Fan Mail 3

The Josh Kramer Website What's New With Josh Kramer Fan Mail 1 Fan Mail 2 Fan Mail 3 Contact Saint777 Links Josh In Germany Up From The Ashes And Other Stuff

 

Since I have received so many fan letters and since both Fan Mail 1 and 2 pages were getting very full, I have added a Fan Mail 3 Page.  Here you will find some older letters from the fans.  I did NOT want to delete them to make space for the newer ones, so here it is, FAN MAIL 3.... - Mr. Saint Fan

Hey bro: Sign me up for the preorder of the "In the Battle" package! I've been a fan of Saint since I first bought Warriors of the Son back in '85, so I would be getting this no matter what, but the way my bud David (King of Metal) has been raving about the song you sneaked him, I'm positively salivating to get my hands on it! You guys are gonna be causing a buzz when this disc hits the streets! I'll send you the money order tomorrow I hope, and if anything comes with a signature on it, I would not complain. ;) Nick

 

Josh, In the Battle seems to be a big hit at the Christian Metal Realm.  The reponse from people has been great. Just thought you'd like to know. Have a nice weekend Bro, Tim

Hey Josh how is it going? I have been a big Saint fan since I heard Time's End back when you put it out and have been a fan of the other christian metal bands as well. I E-mailed Richard a while ago and was wondering when your new cd is coming out. I have never seen you guy's live but would love to or even sit down and talk to anyone of you guy's over lunch and bring back the memories. I have been looking for people who like the same music as me around the web, I have been to christian web sites and have had no luck. ...  I received your truckload of stuff!!! That was truely awsome I thank you for taking the time for me to pack all that stuff up.  
    I have had ample time to review your new album I am a tuff critic when it comes to music but you guy's pulled it off again. You can make an entire cd with no dud's.
    I have to say that "Riders" is a true masterpiece I love the guitars in that one. And "When" is something we all have been thinking about you just made it a really cool song. Well I know you are busy I sure hope there are some kind of plans of performing I don't care where you do it but I would like to know about it I may run out there to see it! Ok take care.   -Darren     Cedar,MN

 

Josh..I just wanted you to know that I am 31 and I have been a saint fan since 1987.You guys were among the bands thats music reached out to me when I was akid and lead me down a better road.  I ended up going from the streets to lead a youth ministry, be a camp counselor, promote some christian concerts, and then finally front my own christian metal band.Your work made a difference.Thank you!!!  I have a limited edition warriors of the son cd that i picked up at the Ichthus festival, and a cassette of too late for living that I have had for years. I no longer have times end but i'd sure love to have a copy.  I cant wait til you guys get a new one done.  Please add me to any mailing list you might have.God bless and God speed, Paul

 

Hi Josh, I started listening to Saint's music in '84. Hearing you sing Warriors Of The Son was so unlike anything this then-14 yr old had ever heard. I was hooked from the time I heard it. I found Too Late For Living on cassette in '88, I believe. After that, it was as if you guys fell from the face of the earth. I often wondered if there was Saint music floatingaround that I didnt know about. Then in 2002, I received blasts from my past when I found your first 2 albums on reissued CDs, being sold on EBay.
Of course, I made sure I was the highest bidder. I've listened to both CDs a lot lately, including time spent in my car just today. I think "Time's End" is my favorite Saint song of them all.  I stumbled on to the Saint website today and read the news of the release of "In The Battle" and the re-recording of "Warriors". I'm very excited about things to come. I kinda feel like I'm 14 again. I just wanted to let you know that your music meant a great deal to me 20 years ago, and means a lot to me even now. I can now introduce your music to my sons, ages 13 & 9, and that's very exciting.  God Bless you, Josh. Keep on rocking. Sincerely, Lance

 

Hey Josh!  Whats up man.  I'm so sorry I haven't emailed you in a good while.  I've been pretty busy.  You know how that is.  So what have you been up to man.  Dude,  I've got a friend that loves 80's metal just like me, and he's never heard saint before and yesterday I let him listen to Time's End.  He was floored!  He honestly couldn't believe how awsome you guys sounded.  What can I say, SAINT IS THE BEST!!!!  Your buddy in Christ, -Larry  P.S.-SAINT RULES!!!

