Before there was Sacred Warrior, the members were all in a secular band called "Nomad."  The guitarist Bruce Swift got saved and led the other members-Tony Velasquez, Rey Parra, and Rick Macias, to Christ. After the conversion of said members, the group wanted to reinvent themselves with a new band name and decided on "Sacred Warrior". They decided on the name Sacred Warrior due to their commitment to Christ being Sacred, and as Warriors, they desired to put the armor of God on every day to be prepared for battle.
         The band has an extensive discography which includes 1987:6-track demo/rehearsal tape, 1988: Rebellion, 1989: Master's Command, 1990: Wicked Generation, 1991: Obsessions, 1993: Classics, 2001: Live at Cornerstone 2001, 2001: Demo, and 2013: Waiting In Darkness.

      What we have with Sacred Warrior is classic Power Metal similar to the band Recon. Fast guitar riffs with a first-class front man named Rey Parra. Rey delivers some of the finest vocal work in the industry with the ability to hit the high notes. 

       The album "Rebellion" has always been one of this listener's favorite albums by SW with its stellar vocal work by Rey Parra.  Also, the axe is brought down in the guitar department with some top-notch Power Metal riffs along with a duo guitar onslaught being the order of the day. But one additional thing that makes this album stand out amongst others is the full-on Christ centered lyrics as seen in the following:
    

THE HEAVEN'S ARE CALLING
Our God is calling for the time He comes is near
When He will rule throughout the land
Then the confusion in your head will soon be clear
As the voices of the heavens are calling

Ohh the heavens are calling
Ohh so give glory to the King

Everyone shall see Him open up the clouds
Even those who pierced His name
Then all the people of the earth shall mourn
Because they'll see that He is the One

Ohh the heavens are calling
Ohh so give glory to the King

Won't you join us all you people
Behold He's coming from above
Father's wrath upon His hands
All the kings shall bow and all authority shall fall
For it is said that your worldly possessions shall fade away
But in His kingdom what you'll have is here to stay
See the lights shine on the shadows of the world
Seven scrolls of wrath are poured upon this land forevermore



HE DIED
He died for you and I on that day
As He hangs on the cross for you and I
He said "Father forgive them for they know not what they do"

It's time you realize what he has done for you
Just open up your eyes and face the truth
Why don't you realize what God has done for you
He sent His only Son to die for you

And He died for you and I Oh Jesus
And He died for you and I Oh Jesus


      To their fan's surprise, on April 23, 2012 lead vocalist Rey Parra announced to the group that he was leaving the band due to time constraints and distance issues with him living in Florida and the rest living in Chicago, Illinois area. 

       If you are looking for some quality power metal albums to add to your collection, then you will want to consider Sacred Warrior's 2013 'Waiting In Darkness' album is second to none. This album has all the guitar riffs that Sacred Warrior is famous for throughout the previous releases. After the departure of Rey Parra, the band began looking for a vocalist to fill the void. After a lengthy hiatus, SW brought on Power Metal vocalist Eli Prinsen(The Sacrificed).
       With Eli Prensen now fronting the band we find the band picking up where they left off. Eli does a good job filling the void, but I would like to hear some higher ranges like he reached on The Sacrificed's '2012' album which would give the album a bit more diversity. However, this is a very good release from a band that hasn't released an album in 20 years and it's great to hear something new from the band. 
       

       If you like classic Power Metal that rocks hard then you should give Sacred Warrior a listen. Help support the band by picking up your copy of one of the band's albums or just go ahead and add their entire discography!

Musicians:
Eli Prinson - Vocals
Bruce Swift - Guitars
Steve Watkins - Bass
Joe Petit - Keyboards
Tony Velazquez - Drums