“You really shouldn’t play music like that...”
“God will never honor what you’re doing. It's just not right.”
“You are blasphemers in the eyes of God!”
The early to mid ‘80s was a different time. Ronald Reagan was America’s president. With a new era of conservatism sweeping across the US, fundamentalist Christianity embraced politics, prospering as it did. Men like Jerry Falwell & Jim Bakker openly endorsed right wing candidates as church and state became unabashed bedfellows. Meanwhile, the American music scene was anything but button-down conservative. Hard rock & metal had lit a fire in the late ‘70s that became an inferno as the 80's arrived. Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Dio, & Iron Maiden were selling out shows and breaking sales records across the country. It didn’t take a visionary to see it. If you were going to reach the kids who needed it most, the concert stage was the place and the music was the language. And if the music wasn’t real, if it wasn’t authentic or connect with them inside... well, don’t bother!
“God will never honor what you’re doing. It's just not right.”
“You are blasphemers in the eyes of God!”
The early to mid ‘80s was a different time. Ronald Reagan was America’s president. With a new era of conservatism sweeping across the US, fundamentalist Christianity embraced politics, prospering as it did. Men like Jerry Falwell & Jim Bakker openly endorsed right wing candidates as church and state became unabashed bedfellows. Meanwhile, the American music scene was anything but button-down conservative. Hard rock & metal had lit a fire in the late ‘70s that became an inferno as the 80's arrived. Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Dio, & Iron Maiden were selling out shows and breaking sales records across the country. It didn’t take a visionary to see it. If you were going to reach the kids who needed it most, the concert stage was the place and the music was the language. And if the music wasn’t real, if it wasn’t authentic or connect with them inside... well, don’t bother!
Tell The Truth, released 1984
It was during this time that the band Philadelphia came to be. Hailing from the Deep South, Shreveport, Louisiana to be exact, there was a Christian street outreach group called Philadelphia. The choice of the name came from a reference in the book of Revelation in the Bible. In the reference, the people of Philadelphia were characterized as not having much but they were faithful in spite of much opposition. This would soon prove to be a very apt name indeed. Since some of the key members grew up playing rock ‘n roll, Philadelphia also included a band. They took the same name, and began to play gigs all over the NW Louisiana region. Being musicians, it was only natural that they would express their faith through the music they played. In doing this, they soon realized the old ‘church’ ways of doing things weren’t going to cut it. Crowds were small at first but enthusiastic. After a few lineup changes, Philly eventually settled into a hard rocking trio, with Brian Clark on bass & vocals, Brian Martini on drums and Phil Scholling on guitar.
Opposition from some of the established church folk was intense and immediate. Time and again they heard things such as, "You can’t do this!" "This music is evil, and it can't be used for good, period!" "There is no place for you in this church if you're going to keep doing what you're doing!" The boys in the band disagreed. They were playing nearly exclusively to younger crowds and it was a familiar language to both. Venues ranged from local rock clubs to more unconventional sites such as youth shelters and even prisons. Philly had found a way to communicate a message of hope to those that needed it....and communicate they did!
Opposition from some of the established church folk was intense and immediate. Time and again they heard things such as, "You can’t do this!" "This music is evil, and it can't be used for good, period!" "There is no place for you in this church if you're going to keep doing what you're doing!" The boys in the band disagreed. They were playing nearly exclusively to younger crowds and it was a familiar language to both. Venues ranged from local rock clubs to more unconventional sites such as youth shelters and even prisons. Philly had found a way to communicate a message of hope to those that needed it....and communicate they did!
Search And Destroy, released 1985
A couple of years passed and a fourth member, Ronn Flowers, was added on guitar. While playing a show in Mississippi, the band was spotted by a recording studio owner who quickly signed them to his label. Philly released their first album Tell The Truth in 1984. The record spawned a Top 25 CCM hit named No Compromise. It was during this time that the band and outreach team had formed a close friendship with noted hard rockers Rez Band, and their community Jesus People USA. After playing large shows with them
around the region they were invited to play the Cornerstone festival in ’85. The show was a triumph for the band, validating their approach and gaining exposure to a much wider audience. However, all was not well back home. Things were heating up.... and not in a good way.
The initial opposition they encountered had continued during this whole time but now as they gaining prominence, Philadelphia began to come under vicious attack for their music. Church personalities great and small fired away at the boys, saying that God could never use their music for good. Using newsletters, TV broadcasts, and word of mouth campaigns, televangelist Jimmy Swaggart publicly accused them of blasphemy. He was not alone in his condemnation of what the guys had been up to. With their home in close proximity to many religious organizations in East Texas, Philadelphia found itself in the crosshairs of many that didn't like what the guys were up to.
around the region they were invited to play the Cornerstone festival in ’85. The show was a triumph for the band, validating their approach and gaining exposure to a much wider audience. However, all was not well back home. Things were heating up.... and not in a good way.
