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Be sure to order the impossible-before-now-to-find Apostle related CD that guitarist Matt Harding recorded as a three-piece with his son, Jacob Harding...
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Click to Order: The Jacob's Ladder - TJL (CD, 2008) Apostle's Matt Harding-Ty Tabor Mastered $14.95 (for fans of Apostle, King's X, Trytan)
Apostle - Metal For the Master (New-CD, 2026, Retroactive) elite Neo-Classical Heavy Metal!
Artist: Apostle
Album Title: Metal For the Master (1989)
Label: Retroactive Records
Format: CD, Jewel Case, 12-page booklet, lyrics insert, 500 unit pressing
Product ID: RRCD2108
Barcode: 732131699494
Release date: 6/4/2026
KEY COLLECTOR DETAILS
-
Prolific 80's Christian Metal band (Florida) w guitar wizard, Matt Harding
- Included epic tracks on iconic Christian metal compilations East Coast Metal (1989) and White Metal Invasion (1989)!
- Elite neo-classical U.S. power metal
- Band leader, vocalist & guitarist, Matt Harding deserves to rank with the likes of Chris Impellitteri, Rex Carroll (Whitecross) and Carl Grimmark (Narnia)
- Limited to just 500 CD, Jewel Case, 12-page booklet
- First time Metal For the Master (1989) is available on CD
- Recorded in Chicago (1986) at Tone Zone studios (Rez band's home studio), engineered by Roger Heiss, and produced by Rez band's Glenn Kaiser!Â
- Metal For the Master was the band's chance to re-recorded classic Apostle tracks produced by Glenn Kaiser
- Powerful instrumentals with "Armageddon" & "Parting of the Red Sea"
- Some original cassettes of this were titled "Apostle"
- Planned to be released with the name "Tone Zone" in 1987, but that name didn't end up being used.
- All new artwork reimagined by NLTM Scott Waters
- Remastered by Rob Colwell
- Part of the exclusive Metal Icon SeriesÂ
- Includes write-up from Matthew Hunt (Retroactive Records)
- For fans of Saint, early Bloodgood, Yngwie Malmsteen, Judas Priest, Messiah Prophet, Sacred Warrior, Stryper, and Paradox
ABOUT THE ALBUM
Apostle – Metal For the Master (1989) – CD Reissue (2026)
Some albums are born in the spotlight. Others take a more winding path—recorded, reworked, renamed… and eventually recognized for what they truly are.
Apostle’s Metal For the Master (1989) is one of those albums.
Originally recorded in Chicago at Tone Zone Studios—the home base of Rez Band—these sessions capture a pivotal moment for Apostle. Under the guidance of producer Glenn Kaiser and engineered by Roger Heiss, the band set out to re-record and refine their strongest material, giving it greater precision, clarity, and power.
The result is a sharper, more focused expression of Apostle’s signature sound—elite U.S. neo-classical heavy metal driven by the talent and vision of Matt Harding.
There’s history woven into this release. Some early cassette versions circulated under the name Apostle, and at one point the project was even intended to be released as Tone Zone in 1987. But over time, the recordings found their identity as Metal For the Master—a title that better reflects the album’s intensity, purpose, and conviction.
And the music delivers.
From the driving force of “Overcomer” and “Conquerors” to the anthemic strength of “King of Kings” and “Holy Soldier,” Apostle presents a confident, refined sound that builds on their earlier work while pushing forward with greater intent. Instrumental standouts like “Parting the Red Sea” and “Armageddon” highlight the band’s technical edge—showcasing the neo-classical influence that places them alongside genre standouts.
Known to dedicated fans through landmark compilations like East Coast Metal and White Metal Invasion, Apostle remained one of the era’s most respected underground bands. Metal For the Master stands as one of their most complete and musically accomplished statements.
Now, for the first time ever, this album receives a proper CD release.
Part of the Metal Icon Series, this edition has been remastered by Rob Colwell, bringing renewed clarity and punch while preserving the original character of the recordings. Housed in a jewel case with a 12-page booklet, the release includes lyrics, Apostle history, rare band photos, and a new write-up that helps tell the full story behind this important album.
The visual presentation has also been completely revitalized with all-new artwork reimagined by NLTM’s Scott Waters, giving this release the presentation it always deserved.
Limited to just 500 copies worldwide, this is the definitive CD edition of a long-overlooked classic.
If you’re a fan of Saint, early Bloodgood, Yngwie Malmsteen, Judas Priest, Messiah Prophet, Sacred Warrior, Stryper, or Paradox, this belongs in your collection.
TRACKS
-   King of the Saints   02:57   Â
2.   Overcomer   03:07  Â
3.   Conquerors   02:30   Â
4.   Born Again   02:53   Â
5.   Parting the Red Sea   02:54    instrumental
6.   Unlimited Power   02:39   Â
7.   Armageddon   01:28    instrumental
8.   King of Kings   02:21   Â
9.   Bread of Life   03:14   Â
10.   Holy Soldier   03:54   Â
King of the Saints / Overcomer / Conquerors / Born Again / Parting the Red Sea / Unlimited Power / Armageddon / King of Kings / Bread of Life / Holy Soldier
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