 

Dear Josh, Hello i'm Mike from Rochester Minnesota, i started listening to Saint from the times end album, Times end and Too late for living always blew me away-your vocals are awsome, and now i found you on the internet and heard of a new album, wow what can i say! its a dream come true!! my heart was broken when the band stoped making music but i understand you have to do what you need to do,  now i will get the CD's of the old albums and wish you the best in the future, its bands like Saint that give us hope and show that God is alive and working through us all and his message will be heard!!!! amen!!,  god bless you, thanks for the music! Michael       ----------      Josh: Thank you for your letter.  It totally made my day!  My heart was broken too when we stopped being a band.  We often times look back on our lives and wonder "Was it the lord's will to do this or that, go here or there, take this road or that road.  I'm reminded of the movie," Dumb and Dumber" when Jim Carry was driving, he  looked down for a split second and missed their turn, failing to notice that they went backwards until much later.  How many times do we do that in life and the decisions we make? I can count a few in my life.
Do you know about the basement tapes, Saint's all time faves off of Warriors of the son, Times End and Too late for living, my radio days as a secular radio station disc jocky and my audio book all wrapped up in a 4 cd set? It is now available.  If you would like more info, let me know.   Thank you again for your very uplifting letter.  Sincerely, Josh
Mike:  Thanks for the reply, that made my day too! Yes I would like more info on the basement tapes, thanks for posting my letter-thats fine, God bless and have a great day. P.S I am a Gulf War vet of 1991 and believe me your music went with me to help with the hard times-thanks again for the uplifting music!, Mike

Josh, I just wanted to write and let you know that you guys really touch my life. God brought your message and music style my way and thats when my whole life changed. I was a pagan at the time listened to alot of 80s metal and was headed for the dead end. I got your first music taste with Times End from a dude I knew in high school  man did  it hit me hard then I got a copy of your To late for living cd it blew me away  That song was about me I felt the same way.
To make a long story short I found me  a small church and accepted Jesus as my savior  So to answer alot of peoples question is Christain metal of God? Absolutely!  I am a wittness to that as well as many others out there. God bless you Josh and the members of Saint, for God is pleased with you all.  IN CHRIST, Sir Tobias, A big fan   ---------- Dear Sir Tobias, Thank you for your very encouraging letter.  Words like yours touch our hearts as well.  You are why we do what we do.  Thanx again for your great letter.  Hope to scream and froth at the mouth on a stage near you soon!.....May God richly bless you and yours......Josh Kramer

Hi Josh,
My name is David, I am 30 yrs old now, but when I was 14 I heard your band for the first time.  My life was never the same.  To this day I can sing the lyrics to any song "word for word" on Too Late for Living and Time's End.  My friends and I would air jam to your tapes and I would pretend I was you!!! LOL  well, I would not miss a syllabal.  Sounds silly I know, but I am just being truthful.  In fact it was before cds and I actually had to replace my tapes several times because they got worn out (I am not exaggerating)!
I trained my voice to somewhat sound like yours and I guess it does ... not that I would ever be that good!  I had my fanclub card and everything.  I especially miss my "manhole Mike t shirt" :-(  I heard about what happened to you guys in California and the whole break up.  I am so glad you are still around!  I am married now ... and sing your songs to my wife a lot.  She likes it too!!  "red alert star craft approaching everybody put on your gear"OR "take this bitter cup, death won't be my friend"
Okay ... I am tearing up already.  It just brings back memories, because you see ... I used to be suicidal and when I would listen to your songs ... I turned my life to Christ in 1988.
I am now a minister of the gospel and sometimes when I preach I refer to your band.  I hope that is okay.  It is quite a testimony and makes a good sermon!  I even heard before anyone else that your next album would have been called "to live forever."
Well, ... sorry for writing so much ... I know you don't want to read a novel or anything.  I just am so ecstatic that you are still around ... I honestly almost cried when I found out on the Sanctuary website. It was just posted today. Your Biggest Fan in the Whole Universe, David, Minnetonka, MN