The initial opposition they encountered had continued during this whole time but now as they gaining prominence, Philadelphia began to come under vicious attack for their music. Church personalities great and small fired away at the boys, saying that God could never use their music for good. Using newsletters, TV broadcasts, and word of mouth campaigns, televangelist Jimmy Swaggart publicly accused them of blasphemy. He was not alone in his condemnation of what the guys had been up to. With their home in close proximity to many religious organizations in East Texas, Philadelphia found itself in the crosshairs of many that didn't like what the guys were up to.
In the middle of the tumult, Philly released its second album, Search & Destroy. The band’s music was even harder than before. Since the guys had never set out with the goal of appeasing the people that were criticizing them, they focused on finding a better way to get across what they wanted to say to the people that mattered most to them. They learned that a majority of the kids that needed to hear a message of hope would never listen to anything labeled Christian, so the message became more subtle in its delivery. The idea being that those that were searching may find something. They also dedicated themselves to making their songs as authentic musically as the feelings and thoughts the lyrics shared.
1986 brought another fantastic show at the Cornerstone festival they'd played the year before. However, the situation at home was rapidly unraveling. Religious persecution continued, causing personal problems to worsen, and finally, label issues. Philly had written and recorded demos for a new, full length third album, to be named after the title track of Warlord. Disagreement with their record label left them unable to record, and so besieged on all sides, Philadelphia broke up. Through their travels, so many concerts played, living together in a community home, they’d created a bond that was so much more than music. Philly had received letters from across the US, and as far away as Germany & Poland, from people who had heard their message on the first two LPs. There were great memories of shows across the South, lives touched, hearts and souls mended...but that was all, memories. The guys went their separate ways and that was it.
1986 brought another fantastic show at the Cornerstone festival they'd played the year before. However, the situation at home was rapidly unraveling. Religious persecution continued, causing personal problems to worsen, and finally, label issues. Philly had written and recorded demos for a new, full length third album, to be named after the title track of Warlord. Disagreement with their record label left them unable to record, and so besieged on all sides, Philadelphia broke up. Through their travels, so many concerts played, living together in a community home, they’d created a bond that was so much more than music. Philly had received letters from across the US, and as far away as Germany & Poland, from people who had heard their message on the first two LPs. There were great memories of shows across the South, lives touched, hearts and souls mended...but that was all, memories. The guys went their separate ways and that was it.
Fast forward to 2011. Bassist Brian Clark was in the hospital in his hometown of Shreveport LA, awaiting aortic valve replacement and bypass surgery. To his amazement, three of the friends that came to offer support and love were the former members of Philly even though Brian Martini now lived in Ft. Worth TX, and Phil Scholling further away in Austin, TX. Looking around his hospital room, Brian realized that although it had been many years since they had all been together, a special bond was still there.
In 2014, Brian Martini proposed a ‘Philly reunion’ at his home in Ft. Worth TX, just a good time visiting with each other. It was only natural that a jam session would end up happening when the guys got together. Playing together again felt great, just like old times. The next morning, Clark had an idea that he proposed to the others. Remember Warlord? Why not record and release it themselves? Could they still do it? Would the original fire and passion still be there? Only one way to find out! Originally, all four members were in, but time constraints forced Ronn Flowers to withdraw. So now, Philly was back to its original power trio lineup. And ready to start work on Warlord....an album 30 years in the making!!
Brian Martini offered his home studio. Since it was centrally located in Ft Worth between the other 2 members it was the ideal place and so writing and recording demos began. The three decided to keep the strong title track, and write new material for the remaining songs. The guys wanted the record to have current sound while staying true to their roots as a band of delivering some hard-driving rock Philly fans would expect. To accomplish this, the search began to find the right person to engineer and produce the record. Enter the extremely talented Ritchie Wicander from Austin, TX. In addition to being an up and coming engineer/producer, Ritchie has his own metal band, Fire From The Gods. . A drummer raised in Germany, Richie shared many of the same musical influences as the members of Philly, as well as a similar rock vision. Even though his band had just signed to a major record deal, Richie was eager to take on the role as engineer and producer and bring a fresh take on the songs.
So now after 30 years, the last 2 spent writing and recording, Warlord is complete and ready for release. The question is....are you ready to hear what all the fuss and controversy was really all about?
Are you ready for Warlord?
In 2014, Brian Martini proposed a ‘Philly reunion’ at his home in Ft. Worth TX, just a good time visiting with each other. It was only natural that a jam session would end up happening when the guys got together. Playing together again felt great, just like old times. The next morning, Clark had an idea that he proposed to the others. Remember Warlord? Why not record and release it themselves? Could they still do it? Would the original fire and passion still be there? Only one way to find out! Originally, all four members were in, but time constraints forced Ronn Flowers to withdraw. So now, Philly was back to its original power trio lineup. And ready to start work on Warlord....an album 30 years in the making!!
