Category Reviews

Brothers who shaped Christian rock, pop, and worship music

Early Roots

Raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Lester and Brandon Estelle grew up surrounded by church music. Both were drumming before they were teenagers, and both would go on to anchor two of the biggest Christian acts of the 2000s.

Lester Estelle II

From Pillar to Kelly Clarkson

Lester joined Pillar in 2002, bringing power and precision to Where Do We Go From Here, The Reckoning, and For the Love of the Game. He later co-founded Stars Go Dim, and in 2013 landed the role of touring drummer for Kelly Clarkson, now serving as part of her house band “My Band Y’all” on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Sessions and Collaborations

Lester has worked with a wide variety of artists including Big and Rich, Disciple, Starset, Kutless, Love and Death, Seventh Day Slumber, Neal McCoy, Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell, Agnieszka Chylińska, Julian Vaughn, Group 1 Crew, Kensington Moore, and Casey Donahew.

Notable recordings include
• “Dear X, You Don’t Own Me” by Disciple
• “Did It for the Party” by Big and Rich
• “Nostalgic” with Kelly Clarkson
• “Twelve” with Neal McCoy
• Featured songs with Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell
• A collaboration with Agnieszka Chylińska
• Studio work with Casey Donahew

Today Lester continues balancing Nashville sessions, Clarkson’s TV tapings, and international touring.

Brandon Estelle

From Superchick to Solo

Brandon made his mark with Superchick, joining during the Beauty from Pain era and continuing through the Grammy-nominated Rock What You Got. After the band wrapped, he launched into solo artistry, worship leadership, and collaborative songwriting. His solo album Star (2015) and ongoing singles showcase his multi-instrumental talent.

Recent Singles and Collaborations

Brandon’s catalog features “Children of the Living God,” “Truth Works,” “Testify,” “All The Time,” and “My Soul Delights In You” featuring Tricia Brock. He has also collaborated with TobyMac on RIAA Gold-certified work. Through platforms such as AirGigs, Brandon records for film, television, and indie artists, while remaining active in Kansas City worship networks including The Sending Project.

Shared Threads

Both brothers began in church and rose to national prominence through Christian rock before taking unique directions. Lester thrives in high-profile session and television work, while Brandon focuses on songwriting, worship, and remote collaborations. Together they continue to build legacies that inspire across multiple genres.

Connect with the Estelles

Lester Estelle II

Website: https://www.lesterdrums.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesterestelle/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrTugadrums

Brandon Estelle

AirGigs Profile: https://www.airgigs.com/user/brandonestelle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandoestelle/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1mpH60Cx85fuINNepxxeVq

Second Annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival

By Jimmy Sorrells – Stage Manager
Second Annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival

On August 2nd, The Premier in Hickory, NC hosted something far greater than a concert—it hosted a movement. The second annual Breaking Darkness Music Festival brought together faith, hard rock, heavy metal, and a mission to break chains and lift up the name of Jesus. As the stage manager, I had the privilege of experiencing it all—up close, behind the scenes, and sometimes right in the thick of the mosh pit.

This all-day event featured nine powerful performances, hundreds of attendees, food trucks, passionate volunteers, and most importantly—purpose. With every ticket sold and every piece of merch moved, we raised over $4,000 to support three addiction recovery nonprofits:

• Bethel Colony of Mercy
• Safe Harbor NC
• Recovery NC

All three are doing vital, gospel-centered work to help men and women break free from the bondage of addiction.

Special Thanks

A heartfelt thank you goes to Seth Olsen, guitarist for the band Counter, and the driving force behind this entire festival. His dedication, organizational effort, and commitment to Christ made Breaking Darkness a reality. From coordinating the lineup to working out the logistics, Seth worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Without him, this event simply would not have happened. And looking ahead, he’s already praying for the right people to come alongside him to take Breaking Darkness 2026 even further.

Band Performances (Official Set Order)

Jennifer Alvarado
Kicking off the day with authenticity and worship, Jennifer Alvarado delivered a heartfelt set that brought peace and reflection. Her vulnerability and vocal strength were the perfect start, offering a powerful contrast to the heavier acts that followed.

Tricord
This was my first time seeing Tricord, and they exceeded all expectations. Lead vocalist Jermaine was a standout—not only fronting the band with energy and conviction, but also joining other artists on stage throughout the day. Whether in the crowd or sharing vocals with Cleansing of the Temple and Ignescent, his presence was magnetic. Their set was tight, worshipful, and left a lasting impression.

Igniting the Sky
With a high-energy post-hardcore set, Igniting the Sky brought the volume and chaos in the best way. Their performance was engaging, relentless, and full of fun. This was a set that got faces melted and fists in the air.

Saving Darkness
These guys came in swinging with their own brand of heavy hard rock. The chemistry on stage was clear, and their connection with the crowd was undeniable. Their set was one of the most interactive and entertaining of the day.

Counter
Female-fronted and full of grit, Counter offered something unique and refreshing. The vocals were strong and captivating, and their sound hit with a perfect blend of melody and edge. Seeing Seth Olsen rip it on guitar, knowing he organized the whole event, added an extra layer of respect to their set.

Cleansing of the Temple
Undoubtedly the heaviest band of the day, Cleansing of the Temple brought crushing death metal riffs and deep growls that rumbled through the floor. Frontman Gavin hit the stage in his trademark look: overalls, no shirt, no shoes. Their intensity was unmatched and brought raw, unfiltered energy that pushed the boundaries of Christian heavy music—in all the right ways.

Set For The Fall
A crowd favorite from start to finish, Set For The Fall delivered a set full of powerful hooks, emotional lyrics, and undeniable presence. Their performance was heartfelt and hard-hitting, creating one of the most memorable moments of the day.

Ignescent
This was not just a show—it was an experience. Theatrics and power collided as frontwoman Jennifer emerged from a coffin during their opening song, immediately captivating the crowd. Their fusion of metal, hard rock, and melody was polished and immersive. Ignescent knows how to build an atmosphere and deliver impact.

Disciple
The headliner and veterans of the genre, Disciple closed the night with exactly what we all expected—pure, passionate, purpose-driven rock and roll. Their set was relentless, their message bold, and their performance nothing short of professional. They shouted the name of Jesus from the stage while delivering hit after hit. Disciple continues to be one of the most consistent and inspiring bands in Christian music today.

Spoken Word Moment

At one point during a longer changeover, Billy James performed a spoken word piece that completely shifted the atmosphere. What could have been an awkward pause became a sacred moment. Billy reminded everyone that this wasn’t just a festival. It was an altar.

Behind the Curtain

As stage manager, I saw the day unfold from a different angle. The team effort was incredible—techs, volunteers, artists, vendors, and the venue all worked together with clarity, purpose, and unity. From the first soundcheck to the final load-out, it felt like more than just good planning—it felt like divine coordination.

Final Thoughts

Breaking Darkness Festival 2025 was more than music. It was mission. It was ministry. It was a gathering of the remnant—a bold, loud, passionate expression of faith through hard rock and heavy metal. Chains were broken. Lives were touched. Jesus was glorified.

• 9 bands
• 1 mission
• Over $4,000 raised for recovery and hope

And this is only year two.

I’d do it all again tomorrow. Let’s go even bigger in 2026.

 Beyond the Storm Productions | CD, Digital | May 23, 2025

With their second full-length album getting a serious sonic facelift, Signum Regis have done far more than dust off a deep cut from their catalog. The Eyes of Power, originally released in 2010, now returns with a full-blown remixed and remastered edition—and the result is a bold reintroduction to one of their most ambitious and aggressive works.

Rooted in the rich and often brutal tapestry of the ancient Roman world, the album weaves historical storytelling into a high-powered metal framework. This isn’t just history—it’s history set on fire. Vocal legend Göran Edman (formerly of Yngwie Malmsteen’s band) is in top form here, bringing gravitas and grit to every track. His voice cuts like a sword, majestic one moment and raging the next. You’d be hard-pressed to find a heavier album in his discography.

The production upgrade is a game-changer. Guitarist Filip Koluš went back and re-recorded all the rhythm guitars, bringing the tone up to modern standards with sharp, saturated crunch. The mix is clean and thunderous—breathing new life into songs like “Dura Europos” and “Oathbreaker,” where speed and precision collide with dark melodic drama. Even longtime fans will be surprised by how fresh these tracks sound today.

Instrumental centerpiece “The Underground Temples of Mithras” still mystifies, creating an atmospheric pause in the chaos with eerie textures and epic build-ups. And the lyrics across the board? Rich with historical and spiritual resonance, appealing to both metalheads and ancient history buffs alike.

And then there’s that cover art—a wild, apocalyptic vision brought to life by Uwe Jarling, whose previous work has adorned albums by Grave Digger and Mystic Prophecy. A giant serpent slithers through the fray, Roman soldiers fall mid-battle, a war elephant crashes forward, and a king raises his sword in divine defiance. It doesn’t just set the stage—it tells the story. Every inch of it pulses with the same cinematic energy and mythic weight as the music itself.

With The Eyes of Power, Signum Regis have reclaimed one of their strongest records and reintroduced it with fire and finesse. This is power metal with purpose—crafted for listeners who love technical chops, historical storytelling, and spiritual intensity. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the band, this re-release makes a convincing case for why this album still matters.

For fans of: Symphony X, Kamelot, Masterplan, Yngwie Malmsteen, and concept albums with brains and brawn.
Don’t miss: “Dura Europos,” “Mystical Majesty,” “The Underground Temples of Mithras”

Only One Records, November 11, 2024
Genre: Progressive Metal, Symphonic Rock, Christian Metal
Format: CD, Digital

There’s a certain boldness required to take the name Epic Bard. It implies storytelling, adventure, and something larger than life. With A Different View, Conroe, Texas-based multi-instrumentalist Jens Jorgensen fulfills that vision. His second full-length album under the Epic Bard name builds on the reflective tone of Falls Like Rain, delivering tighter songwriting, increased variety, and a distinct blend of intensity and sincerity.

The album flows as a personal and spiritual journey, each track exploring themes of doubt, insight, and renewal. It opens with Corinthians, a brief but high-energy track with a punk rhythm and punchy drum work.

Impossible Your Truth keeps the punk-influenced feel and adds fast metal riffs, creating a sharp edge and strong momentum early in the album. Deep Down Inside slows the tempo at first, gradually building into a layered composition with emotional pacing. Its structure reflects an inner tension that resolves as the song progresses.

Take A Moment moves quickly with bursts of energy and a slower breakdown that invites reflection. The track includes some of the album’s harsher background vocals, adding contrast and texture. Lyrically, it offers memorable wisdom: we cannot grow when we think we’re in control.

Chaff in the Wind delivers one of the standout lyrical moments with the line, “You are so close, Father, Son, Holy Ghost.” The song blends a reverent tone with melodic phrasing, supported by deliberate pacing and strong lead vocals.

Father of Lies brings the tempo up again with assertive riffing and a darker tone. The arrangement is punchy and driven, adding contrast to the album’s more contemplative sections.

We Can Make It follows with groove-oriented guitar work and layered melodies. The tone leans positive, and the vocal arrangement reinforces a message of persistence and encouragement.

Midnights to Mornings stands out musically with its groovy basslines and smooth transitions. The guitar work is tasteful and expressive, helping to carry the emotional weight of the track.

Dream of Deception raises the intensity with a faster pace and tight execution. It builds urgency and energy, fitting for its themes of disillusionment and inner conflict.

The album closes with Surfside Strut, a laid-back surf rock instrumental that ends the record on a playful and relaxed note. It provides a unique contrast to the rest of the album and leaves the listener with a sense of movement and clarity.

The production is clean and intentional. Jorgensen achieves strong balance across guitars, synths, bass, and drums. His vocal mix is clear and accessible throughout, allowing both lyrics and melodic lines to connect without distraction.

Visually, the album’s artwork supports the core message. Light breaking into a darkened room suggests that perspective can change everything. It is a visual cue to the listener that the album’s title is both an invitation and a challenge.

Epic Bard continues to evolve, and A Different View represents a confident step forward. It is musically diverse, lyrically thoughtful, and unafraid to blend grit with grace.

Track Highlights:
Impossible Your Truth – punk energy with fast metal riffs
Take A Moment – powerful pacing with dynamic vocal textures
Chaff in the Wind – poetic worship anchored by melody
Midnights to Mornings – groovy basslines and expressive transitions
Surfside Strut – an instrumental closer with surf rock charm

RIYL: Neal Morse, Theocracy, Saviour Machine, Kerry Livgren, Glass HammerListen and Learn More:
Bandcamp: https://epicbard.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-view
YouTube (Full Album Playlist): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYFOg-7Wor0&list=OLAK5uy_m-Con0oupvzFBpcc2diqTT4x