 

Josh, Thanks for all the updated news! I'm looking forward to hearing the new and improved "Warriors of the Son". Actually, I guess I need to listen to the original version first since I've only ever listened to it once or twice! You also mention there is going to be an album #6 soon! I thought all good things were supposed to come to an end?! Not so with Saint, it appears!!  Ross

 

Hi Josh.  Thanks for gettin back so soon.  I supposed it may be too late to get repromoting In the Battle.  I think it is a very strong record for what you were shooting for.  Just finished listening to it cranked up in my living room.  Love it!  Too bad there wasn't the financial backing of the churches etc to really make the album happen, so that it could be taken to the mainstream metal audiences.  If I had a record company with resouces, (dreaming....), I would repackage the album, remix it, add a few more photos inside and re-release it focusing on European metal audiences who still support power metal.  Actually this style of music is very popular in Europe right now. Bands like Blind Guardian, Stratovarius, Sentenced, Children of Bodom, Iced Earth, etc are huge right now. You could totally capitalize on this power metal movement. You should still send out copies to the European magazines and record companies.  There still may be some hope!

 

I really hope Saint can have a few good years of renewed ministry with new albums and tours.  But I really think it has to happen in the metal mainstream, and not hidden away in the tiny (almost non existent) Christian rock scene.  The Christian metal scene has been basically dead for about 5 years, with the exception of a handful of bands.  There is still a Christian hardcore and punk scene, but not much for metal.  The only band really still going to some extent is Tourniquet, who are fizzling out. Living Sacrifice broke up.  Deliverance broke up.  Stryper reformed and are over now.  What is left of the scene that was going strong from 1983 to 1998?  The scene fizzled out for many reasons: poor record companies, lack of business sense, bands changing member too often, substandard productions/packaging, lack of touring, lack of mainstream promotion and support, lack of originality in the music, and bands breaking up.  Why put your eggs in the "Christian" scene basket, when the basket doesn't have a bottom!  There is no Christian scene to speak of anymore.  There are maybe 2000 of us old loyal followers of the scene left in all of North America.  Not 100,000 like the old days.  You know what I am talking about.  You were leaders in that scene, and have seen what has happened. It really upsets me the more I think about it.  But you need to take your music to the metal fans in the world.  It can't be hidden away on a couple Christian bookshelves, or on a website.  Where is the ministry in that?  These lyrics need to be taken to the people who need to hear an alternative to Satanic lyrics.  David

 

I still remember seeing you guys back in 1988 playing at the HIS 2 Festival in Fontana, CA. that Keith Miles put on (Keith Miles is known as Steven Tyler the vocalist of TITANIC & now, SUBDUX). He was in HOLY RIGHT from 1985-1988 & then formed FINAL AXE.  Anyway, don't ask me how I remember this, but you guys started the show with, "Phantom Of The Galaxy," & then right into, "Steel Killer." The last song you guys did was, "Warriors Of The Son." I don't remember the sequence of the other songs, but I do remember that, "Warriors.." was the only song you guys did from that album.  The ones you did from, "Time's End," were: "In The night," "Time's End," "Primed & Ready," "Phantom..," & "Steel Killer."  As far as the ones from, "Too Late..." I only remember, "Too Late For Living." -----TIM  -----------    rich an i are the only origional members and i can't find any vinal of warriors of the son.  try rad rockers and some of the distribution sites listed in the shameless plugs page in my site. that is so cool that you remembered the songs and their order ......later......josh 