Brian Martini offered his home studio. Since it was centrally located in Ft Worth between the other 2 members it was the ideal place and so writing and recording demos began. The three decided to keep the strong title track, and write new material for the remaining songs. The guys wanted the record to have current sound while staying true to their roots as a band of delivering some hard-driving rock Philly fans would expect. To accomplish this, the search began to find the right person to engineer and produce the record. Enter the extremely talented Ritchie Wicander from Austin, TX. In addition to being an up and coming engineer/producer, Ritchie has his own metal band, Fire From The Gods. . A drummer raised in Germany, Richie shared many of the same musical influences as the members of Philly, as well as a similar rock vision. Even though his band had just signed to a major record deal, Richie was eager to take on the role as engineer and producer and bring a fresh take on the songs.
So now after 30 years, the last 2 spent writing and recording, Warlord is complete and ready for release. The question is....are you ready to hear what all the fuss and controversy was really all about?
Are you ready for Warlord?
Philadelphia: Warlord Album Review
From the View
Of a Man with No Religious Ties
By: Cody Powell
Philadelphia is a Christian rock/metal band from Shreveport, Louisiana. They’re set to release their third album, in as many decades, on April 1st 2016 entitled Warlord. To be perfectly honest, I have to say, I came into this album with lower than average expectations. However, that was solely based on my religious beliefs or lack thereof. About halfway through the album, responsibility pulled me away and I figured I’d give it another listen in the morning as to hear it with a more open mind. I’m glad I did!
The opening track is Brothers in Arms and I was pleasantly surprised by the intricate guitar work and overall musicianship of the band. Lyrically they are a little darker than I had expected, which is a positive for me, and said lyrics are delivered beautifully, with what I would describe as a cleaner, Bruce Dickenson sound. There were a few tracks that stood out to me on the album. One of these was I’m Not Listening. It takes a direct shot at the televangelist and how greed has corrupted them, with which I whole heartedly agree. This track took me back to an old Suicidal Tendencies song called Send Me Your Money, which I love. Another song I very much enjoyed on Warlord was Wasteland which took me on a journey of a man in despair, trying to find a way out of the wasteland he’s created inside of himself, and is asking God to show him the path. A feeling I and many others can relate to regardless of religious stance. I’d have to say my favorite track was Way of the Skull. It had a more sludgy, almost Alice in Chains kind of feel to it. The bass groove in this track drew me into the depths of the song.
My thoughts on the album in its entirety are that it isn’t just for people who follow Christianity because there is something in every song, which anyone from all walks of life can relate to. The production on the album is top notch as is the skill that the guys in Philadelphia have. Some may take this as a stretch, but in my opinion, this band is the counterpart to such classic metal greats like Iron Maiden. The guitar riffs and drums also remind me of earlier Van Halen material, which as everyone knows, were their good years. Whether you’re into Christianity or not, I would recommend selling your old Stryper (yes, I actually owned one at one time) because Philadelphia is the real deal. Give their new album Warlord a listen and pick up a copy April 1st. http://www.phillymusic.us/
From the View
Of a Man with No Religious Ties
By: Cody Powell
Philadelphia is a Christian rock/metal band from Shreveport, Louisiana. They’re set to release their third album, in as many decades, on April 1st 2016 entitled Warlord. To be perfectly honest, I have to say, I came into this album with lower than average expectations. However, that was solely based on my religious beliefs or lack thereof. About halfway through the album, responsibility pulled me away and I figured I’d give it another listen in the morning as to hear it with a more open mind. I’m glad I did!
The opening track is Brothers in Arms and I was pleasantly surprised by the intricate guitar work and overall musicianship of the band. Lyrically they are a little darker than I had expected, which is a positive for me, and said lyrics are delivered beautifully, with what I would describe as a cleaner, Bruce Dickenson sound. There were a few tracks that stood out to me on the album. One of these was I’m Not Listening. It takes a direct shot at the televangelist and how greed has corrupted them, with which I whole heartedly agree. This track took me back to an old Suicidal Tendencies song called Send Me Your Money, which I love. Another song I very much enjoyed on Warlord was Wasteland which took me on a journey of a man in despair, trying to find a way out of the wasteland he’s created inside of himself, and is asking God to show him the path. A feeling I and many others can relate to regardless of religious stance. I’d have to say my favorite track was Way of the Skull. It had a more sludgy, almost Alice in Chains kind of feel to it. The bass groove in this track drew me into the depths of the song.
My thoughts on the album in its entirety are that it isn’t just for people who follow Christianity because there is something in every song, which anyone from all walks of life can relate to. The production on the album is top notch as is the skill that the guys in Philadelphia have. Some may take this as a stretch, but in my opinion, this band is the counterpart to such classic metal greats like Iron Maiden. The guitar riffs and drums also remind me of earlier Van Halen material, which as everyone knows, were their good years. Whether you’re into Christianity or not, I would recommend selling your old Stryper (yes, I actually owned one at one time) because Philadelphia is the real deal. Give their new album Warlord a listen and pick up a copy April 1st. http://www.phillymusic.us/