HOLY SOLDIER – Promise Man 30th Anniversary Collectors Edition CD & Vinyl

Pre-Order Thursday at 7pm.  (Oct 30th)

Full Press Release here --> https://girdermusic.com/pages/press-release-holy-soldier-s-promise-man-returns-30th-anniversary-collector-s-edition-coming-to-cd-amp-vinyl

Promise Man as Aged Like Fine Wine

Promise Man remains one of the greatest examples of Christian rock’s evolution—proof that faith and creativity can grow more authentic with time. 30 years later, this album has aged like fine wine. There's a reason why Promise Man won TWO Dove Awards in 1996, Hard Rock Album of the Year and Hard Rock Recorded Song of the Year (“Promise Man”).

Now celebrating its 30th Anniversary, Promise Man returns, for the first time in decades but now on both CD and Vinyl.  The 30th Anniversary Collector Edition CD comes with a collector sleeve and LTD collector card. It's premium. It's limited. It's built for collectors and true fans of music with purpose.  It includes 12 page booklet with an entire producers corner write-up from David Zaffiro. 

Mastered for Vinyl with 2 sided insert with lyrics and photos. If you loved it in 1995… wait 'til you hear it on vinyl. 

✅ 30th Anniversary Edition (1995–2025)
✅ Remastered for Vinyl (First Time on Vinyl)
✅ The Girder Treatment – sonic excellence + collector care
✅ Available on BOTH CD and Vinyl
✅ Limited pressing – 300 CDs / 250 Vinyl
✅ Band Supported (We Love Andy!)
✅ Licensed from Capitol Records
✅ Includes Producer Corner notes from David Zaffiro
✅ Vinyl Color: RUST
✅ Vinyl Release Date: January 16, 2026
✅ CD Release Date: December 16, 2025

We had some rather in dept conversation with both Andy Robbins who is currently in Italy at the time of our conversation as well as producer David Zaffiro.  Both were extremely happy when we discussed this release with them and glad to provide their insights. David Zaffiro (producer) provide a 980 word write-up that is included in the booklet and vinyl insert under "Producers Corner notes from David. "

Here's a small excerpt from the 980 word David Zaffiro Producers Corner

"For example, Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus by Larry Norman was the only cover song on the album. The band was a little mixed about doing the song, so I jumped in with “let’s blow it up!” So we tuned everything down from an E to a C and played the fundamental progression on a cheap acoustic guitar. Larry was such an historical icon it was almost like heresy to be tampering with one of his most beloved works..."

The Bold Reinvention That Redefined Christian Rock in the ’90s

In 1995, Holy Soldier—already regarded as one of the great Christian hard rock bands of the late ’80s and early ’90s—did something few artists dared to do. They completely reinvented themselves. After earning a reputation for their big hooks, powerful vocals, and polished glam-metal sound, the band traded that glossy sheen for something deeper, heavier, and far more emotional. Promise Man wasn’t just another album; it was a full-scale reinvention that saw the group stepping into the raw, modern, alternative grunge edge that defined mid-’90s rock. While many bands of the era faded away, Holy Soldier evolved with confidence, creating a record that was equal parts passionate, honest, and artistically bold. 

The shift in sound was dramatic and deliberate. Gone were the flashy production tricks and high-register choruses; in their place came a grunge-influenced, groove-heavy modern rock sound that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with bands like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, and Stone Temple Pilots. The band didn’t chase trends—they interpreted the sound of the times through their own faith-driven lens, creating something that resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners. Much of that power came from their new vocalist, Eric Wayne, whose lower, more soulful register gave the music weight and authenticity. His voice was raw and emotive, perfectly suited to the heavier direction and the deeply personal lyrics woven throughout the record.

At this point the band had really never played together, Michael was getting to know Scott and their interaction was just getting off the ground. Eric was a fine singer, there was nothing he couldn’t pull off, but there was a catch Steven Patrick was the primary lyricist for the two previous records. Eric had written various lyrics in the past but this was going to be on a much larger scale and it had to be done in a set amount of time.

Critics quickly recognized the brilliance of what Holy Soldier had accomplished. Within the Christian music scene, Promise Man was hailed as a triumph of songwriting and reinvention, praised for its maturity, emotional honesty, and exceptional musicianship. The album was a clear sign that Holy Soldier had grown beyond their Sunset Strip roots and found a more meaningful way to express their faith through rock. The band didn’t just retain their edge—they sharpened it, using intensity and atmosphere to amplify their message. What could have been a risky move became the defining moment of their career.

The success was undeniable. Promise Man won two Dove Awards in 1996—Hard Rock Album of the Year and Hard Rock Recorded Song of the Year for its title track—making history as one of the few Christian bands to reinvent themselves and immediately be rewarded at the highest level. They even reimagined Larry Norman’s “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus”, turning the 1970s classic into a haunting modern anthem that blended reverence with reinvention. This track alone showcased how fearless the band had become—willing to reinterpret a cornerstone of Christian rock through their own gritty, heartfelt perspective.