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. |
