Glory of Kings is a Progressive Power Metal band formed by Jonathan Johnson(Sacred Warrior). The band takes the idea for their name from Proverbs 20:52 where it talks about it’s the glory of God to conceal a thing. But it’s the glory of kings to seek out that thing.  

One might be questioning why Jonathan Johnson would be putting together a band when he is already part of one of the most recognized Christian Metal bands on the planet. Well, as the story goes, Jonathan was looking over a few things on his computer and noticed some unused songs just waiting for someone to wipe the dust off of them. While working with Sacred Warrior, it turns out that Jonathan had written a handful of songs but the band hadn't got around to using them. The song were Classic Progressive Metal songs, and he didn't have an outlet at the time for that genre of Metal. He then posted on facebook that he had some partially done songs, and should he trash them or would anyone be interested in hearing them? The response was an overwhelming yes, - yes, we would be excited to hear them! It was at this time that Jonathan began work on the demo forms of the songs to complete them and that's when the songs seemed to multiply and what was once just a few songs turned into a full demo album.  

       To bring his project to life, Jonathan put together an all-star lineup comprised of vocalist-Erik Schelling(Sacred Warrior-"Christ the Solid Rock”), guitarist-Jonathan Johnson(Sacred Warrior, Deny the Fallen, Godman), guitarist-Gary Michael Wilson(Thee Final Chaptre), bassist-Roger Dale Martin (Vengeance Rising, Die Happy, Reign of Glory), and drummer-Michael Feighan (Whitecross). With a full roster of highly experienced musicians, the band stepped into the studios to begin the recording process. 

       In 2026 Glory of Kings released their debut full-length album titled 'Roots Of The Past' on Roxx Records. Roots OF The Past draws inspiration from the well of the classic Power Metal scene. We're talking powerful soaring vocals, unrelenting driving guitars, heavy bass lines, and sick poundin' drums! From track to track one will notice a subtle progressive nature within the song structure that adds depth to each track. The album's cover art, for this debut release, is well done in such a way that it leaves a bit of mystery to the meaning behind it.

       With his seasoned delivery, one will definitely have hard time telling that this is the first Metal album that Erik Schelling has handled lead vocals on. Erik's vocals are difficult to pinpoint just who he sounds like. His vocals morph and change throughout this release and this is a good thing! If I had to make a comparison, I would say that Erik's vocal delivery is a mixture of Fredrik Ohlsson(Veni Domine) and Eli Prinsen(The Sacrificed).

       The driving force for the band comes courtesy of shredders Jonathan Johnson(Sacred Warrior, Deny the Fallen, Godman) & Gary Michael Wilson (Thee Final Chaptre). Also, check out some of their solo work on the instrumental track "Foreshadows".

       Also, very noticeable in the arrangements is the onslaught of the skins delivered up by the menacing kit master-Michael Feighan(Whitecross). Michael adds a driving force alongside the guitars section that is sure to get the attention of drum aficionados. 

MIND WAR 

All I ever wanted for me, was to be like everyone else
I've spent a lifetime reminding myself
This evil illness can't define who I am
God I choose to believe in you're plan
In this

MINDWAR
A chemical curse in my brain
MINDWAR
I'm fighting to remain sane in this
MINDWAR
Fighting through thoughts every day as I pray through this
MINDWAR
I need your grace to be saved from this
MINDWAR

 

THE MYSTERY

I set my course to lands unknown
The Mystery becomes my home

The scales are falling...
from my eyes
Through the darkness..
You hear my cries

I choose to leave the darkened lands
And pursue what lies above
Your blood has made the way
To unlock the mystery

 

SEE YOU IN PARADISE

This life is a vapor a flash in a moment

In dimensions beyond space and time

The blood of the Savior has made us immortal

Though this flesh made of clay someday dies

We don't grieve like those without hope

Or fall into despair

We were made for eternal life

With the angels we will declare

Someday when this life is over

And we've crossed the great divide

Every moment etched in the book of life

 

FAIRY TALES

Don't fall for fairy tales, they won't save your soul

Ignorance will take control

 

The Holy Lamb of God was slain

His blood was shed to make a way

He gave His life to pay the price

He took our place our sacrifice

 

GODS AND MEN

Dawn of the ancient world

An apostate age

The fallen ones descend deceiving men demanding praise 

Images of entities wood and stone their deities

Left behind the one True God for angels and for beasts

Forever The King Will Reign

The angels of God proclaim

Every creature will bow before Him

The fate of both gods and men

(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)

       Glory of Kings is for fans of Sacred Warrior, Queensrÿche, Veni Domine, Kidd Robin, Fates Warning, Sardonyx, and The Sacrificed. The band has released a solid offering with 'Roots Of The Past'! If you are looking to add some Progressive Power Metal to your collection, then look no more. Pick up your copy of Glory of Kings' album 'Roots Of The Past' today!

Musicians:

Erik Schelling (Sacred Warrior-"Christ the Solid Rock”) - Lead Vocals

Jonathan Johnson (Sacred Warrior, Deny the Fallen, Godman) - Guitars

Gary Michael Wilson (Thee Final Chaptre) - Guitars

Roger Dale Martin (Vengeance Rising, Die Happy, Reign of Glory) - Bass

Michael Feighan (Whitecross) - Drums

 

Additional Musicians:

Steve Watkins (Sacred Warrior) - Bass