Wilmington, NC – [October 28, 2025] — Promise Man, one of the most iconic and transformative albums in Christian rock history, is returning in a newly remastered 30th Anniversary Edition from Girder Records. Originally released in 1995, Promise Man marked a bold new era for Holy Soldier, earning the band two Dove Awards and solidifying their reputation as innovators willing to push musical and spiritual boundaries. Three decades later, the album has been meticulously remastered and will be available for the first time ever on vinyl — alongside a limited-edition CD release — both crafted with the care and quality synonymous with “The Girder Treatment.”

The Promise Man – 30th Anniversary Edition celebrates a landmark moment in Christian music with unparalleled collector appeal. Each edition has been fully remastered for sonic excellence and includes a deep dive into the making of the album through new Producer’s Corner notes written by producer David Zaffiro. Both formats have been officially licensed from Capitol Records and come in extremely limited quantities — only 300 CDs and 250 vinyl copies will be produced. The CD version features a deluxe 12-page booklet with lyrics, photos, and Zaffiro’s exclusive producer reflections, as well as a collector sleeve and trading card. The vinyl edition, pressed on Dusk-colored vinyl, includes a two-sided insert with lyrics and rare archival images. The CD releases on December 16, 2025, followed by the vinyl on January 16, 2026.

In the mid-1990s, Holy Soldier was already recognized as one of the premier Christian hard rock bands of their generation, but Promise Man marked a total reinvention. Gone were the glam-metal stylings that defined their earlier sound; in their place came a deeper, grittier, and more emotionally charged approach influenced by the rise of alternative and grunge rock. The band traded bright harmonies and high-polish production for raw authenticity and modern edge, creating an album that resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners. Lead vocalist Eric Wayne, making his debut with the band, brought a soulful, grounded tone that fit perfectly with the group’s heavier direction. The combination of Wayne’s voice, the twin-guitar interplay of Michael Cutting and Scott Soderstrom, and Andy Robbins’ commanding bass lines gave the record a powerful and timeless presence.

The making of Promise Man was as dynamic as the music itself. Produced by David Zaffiro—known for his work with Bloodgood and his ability to blend spiritual depth with sonic intensity—the sessions took place across multiple cities including Morro Bay, Nashville, and Seattle. The process demanded flexibility, faith, and persistence as the band adapted to new members and new creative challenges. “It was like iron sharpening iron,” Zaffiro recalls in his new 980-word Producer’s Corner reflection included with this release. “These young artists had grown up. They wanted to come up with something unique.”

Zaffiro’s behind-the-scenes commentary offers an unprecedented glimpse into the album’s creative process. In one particularly revealing moment, he recalls the band’s hesitation to cover Larry Norman’s “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus.” “The band was a little mixed about doing the song,” Zaffiro writes, “so I jumped in with ‘let’s blow it up!’ 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.” That kind of daring experimentation defined the Promise Man sessions and helped the band craft an album that broke rules while staying true to their faith.

When Promise Man first hit the shelves in 1995, the impact was immediate. Critics praised it as a mature, emotionally resonant reinvention that pushed Christian rock into new artistic territory. Fans responded with passion, and the industry took notice — the album went on to win two Dove Awards in 1996: Hard Rock Album of the Year and Hard Rock Recorded Song of the Year for its title track. The record’s success was not just musical but cultural, proving that faith-based artists could evolve with the times while maintaining authenticity and conviction.

Now, thirty years later, Promise Man returns stronger than ever — restored, remastered, and ready to reach a new generation of listeners. Every element of this release reflects Girder Records’ commitment to excellence: audiophile-quality mastering, meticulous packaging, and a deep respect for both the music and the message. For fans who experienced the album in 1995, this edition offers a stunning rediscovery; for new listeners, it’s a chance to encounter one of the most powerful statements in Christian rock history — as bold and inspiring today as it was three decades ago.

Pre-orders for the Promise Man – 30th Anniversary Edition are available now exclusively at GirderMusic.com. Quantities are limited, and demand is expected to be high.

For more info on Holy Soldier, visit the JFH Artists Database.

Leave a Comment

 

[2025]
Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec.

[2024]
Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec.

[2001 - Present]
Visit our complete MUSIC NEWS ARCHIVE