Stronghold - Fortress Rock

Track List:
01. Stronghold
02: Barabbas
03: Dreams and Pretty Pictures
04: No Superstars for Jesus
05: Daybreak's Coming
06: Desert Walker
07: The Called
08: Nobody Owes You Nothing

Reissue Release Date: July 2012
Label: Born Twice Records

Originally Released: 1982
Label: Tunesmith Records

I was not into the Christian music scene when this was originally released in 1982, but it was only a couple years later when I did get heavily involved, and at that time, this release by Stronghold was still on the must-have list of most rockers. So, this reissue brings back many memories of rocking this release on vinyl in the mid-80s.


There was a big flood in the late 70's/early 80s of Christian hard rock bands that were filling the scene, many had the staying power - bands like Rez Band, Barnabas, Daniel Band, and Jerusalem, while there were many that for me were essential listens, but eventually got lost in the flood, and this included bands like Oracle (Danger Zone), Rob Cassels, Messiah, and of course this release by the New York foursome Stronghold.

Stronghold were one of the original Christian hard rock outfits that had more of a doomy, metallic feel before full out metal hit the scene head-on shortly after. Remembering this was in the early 80's, and record production wasn't near what it is now, plus factoring in that is was even less stellar in the underground Christian rock scene where this appeared, this release does have the weakness in the sound quality. But honestly, for me, this does not detract, but adds warmth and life to the greatness I remember back in the days this music was out.

This reissue contains the eight tunes of classic late 70’s sounding hard rock,  plodding ahead with crunchy guitars riffs and gritty rock vocals, mixed with atmospheric keys at time - you know, that kind of hard rocking that existed before the barrage of hairspray and spandex took over.

For me, this is one of the high water marks among the many great bands that labels like Tunesmith brought Christian music at the time. I loved this release in the day, and am glad and thankful to see it on CD now.