Thanks Josh for the info. About me remembering the order you guys played the songs in, I only remember the first 2 songs you guys did were, "Phantom.." & "Steel Killer." After that, I have no idea what order the other songs were in. The encore song was, "Warriors.." which was the only one you did from that album. From, "Time's End," you guys did, "In The Night," & everything from side 2 except, "Destroyers." I do remember you did, "Too Late.." but not sure what other ones from that album.  As far as getting, "Too Late.." on vinyl, I think I know of a place that has it. As far as getting, "Warriors.." on vinyl, I haven't seen it anywhere. At least I have, "Time's End" on vinyl & even though I played the heck out of it, it's surprisingly in great shape! Thanks, TIM

josh, you ' re making me so happy! can ' t wait for new SAINT-Stuff. You are my favorite Band at the moment and i love your Bandfotos and everything. Hope to see you some time in Germany. I surely keep my Support for SAINT and tell everybody how great you are :-) I ' ve listened to Ryders many times, when i had to stay in the hospital this summer - such a great song! Thanks! Greets, Stefan

Hail Josh!  I hear the new song of you indicate me. This is a really killer song! Is one of the greatest songs in the history of Saint. Congratulations! The "new album" indicate be a great work. I'm a grateful by you send to me. I wait for all the answers of interview (i and all those brazilian fans).  I much believe in potential of our contact, a great hug for you! Maurcio

 

thanks for that link i just finished listening to the song. that song rulez i can't wait for the new album. it's 12:23 am here so i can't turn the music up loud cuz my dad is sleeping. but tomorrow i will crank your song up your vocals have in proved so much. since t.l.f.l. at the end of the song you totally blew me away that song still have that 80's feel. will the band update the music with future albums or stay with the 80's feel?  jim --------  were gonna hang with the 80's feel but with a more modern production and edgy leads by dee. ......josh

Josh, My copy of In the Battle just arrived in the mail.  I was surprised to see the picture the band signed.  I wanted to thank you guys for adding that nice gift for your fans. God bless you guys, Tim

 

Hey Josh, just a note to let you know that your new album is getting good reviews from the members of the Stryper forum. They like the "classic" Saint sound and the fact that you are not trying to go "nu metal"!!! Hope all is well in Salem. Maybe one day soon I will make a trip down that way and we could meet. Your friend, Roger  A.K.A. Strypedog (in the stryper forum) Oh yeah,I think the new album ROCKS!!!!!

I got the CD on Friday and I am still listening to it.  It is awesome.  I burned a copy for my car CD player and plan on listening to it while going to work in the morning ( I hope thats ok).  I remember when I got the Too Late For Living record that I kept wondering when there would be another Saint album.  It might have been a long wait, but it was well worth the wait.  I hope you can get a concert going maybe with Bride or Petra.  I would like to see you in my neck of the woods even if I had to travel 4-6 hours.  Keep up the good work.  Scott

Just at this moment i have heard some demos of your new CD on the angelfire homepage.And what can i say.For me absolut great Music with the power of the old times. I can`t believe it because most of the older Bands can`t hold the spirit of the 80`s but you are definitiv one who is able to do. And in my opinion,the vocals are very good.This is also one of the negativ aspects when old Bands try to do new records. So i think "Rob Halford" should be look on your homepage...and try to sing better :-) That is what i like to say first,and now i can`t wait for this CD. Detlef

Dear Josh, You don't know me and I don't know you but I've been a fan of Saint from the 80s on.  How exciting to hear out of the blue that you're back and a new album is out!  Sign me up!  I ordered it at the paypal store for 14 dollars.  I hope to get the Nicolas cd and basement tapes with it.  There was no opportunity in paypal to ask specifically, so I just may have to order it seperately later. Anyway, God bless, have fun, glad to hear about the band again.  I just played Star Pilot for my new baby girl yesterday.  That took me back, but I wanted her exposed to the good stuff like Saint, Disciple, DA, 77s, Stonehill, Newsboys, Saviour Machine and such before she ever hears the name Britney Spears.  She shall have good taste!  I swear it!!  My 5 year old likes Rebecca St James and Stacie Orrico.  Her tastes are good but a bit mellower than I would like.  (Though I love Stacie Orrico and Rebecca St James- their cds are in my car now). Enjoy God's blessings, Nicholas

Below is a SAMPLE mp3.

