Hymns

Some albums don't just belong to their era-they quietly influence everything around them. Apostle's Hymns (1988) is one of those underground gems-an essential piece of late '80s Christian metal that helped shape the U.S. power metal landscape but never received the full recognition it deserved... until now. Emerging from Florida, Apostle delivered a powerful blend of neo-classical precision, melodic structure, and heavy metal intensity, anchored by the remarkable talent of Matt Harding. As guitarist, vocalist, and primary creative force, Harding's work stands confidently alongside elite players like Chris Impellitteri, Rex Carroll, and Carl Grimmark. This is elite U.S. neo-classical heavy metal-sharp, technical, and driven by conviction. Tracks like ""Vanguard"" and ""Dragon Slayer"" showcase blistering guitar work and dynamic songwriting, while ""I Am Persuaded"" and ""The Sword"" highlight the band's ability to balance melody with power and purpose. Apostle's inclusion on landmark compilations like East Coast Metal and White Metal Invasion cemented their reputation among dedicated fans-but Hymns itself remained largely inaccessible in premium formats for decades. That changes in a big way with this release. For the first time ever, Hymns is available on vinyl, and not just any vinyl-this edition arrives on stunning Metallic Gold wax, delivering both sonic and visual impact worthy of it's legacy. Part of the Metal Icon Series, this reissue has been remastered by Rob Colwell, giving the album renewed clarity and punch while staying true to it's original character. The package includes a 12x12 full-size lyrics insert, Apostle history, rare band photos, and a new write-up that helps tell the story behind this influential release. Visually, the album has been completely revitalized with all-new artwork reimagined by NLTM's Scott Waters, bringing a fresh and powerful presentation to this long-overlooked classic. Strictly limited to just 200 copies worldwide, this is a true collector's piece-and once it's gone, it's gone. 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.