GUARDIAN

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A Christian Rock quartet originally known as FUSION and subsequently GARDIAN, the band was initially recognized for sporting 'Stars Wars' style 'Armour of God' stage outfits. In their earliest incarnation the musical approach was a little hi-tech. As FUSION the band released a 1984 EP ‘Rock In Victory’ and a 1987 follow up ‘Voyager’. FUSION cited a line-up comprising singer Paul Cawley, guitarist James Isham, bass player Max Alpha (a.k.a. David Bach) and drummer Rikk Hart.

A new title of GARDIAN, neglecting the ‘U’ of the usual spelling in order to keep the band title within the numerological 7 cipher content, was adopted as the band struck a major deal. The band were not content to simply preach to the converted,so to speak, and were a common addition to bills at such secular Rock joints as The Whiskey A Go Go and The Palace in Los Angeles.

The debut album, 'First Watch' produced by STRYPER guitarist Oz Fox and released by the Enigma label, was recorded with original vocalist Paul Cawley and drummer Rikk Hart in the line-up. Prior to recording original guitar player David Caro had been usurped by Tony Palacios. Musically GUARDIAN were certainly in Heavy Metal territory for this outing. GUARDIAN then opted to switch labels to a Christian concern for their next effort and signed up to the Pakaderm label. Fortuitous timing as Enimga went bust shortly after. Other changes witnessed the introduction of former TEMPEST vocalist Jamie Rowe and drummer Karl Ney and GUARDIAN's shift into more melodic Rock climes. 1990's 'Fire And Love' boasts John Elefante on keyboards and backing vocals. The band's profile rose sharply with the heavy rotation on MTV afforded the video for 'Power Of Love'.

GUARDIAN's third opus 'Miracle Mile' found the band stabilising but the 1994 acoustic based 'Swing, Swang, Swung' proved a radical departure and alienated many former fans with its modern direction. GUARDIAN took a further diversion with the Spanish language album 'Nunca Te Dire Adios' issued the following year.

'Buzz' dispensed with the production and songwriting team of the Elefante brothers and rang in a new era for the band. Produced by Steve Taylor, 'Buzz' brought GUARDIAN well into the 90s with a vengeance, featuring a radical new sound and was so packaged as to enable the purchaser to choose one of four different covers for the album. 1997's 'Bottle Rocket' delved further into the world of Pop Rock.

GUARDIAN ambitiously recorded their own version of the classic STRYPER 'Yellow And Black Attack' album. The band re-recorded every song and packaged the entire opus in a spoof of the original sleeve. These albums were soon snapped up, the band selling it through their own G-man label as a limited edition.

Rowe, who almost landed the job as vocalist for RATT in 2000, busied himself with his side project ADRIANGALE. In 2001 it emerged GUARDIAN were preparing a Spanish language album. Rowe would also announce the formation of side endeavour KUNG POW FUGITIVES. Breaking a long period of inactivity the band would reunite for a one off showing at the fabled ‘Cornerstone Music’ festival in Bushnell, Illinois during July of 2001. This event would be captured on a live album on the M8 label.

GUARDIAN issued their third Spanish vocal album ‘Dime’ (‘Tell Me’) during early 2002. The band would reunite in late 2004, working with producers John and Dino Elefante on a new studio album. The October 2007 album 'Independence Day' from LIBERTY N' JUSTICE featured Jamie Rowe on the song 'Fade'.