Warlord, By Templar.
Josh Kramer, lead vocal and backing vocs.
Rich Lynch, backing vocs and bass also engineered this mix.
Guitars, Dan Fatdog
Drums, Mystery Drummer,  Shhhhhhh! I can't say at the moment.  He is very good eh mate?

(Posted with permission. I am testing the new mp3 feature on this site.  Please note that you must have the Quicktime player to play the sample.  If you don't have the player, just go to http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/ and download the free player.)

Josh, I am a Christian and a Metal Fan I have found a number of Christian Metal Bands that I like alot like yours and I listen to them often but I still love my favorite secular bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden Etc... is there anything wrong with continueing to listen to secular Metal Bands? Michael Sweet (Stryper) replied to an email I sent him about this and he basically feels that the problem with Secular Metal Music is in the lyrics and I would agree but it appears to me it's also the spirit which inspires most Secular Metal Bands to write all these hateful songs about God that is a problem. I don't know what to do because I really love this kind of music but the lyrics and the "Evil Themes" these bands use make it hard for me to truly feel comfortable listening to them even though I do. As a more mature brother in christ I am asking you for some some sound biblical advice on what to do about this. Donald  donald,  i guess it is a totally heart thing.   i love frank zappa's music.  i vocalize to priest's pain killer and screaming for vengence etc..,  ronnie james dio ozzy, queensriche, winger, scorpion and maiden etc.  because they are  the most aggressive things out there that are along the lines of what musical direction saint is going.   i really enjoy the pumped energy as well.  the lyrics are at times foul but so is the spirit of working with a construction crew.   i study all forms of music secular and christian and enjoy all forms.  i try to avoid or filter out the foul language and identify the spirit behind it's creation but i have my home work to do..   admittedly many secular bands have a passion unmatched by christian bands.  this is unfortunate.   if what we listen to influences us to think or behave improperly then it is the listeners discretion to take whatever action that they feel is best for them. as for personal enjoyment, i avoid songs that have dark themes, depressing, demeaning or sexually explicit lyrics  which rules out alot of bands for listening pleasure's sake. i am a happy person and someone with an eternal destiny.  i don't want someone who has no idea where they are going or hell bent to go to hell to shove down my throat their opinions and or beiefs.  my advise?   eat the meat and spit out the bones........pray for clarity and wisdom to discern right from wrong.   hope this helps..............thanks for writing..  keep me informed .......josh

Dear Mr. Kramer: I was shocked when I came across (what I hope!) is your e-mail address. Strange how the Internet has made the world so small!  In any event, I'm sure that you hear this all the time, but your music is GREAT! I'm probably a little older than most fans (31) that I now read on the websites. I'm overjoyed that new generations of youth can be inspired by such faith and musical talent. > > Growing up, another young man let me hear this "really cool band" that he discovered. When I looked at the cover of Time's End (a cassette tape, no less), I was mesmerized...when I heard the music, I was hooked! We listened to that tape (and purchased others along the way) util it was falling to pieces. I guess that it was a theme to our friendship and grwoing up. Saint really came through at a time when my faith needed a boost (God does work in some pretty cool ways!). We still talk about our Saint days in our "grown-up" lives, both in the profession of helping others through their hard times. Recently, Dave's father (also my minister), passed away unexpectedly. Unfortunately, it took an event like this to bring us back together (we now live 5 hours away), but recalling our "Saint days" pulled us through.  I'm sure that you get incredible amounts of e-mail and I don't expect you to answer. If you do have time, could you drop a quick message to Dave, another dedicated family man and true Saint fan? I'll be sure and pass it along to him and make his day.  Thanks for all the music, memories, and inspiration! God Bless you and all of the lives' you've touched...it's always more than you know! A Sincere and Dedicated Fan, Jerimy P.S. As a side note, your vocals (although I could never in a million years sounds as good) inspired me to join chorus in high school many moons ago...I ended up winning a music award to boot! Thanks!
jeremy my brother, your letter deserves to be included in my wall of fame fan mail site with mr saint fan. i'll forward it to him.  people like you with testimonies like yours are the wind in our sails and are the reason why we dio what we do...thanks again and please tell dave that both of you will have back stage passes to a concert closest to where ever you are.  when we tour we'll send out updates to everyone and you'll need to let me know that you will be there so that i can put you guys on the list..........god bless!.......josh 
Josh, Kevin here. I just want to thank you so much for allowing us the opprotunity to get to say hi to you and take a few pictures. We have and will be fans forever. We are glad to see you still plug away at the struggle to reach the unsaved. Your songs also encourage people like us and that is why we have a metal band together. To reach the lost through music. We are blessed to be doing this and I just wanted you to know I am glad I got to meet you and wanted to make sure I thanked you again for taking the time out to say hi and sign a few things for us. Your website is locked in my favorites and I will check it frequently. Have a great week and God Bless you and your families. Kevin
 
