ArkAngel - Warrior (Re-issue)

Friday 1st December 2000
ArkAngel - Warrior (Re-issue)
ArkAngel - Warrior (Re-issue)

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 2874-3266
LABEL: Millenium Eight
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Praise God for M8 distribution, an American label specialising in re-releasing classic Christian albums in limited pressings and also putting out a few new releases from alternative/indie rock bands. This 1980 release, originally on Star Song, was on my list of vinyl albums that I longed to see make it onto CD and it still sounds fresh 20 years after its original release. Mixing folk, Celtic and rock styles before Iona made it trendy, the band, led by the talented Kemper Crabb, described themselves as "the spirit of apocalyptic rock" and there is something epic captured in these songs. The title track has always been one of my all time favourite songs with its psalm-like lyrics and powerful music - hey, even the bagpipes sound cool. Got to say a decade before lona started doing it, ArkAngel were creating huge sounds and pieces of music written in different sections with instrumental passages conveying the power of the lyrical ideas. Thus a track with the dubious title "Elohim Considers Antedeluvia" turns out to be a bit of an epic. At the other end of the musical scale, there are rootsy Celtic arrangements, the highlight being the Gaelic prayer "Praises In The Old Tongue". The mellow "Dwelling Place" has also been a song which has inspired me over the years with its call to intimacy with God. There are some amazing musical moments captured here, like the haunting violin, which forms the intro of the brilliant "Morning Anthem" and the simple arrangements and pure vocals of "Greater Love" which captures the pain of the fall of Adam and Eve and the eternal consequences for mankind. Basically, this is a classic Christian music album, musically adventurous and lyrically moving. If you're into prog music or you're an lona fan you should consider checking it out or if you simply want something a little different. Full marks to M8 for the re-release! They don't make 'em like this anymore, more's the pity!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by RON N. in CT @ 13:54 on Apr 28 2021

One of the Best Worship albums of All Time...



Posted by dale plaisance in mpls mn @ 03:55 on Feb 15 2014

The bass player on morning anthem wasn't that Brian Tankersly? I that's how you spell his last name. I saw his credits as a producer and sound tech but what is he up to now? Does he play bass on any other music out there?



Posted by Doktor Uzi in UK @ 17:27 on Aug 10 2013

Did anyone notice the reply about what kind of bass guitar was used by richard thrush was from the guy who actually played bass on this album!! The one and only Dave Marshall from Texas...lol

Why was there never a follow up album....?


Reply by David Marshall in Houston, Tx @ 23:03 on Mar 31 2014

There was no follow up. Kemper recorded "The Vigil" after "Warrior" was released. We released a CD in the early 90s as Radiohalo titled "Illumination". It wasn't anything like AA.

[report abuse]


Posted by Doktor Uzi in UK @ 17:23 on Aug 10 2013

Yhis is one of my all time favourite LP's and I'm not even religious...lol
Its superb. A friends brother got it when it came out and we listened to it for a laugh....Ha, christian rock, yeah right....and wow, we played it to death.
That was in 1981, 32 years ago....I am still playing it to this day. Got a vinyl copy on ebay a few years ago as my old cassette had just about worn out.
fabulous stuff.



Posted by Ian McFadyen in New Zealand @ 12:20 on Oct 2 2010

I was right into the Warrior album in the early to mid !980s in New Zealand. I bought the cassette. I guess the cassette eventually wore out and I never saw another copy.
I just happened to hear it online-still sounds great, not dated and those words come through so clearly. I'll be ordering the CD if possible.



Posted by baphometr in east texas @ 19:30 on May 5 2008

I have just listed the ORIGINAL LP- Warrior, on e-Bay. It starts at only $9.99! Take a look- it here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180239920 382


Reply by michael middleton in southern california @ 01:34 on Jul 28 2008

I just saw your posting. any idea how I can get aCD recording of "Warrior" ?

[report abuse]


Posted by William in Belfast @ 10:55 on Apr 10 2008

Try listening to the words of Greater Love without blubing like a big girl.
It made me weep in 1980 and it still affects me today!
"The blood that flowed should have been mine...I know what it means to be free!"



Posted by richard thrush in washington illinois @ 04:18 on Mar 21 2008

does anyone out there know what kind of bass guitar was used on this album.i am a bass gutarist myself and allways wanted to know .


Reply by Dave Marshall in Houston, Texas @ 04:14 on Oct 4 2008

You are correct. It was a Ric.

[report abuse]

Reply by Mick Steiner in Milwaukee @ 01:32 on Jul 2 2008

It's a Rickenbacker, like what McCartney used on Sgt. Pepper, Magical Mystery Tour & the White Album. It's that distinctive sound only heard in a Rick.

[report abuse]


Posted by michel middleton in california @ 05:18 on Jan 21 2008

does any one know where I can download either "Warrior" (single), or if necessary, the entire album ?


Reply by baphometr in east texas @ 19:33 on May 5 2008

The Original Warrior LP on almost mint vinyl is for sale here for only $9.99!: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180239920 382

[report abuse]


Posted by Michael Butler in Jeffersonville Indiana @ 18:22 on Dec 22 2007

This album is one fo the greatest of all time in the Christian gendre. Arkangel was to christian music what the Moody Blues was to rock. It is indeed sad that Arkangel didn't come out with some more recordings after this one. I like it better today than I did 25+ years ago.



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