Zion formed in 1981 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota back in the golden days of the 80's Metal scene. The line-up was originally comprised of vocalist/guitarist-Rex Scott, guitarist-David Moore, guitarist-Marlin Saner, and drummer-Tommy Bozung. One of the bands that highly influenced frontman-Rex Scott was the Beatles, and you can see some of that influence coming out in this promotional band photo. The band gets their name 'Zion' from the account of Biblical 'Mount Zion' (1 kings 8:1).

       In 1982 Zion released a two-track Demo called 'Roll The Rock/Less Of Me' with the two tracks being 'Roll The Rock' & 'Less Of Me'. These 2 tracks, later on, both found themselves on the band's 1989 -'Thunder From the Mountain' disc. 

       In 1984 Zion released a 10-track full length Demo called 'Rock For Eternity'. This release was a cassette only release and included tracks 1.Rock For Eternity 2.Your Love 3.Jesus Loves 4.Full Of Fire(Scott & Fisher) 5.You Need Jesus(Scott & Fisher) 6.Joy Of The Lord(Scott & Fisher) 7.Discontented Man(Dave Moore) 8.One Solitary Life(Fisher) 9.Time Is Running Out 10.Never Had The Chance
The roster was comprised of vocalist/guitarist-Rex Scott, guitars/vocals-Bruce Fischer, guitarist-David Moore, bassist-Greg Sauer, and drummer-Tommy Bozung.

      In 1989, Zion released their debut album 'Thunder From The Mountain' which was produced by David Zaffiro(Bloodgood,David Zaffiro) who is mostly known for his work as lead guitarist for Bloodgood. The band was very appreciative of David's work with helping them to release a melodic Metal album that Metal heads could appreciate. However, the band felt that there was a lot of raw intensity sacrificed by Zaffiro eliminating some of the band's harder edge for the sake of a more AOR Metal sound.
        When I look at Zion's album artwork on their 1989 debut, what comes to mind is what is stated in Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
       The group takes the idea for their name from 'Mount Zion', the band's debut 'Thunder From The Mountain' also is taken from this idea, with 'The Mountain' being Mount Zion.
       Zion broke up just as they were getting ready to record their sophomore release which was difficult for the band as they had been together for more than 10 years. Not long after breaking up, X-Sinner's Guitarist Greg Bishop got in touch with Rex Scott in 1990 offering him the position of lead Vocalist. Then in 1991 Rex took center stage behind the mic helping X-Sinner release their sophomore album 'Peace Treaty'. Since then, X-Sinner along with Rex Scott, went on to release 2003-'X-Sinner Presents The Angry Einsteins', 2006-'Fire It Up', 2006-'Loud And Proud', 2008-'World Covered In Blood'. 
       While we are on the subject of Vocals, we have to mention the backup choir Vocals that are not unlike the choir Vocals of great bands like Theocracy or Stryper.
       Guitars are performed by David Moore & Rex Scott from a duo guitar approach with plenty of 80's noodling and solos which is how we like it here at Christian Molten Metal. They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel here but then that's not necessary anyway. This duo team just gave the listener solid driving riffs that go beyond just supporting the vocalist. The guitars here add energy to the tracks driving the songs along. Do I have to mention the track "Is It A Crime"? OK, I will because the guitar work on this AOR tune is incredible and this track should be put in the Christian Music-Hall Of Fame if there ever was such a thing.
       Lyrics are a joy to listen to because they came out of an era when bands were not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ as you can see in the following:

"Less Of Me"
I'm a driver in the race 
Power speed for first place 
I'm a striver for wealth and fame 
I'm the master of my game 
To each his own I heard one say 
But all would be mine if I had my way 
I'm a liar to think I'd win 
All kings before me lost in the end 
Less of me and all I'm trying to be 
Building my kingdom just to find it so 
Short of Your Glory 
I'm a traitor dressed up in pride 
Constructing life on compromise 
Manipulator I'll change your mind! 
Intent to finish all I design 
I'll use my friends I've lost a few 
Small price to pay can't wait for you 
I'm a deceiver bound up in chains 
Painting my face to hide my pain 
God save me! 
I'm a submitter forfeit my rule 
In the eyes of the world I'm a fool 
I'm a quitter from serving myself 
And bearing fruit that rots on the shelf 
I'm a follower old ways denied 
Took up the cross I'm crucified 
I'm now a vessel where Jesus Lives 
There's nothin' to lose 
I had nothing to give 
Less of me the key to my release 
Surrender this life to you 
Let Your Glory increase 
Yeah! 

"Roll The Rock"
Tryin' to find the meaning of life 
Don't know where to look 
Well, we don't need "TM" or biofeedback 
Just open the Book 
He will roll the stone away from your mind 
And away from your heart 
He will give you His light with power and might 
And that's just a start 
People seeking a new direction 
What they need is a resurrection 
Just as His Son who laid dead in the grave 
God: "I rolled the rock away" 
The latest rage because I rock is to call me a fake 
It might be the money or maybe the fame or who can I take 
Well, I'm not a scholar but I read in the Book 
That it's a dangerous thing 
To call the work of God to be of the devil 
Makes the warning bell ring! 
There's no question who I play for 
Cause I roll for the mightiest rock! 
If you've got a question about my profession 
My Boss is ready to talk! 
Roll the Rock 
Roll the Rock 
Roll the Rock Away! 

(See Site Info for Sword Scale Meaning)

       If you love that nostalgic sound of the 80's with all the cool hooks, sweet guitar licks, and over the top Vocals then this album is recommended with the highest of recommendations!

     In 2006 Zion released a compilation album titled 'Thrillseeker' on Retroactive Records which is comprised of a few of the band's better tunes performed live along with rare tracks from their Demo releases. A couple of the live tracks happen to be off their incredible 1989 'Thunder From The Mountain' record “Who Pulls The Strings”, and “Kick In The Gates”. This album comes highly recommended and is a must have to the serious Zion fan base.   

Musicians:
Rex Scott - Lead Vocals & Guitars
David Moore - Guitars
Jeff Johnson - Bass
Tommy Bozung - Drums