Whats up bro.  You haven't emailed me back yet.  I hope it went through.  I figured I'd email you again just incase the email didn't go through cause I know every now and then email gets lost and never gets through.  I really hope you got it though.  How's things been going man.  You gotta email me back sometime dude, I miss talkin' to ya.  That really sucked not having an internet connection for so long.  I wasn't able to email anybody!
larry,  dude, i've been doing the mini tour thing  finally got to a pc to check my mail. i wont forget about ya man!
 I think thats  so cool that you guys are re-doing Warriors of The Son!  Dude, I love that album!  In my opinion it is a masterpiece in metal.  Well, everything you guys put out is a masterpiece to me!  I think its so cool that you guys haven't lost your old sound.  We need some good true heavy metal these days.  Especially if its uplifting. 
thanx my good bro!  we'll keep in touch! i'm sending a copy of this letter to mr saint fan. i hope you're cool with this.let me know either way if ok or not..  there is a list of mail a mile long i have to get to.   stay metal! in christ...blessingz....laturz.......hjk
 Well man I just figured i'd drop you another email.  I hope to hear from ya soon.  I'll talk to ya later bro.  See ya:-) Your brother and friend in Christ, -Larry
Hi Josh! I finally had the opportunity to check out the songs! Wow! 'In the Battle' is definitely classic Saint!!!! :-)  I've been waiting for this! I enjoy the guitar work on each sample song.  I really liked the guitar rhythm on 'Sacrifice'.  Really catchy.  You are totally wailing on 'Full Armor' too.  I think that may be my favorite at this point.  :-)  I have no choice but to pre-order! (But of course you probably knew I would do that!) :-)  Check is on the way man.  PS I got the package you sent with Saint tunes! Thanks for all that! I am enjoying the basement tapes.  It brings back memories.  I have some old basement takes myself from bands I used to be in. It was always the coolest thing to pop on a tape or CD of the band you were in -even if the quality wasn't so good. Well keep up the great tunes, You bro in Christ, Bodie

 

                        

