Christian progressive heavy metal melodic band Exodus Rising has officially inked a record deal with Wormholedeath Records for their forthcoming album, “The Book Of Life,” slated for release on October 18th, 2024.
“We are thrilled to announce that EXODUS RISING has signed with WormholeDeath Records,” exclaimed the band in a statement.” This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we are ecstatic to see that people can put differences aside and embrace the brutality in music that our Lord in Heaven has given us through scripture. As a band, we are driven by a purpose to share our message, one brutal song after another, and this collaboration with WormholeDeath Records will amplify our mission. Together, we will continue to deliver powerful, spiritually infused Progressive Metal that resonates deeply with our audience.”
The Book of Life: A Progressive Metal Journey Through Scripture
“The Book of Life” by EXODUS RISING is a Christian Progressive Heavy Metal album that spans the entire biblical narrative, from Genesis to Revelation. This concept album humanizes ancient stories, presenting them in digestible bites. Drawing inspiration from classical composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart,
and blending them with the progressive metal influences of Symphony X, Dream Theater, and Queen to name a few. With that inspiration, EXODUS RISING creates a unique sound. Our music is a melting pot of classical essence and modern metal, embodying the spirit of metal, while being envoys of light, and ministers of heavenly brutality.
A Band on a Divine Mission
In the intricate tapestry of progressive heavy metal, a transcendent force has emerged—a force meticulously crafted over years of unwavering dedication and guided by a divine calling. This force is none other than Exodus Rising, a band that seamlessly weaves musical prowess with spiritual narrative, taking listeners on a breathtaking journey from Genesis to Revelation.
The genesis of Exodus Rising was sparked by a divine prompting that compelled NY Charlie and his brother, KC Bonet, to embark on a creative odyssey in the heart of New York City. NY Charlie, a proficient studio engineer and bass player, and KC Bonet, a phenomenal heavy metal guitarist, laid the foundation for the band. Joining them was Chris Zapa, a virtuoso keyboardist and symphonic composer, forming the core trio that would breathe life into their envisioned concept album. Their pursuit of musical excellence led them to Otoniel Vargas, a remarkable drummer whose association with the acclaimed artist Prince Royce spoke volumes of his skill. Together, they crafted ten tracks that laid the groundwork for a monumental project. However, Otoniel eventually departed to continue his journey with Royce. After much prayer, the band was blessed with another exceptional drummer, William “Speedy” Gonzalez. Speedy rode hard with Exodus Rising for a year, lending his talents and flowing with the Holy Spirit to help complete the album. Yet, as life often teaches, all good things must come to an end. Speedy eventually left the band when his obligations called him to continue playing around the world for Redimi2, as it was God’s plan.
Despite the unforeseen challenges and the departure of their initial drummers, Exodus Rising pressed on. In their quest for a vocalist, they encountered several impressive singers. However, it was through earnest prayer that they discovered J Slate—a vocalist with a three-octave range, unwavering dedication, and a shared devotion to the divine. With J Slate’s arrival, the ensemble found its voice —a celestial instrument capable of conveying the intricate emotions embedded in their narrative. His talents in vocals, business, and artistry brought the band into a renaissance, propelling them like a rocket to the stars. As the band sought a drummer to match the exceptional skill of their previous collaborators, reminiscent of the caliber of Mike Portnoy, they continued their search for the missing piece of the puzzle. Through faith, they were blessed with an extraordinary drummer, Luka Stone. A well-seasoned musician, Luka auditioned for Exodus Rising and stood out among many applicants with his impressive dedication and pinpoint accuracy, never missing a beat. Ultimately, Luka blessed the band with a sense of unity and devotion to their cause, while powerfully conveying the word of God and demonstrating once again that His power is absolute.
An Epic Odyssey Awaits
The anticipation built as Exodus Rising prepared to unveil a concept album that transcends the boundaries of musical genres, weaving together elements of progressive metal with a profound narrative drawn from the sacred pages of the Bible. In a pivotal year before the onset of the pandemic, Exodus Rising set the stage for an epic odyssey, blending the ethereal and the visceral, the divine and the mortal. With a lineup of musicians driven by a shared vision, they stand poised to redefine the boundaries of progressive metal, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the spiritual journey that is Exodus Rising.
Get a taste of Exodus Rising’s musical journey with their video for “Paradise Lost”:
