Brutal Planet Records Announce the Remastered Releases of APOSTLE Albums “White Metal” and “Chariots of Iron” on CD and Vinyl!
- Jason Hesley
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Brutal Planet Records announces that two long-awaited titles from Florida Christian metal pioneers Apostle are finally getting the deluxe reissue treatment — and both are available now for pre-order at discounted prices exclusively at boonesoverstock.com.
White Metal (1985) — available for the first time ever on CD and Vinyl, including the rare 1984 demo as bonus tracks
Chariots of Iron (1987) — the underground classic finally receiving its first official CD release
Both titles are fully remastered by Rob Colwell, feature expanded packaging with archival notes and rare photos, and are part of the Metal Icon Series. Quantities are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
In the early 1980s, when Christian metal was still finding its footing, Apostle emerged from Jacksonville, Florida, led by guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Matt Harding (1957–2012). What began as a small local group with a deep spiritual calling soon became one of the most dedicated and prolific underground acts in Christian metal. Formed in 1983, Apostle combined fiery, melodic metal with an unwavering devotion to sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
From the start, Apostle’s ministry reached beyond the church walls. As drummer Bill Box recalled, the band would play “anywhere and everywhere—clubs, reformatories, outdoor parks, churches, coffee houses, and skating rinks.” Their mission was to take the gospel wherever people would listen. Bassist Dave Lawson summarized their purpose simply: “What you have to do is sell out to Jesus and let Him change your life. We’ve tried to stay straight to the Bible and sing songs that glorify God.”
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Apostle toured widely across the South and Midwest, often sharing stages with national Christian rock and metal acts such as Whitecross, Bride, and Rez Band. In 1989, Apostle recorded with Glenn Kaiser (Rez Band/JPUSA) in Chicago—one of the scene’s most respected figures—resulting in their most polished and spiritually intense album. Harding’s soaring guitar work, layered harmonies, and heartfelt conviction set Apostle apart as a band unafraid to merge heavy music with deep faith.
Despite their talent and steady output, Apostle’s recordings were distributed only in small cassette runs, making them treasured finds among collectors. Their catalog remained largely unheard outside underground tape-trading circles. These official Retroactive Records reissues finally make that catalog accessible on both CD and vinyl for the first time—all beautifully remastered by Rob Colwell and accompanied by restored artwork and historical notes.
One exception, Prepare to Meet God, did receive a limited CD release years ago but quickly became nearly impossible to find. Its inclusion alongside the earlier Apostle material—and Matt Harding’s solo project Steel Armada—completes the long-overdue restoration of his musical legacy.



Comments