Hey Josh, this is really good! Love the guitar work and of course the vocals. Do you have any tracks from Times end like this?  Hey listen my folks own and operate Russia's first Christian radio station 1089 am Radio TEOS. You can listen to it on your computer online! If you sent me your cd I could have it plaed there. You could listen to your stuff as its being played in Russia. My next trip is in January to St Petersburg. As you are my favorite metal act I would love to promote you any way I can even if thats it. If you dont want to thats cool. Just a thought.  Derek
Hi Josh!!! I got your stuff.  thanks a lot!!! I love your music and the new album is pretty cool...  I'll let you know when my Saint review is online...  See you!!! ;-) TOBI
Let me knw when the CD comes out...I am first to get it!!I still have Times End, Warriors of the Son..on vinyl and too late on casette...  I have listendd to Saint since Times End came out...and I have a huge collection of 80's metal... I miss bands like Scarlet Red, Rage of Angels, even Whitecross (old style of course)Neon Cross! man...those bands were it... and of course Saint!Talk soon bro   Rod
Hey, Josh, my name's Mike...I'm nearly 32 yrs old, married, with two fine boys.  Been a Saint fan since 1985 or 86, somewhere in there.  I've been hearing lots about you/Saint/the new album from David Adams, who is my best friend.  I hear you and he have been keeping in touch.  That's very cool!  Anyway, just wanted to send a note of encouragement to say that I am VERY, VERY stoked to hear the new album!  Saint has always been one of my favorites, and also one of my wife's favorite bands.  I'm absolutely glad that you're back in Saint...frankly, you make Saint, to tell you the truth!  I know that the true metalheads will eat this new album up!  Well, God bless you, brother, and I hope to hear from you when you get a free moment! In Christ and for metal! Mike
Hey dude!  How's it going.  Dude that is a really killer deal your cutting with the new album.  That’s what I call getting your moneys worth!  You are definitely one of the most generous guys I know:-)  So what have you been up to my friend.  I hope you guys get to do a concert down here.  I'll be the first in line to buy tickets bro.  If its saint, I'm there!!  I'd finally get to meet you too.  That would be so awesome.  I don't know what I'd say.  I'm serious man, Saint's music has inspired me in so many ways.  And the cool thing was that you guys where a Christian group that played REAL metal.  Not pop metal.  And the best part of all is that your back in full swing ready to deliver more of that heavenly metal assault that has literally helped me to keep pushing on in times of darkness.  I can't tell you how awesome it is to see you back at the vocal helm again bro.   I think I can speak for all of the fans when I say, we missed you brother:-)  Well dude I just wanted say hi and let you know once again how much of an inspiration both you and Saint are to me.  God bless brother:-)  See ya! Your brother in Christ, -Larry
                  
Hi Josh,   Yes, I did get the demos you sent and appreciate it very much.  Here are my opinions for what little they may be worth:  Yes, the Basement tapes are of a low sound quality, but don't make apologies for it.  It serves the purpose of giving Saint fans something to chew on until the new material comes.  And there is a lot of great stuff on there- we get to hear a lot of the classic tunes in the works, radio spots, unreleased material, Richard's biker vocals, etc.  Same for the shrinkwrapping.  If they're CDR's, don't worry about it.  As long as the fans know what they're buying, they'll eat it up.    
Nicholas seems like a massive project.  I enjoyed hearing it.  Had to laugh at you trying to do so many different characters yourself, like Eddie Murphy playing the entire Klump family in the Nutty Professor.  Not sure what to tell you about that.  Sometimes I think it sounds like it should be an animated children's movie, but other times it's more serious in nature.  There's a place here in PA that puts on Christian plays, usually about biblical characters- it's called Sight and Sound in Lancaster, PA.  If you knew any gifted artists I could easily see Nicholas as a comic book series (not the cartoon kind, but the extremely detailed graphic novel kind of thing).  With something like that I think you'd have to finish the writing of it and sell the idea to someone with the knowledge, money , and strings to bring it to life.  It really is a departure from Saint, but I would encourage you to keep at it.  There are far too Christians using their creativity to make relevant art, be it music, movies,plays, novels, etc.  About the song "Cold Day".  The instrumentation is perfect.  It's not the typical Josh Kramer voice that the Saint fans know.  You seem to go out of tune when you hit the higher notes on the chorus.  The background vocals (I'm assuming that's you as well) work good with it.  With some reworking on the vocals it definitely has possibilities.  The song "Full Armor" as I'm sure you are aware, is almost flawless metal.  I hear Rob Halford is back together with Judas Priest after 13 years and I think Saint is going to give them a run for their money.  Great work!  I can't wait to hear the whole album.   I hear what you're saying with how you feel about your play.  Good talking to you.  Peace.   - Chris

 

