Classic melodic, progressive hard rock/metal band Sacred Warrior have checked in with the following announcement:
Says Eli Prinsen:”Hello friends, families, and fans of Sacred Warrior. Today, it is with a very heavy heart that I must let you all know that after a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided to step down as the band’s lead vocalist. It has become increasingly difficult for me to find the necessary time and availability that the band needs and deserves to keep moving forward. I want to thank all of the fans that gave me their support and acceptance as the bands new vocalist when I joined four years ago. I had some very big shoes to fill then and also, being a fan of the band, I knew it would be tough for some fans to accept a new voice. The welcome and reception I received was overwhelmingly positive and I really appreciate every kind word ever spoken or printed about me. Steve, Bruce, Tony, Joe, Tom, and Jr. I want you to know that I will forever treasure these past four years, especially the year and experiences we all shared during the recording process of “Waiting In Darkness”. Those were some seriously prayer filled times and there were miraculous victories with the health of Bruce, Tony, and Joe. God’s spirit is all over that album, and I feel so privileged to have been a part of it.
Although this is a sad time for me, I am really looking forward to all that God has in store for Sacred Warrior in the very near future. The new material is epic and the fans (including me) are going to absolutely love it. Thank you, I love you, may God bless you all,
Sacred Warrior states: “We know the main question that you all probably have, and the answer is NO, Sacred Warrior is NOT breaking up, we have tons of new music mostly finished (sans vocals), and we are VERY excited about the upcoming new record! Other than that, we are relying on God’s good timing to see what is next, and when things will fall into place. We also ask that you take Eli’s words at face value… we love him, and there is no bad blood here… nothing “happened”. We wish him all the best, and pray God’s massive blessings on everything he pursues… visit the FB page for his vocal training business and give it a Like to stay connected with him! (https://www.facebook.com/EliPrinsensHVT/)”
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The band was formed out of a general market metal band known as Nomad, which formed in 1985. Subsequent to the conversion of guitarist Bruce Swift to Christianity, he lead fellow band members Tony Velasquez and Rey Parra. He also led Rick Macias, who had been a bouncer at a nightclub. Steve Watkins joined the band as bassist in 1988 and Sacred Warrior was formed. Rick Macias left the band in 1989 and was replaced by John Johnson for the 1989 – 1990 tour. John left the band in 1990. Joe Petit (keyboards) joined the band in 1991. Sacred Warrior broke up in 1994 and then reformed in 2000 to do a Cornerstone Reunion Show. Rey moved to Florida and the rest of the guys stayed in Chicago making it difficult to continue writing music.
Sacred Warrior re-formed in 2008. In 2012 the band announced Eli Prinsen (The Sacrificed/Sealed Fate) as their new vocalist. Their latest album “Waiting In Darkness” has been released in July 2013. “Waiting In Darkness” is their first studio album in 22 years.
Our album review of “Waiting In Darkness” can be found here.