Smith, Roxanne (July 1992). "Holy Soldier Answers the Skeptics". CCM Magazine. 15 (1): 54-56. ISSN 1524-7848.
5. ↑ Parker, Mike (January-February 1998). "Holy Soldier". 7ball (16): 36-37. ISSN 1082-3980.
6. ↑ "Holy Soldier - News". Retrieved on January 15, 2021.