Yes, I did get the Basement Tapes and Nick package awhile back. Great stuff too!  I still want to do a full proper review of IN THE BATTLE, song-by-song, so I'll try and put that together in a few days. I have to say that I have one favorite band I still like to go on long night drives (my version of weekend cruising) with my wife and just let the music speak to me, and that is Judas Priest. Something about their sound is irresistable.  But somewhere around the late '80s, after I was firmly planted in Christian rock music (I had a pop/hard rock band called No Compromise that was doing well in the Valley of the Sun until key members left for various colleges across the country), I went to a local used record store with a Christian bass player friend of mine and they had several Saint CDs there.  Now don't feel bad about your albums being in a used record bin this was Zia Records (still around) and they have several stores in Arizona with LOTS of used CDs of all kinds - and they only sell stuff they feel will sell, only cool stuff! The funny thing is, they don't know the rare collectable value of your CDs - I paid only .00 for each disc of TIME'S END and TOO LATE FOR LIVING, but I've actually seen the TIME'S END CD in a Christian bookstore hanging on their collectables wall with the price of .00 back in 1993! So your stuff is of high value on the open collectors market (I've seen other examples as well)!  Anyway, back to the story: After hearing those two albums, I had a new cruising partner for my car stereo! I love to cruise on a weekend night on out-of-the-city dark roads cranking Saint! Now I can cruise a bit longer with a third masterpiece disc! I have played your stuff for musician friends both Christian and secular who had grown up on '80s metal and they are always impressed with what they hear. So now, we have another entry with the same fire of the previous material. Praise God! This is PURE metal in all the truest senses - not just the music, but also the message and spirit! MARK  --------------    Hey, I am still working up a killer review of IN THE BATTLE, including track-by-track - hopefully I'll have it completed by this weekend and get it out to you to use for promotion, etc. I just wanted to drop this line to tell you how awesome that song "Cold Day" is! Man, the emotion and the rain and thunder effect sends chills down my spine when combined with the lyrics and backing vocals! I just  had to tell how much this rare piece has touched me! - MARK                                   

 

 

Josh, My copy of In the Battle just arrived in the mail.  I was surprised to see the picture the band signed.  I wanted to thank you guys for adding that nice gift for your fans. God bless you guys, -Tim

Dear Josh and Saint, Just heard In the Battle.  Then I heard it again.  And again.  Then a few (hundred) more times through the week.  Drove down the street with the windows open in the dead of winter, snow blowing everywhere, just so others could hear it as well.  Truly an amazing job, you guys!  A WOW moment in your careers after being away so long.  WOW stands for worthy of worship.  Praise God that He is using Saint so effectively and has blessed you all with such great songs, lyrically and especially musically.   The quality is superb!  I'm proud of you all.

When I put the CD in for the first time and heard you start to sing, I felt like I found a long lost friend. Saint was a big part of my life during my high school days and I'm glad to be able to rediscover this great band. I really like how Rich has matured as a song writer espcially the in your face lyrics. My favorite song so far is, Sacrifice it's helping me prepare my heart to see the movie The Passion. Overall this is my 2nd favorite Saint release next to Too Late for Living. I've been praying nightly that doors open for you guys to do great things for Jesus with your music. The world needs to know, Satan has misused metal music but, Your here to shove it right back in his face. Again Josh, God bless you guys, Tim
Hi Josh. It has been a while since I last spoke with you. Alot has happened to you since I last wrote. I got a job with an internet Drugstore that provides medicine to Americans at an affordable cost. Have been working very hard to try and move up in the company. Love talking to people from down there alot, and have many chances to talk to christians from all over the states. If i feel an opening i try and take it to talk about my faith and what drew me to yet another job that is helping people out.
I had the chance this week to witness to a new friend I met from downstairs in my apartment block. His favorite band is Judas Priest. So guess which christian CD i borrowed him. lol.
I hope things are going great for you guys. If you ever come close to Winnipeg, (Grand Forks, Fargo) let me know because I would love to see you guys live.
I really believe God brought you into my path in May as I was feeling very down trying to find a job. The letters I got from you lifted me up and gave me a chance to feel good about me again. Thank you so much.
Anyway, going to end it here. Just wanted to make sure i keep touch with you. If you or anyone in your church or ministry are ever in need of meds and want to save money let me know and I will point you to the company I am with now. That is not a plug for the company, I just know that there are a few churches and ministries who recommend their missionaries and congregation to us as medication is so expensive in the states and affordable to get from Canada. In Christ, David