Saturday, March 28, 2015

Seraiah "Carnival World"


Seraiah
Carnival World
1990 Pure Metal Records
Produced By: Jim Erdman & Steve Griffith

album cover

insert (back)

insert

disc

Track Listings

Carnival World
Hear Their Cry
The Nature of Things
Rise Up
You Know
Fallen Heart

Band Members

Bradley Beckey: Lead and background vocals
Kyle Deitz: Drums
Quinton Gibson: Guitars, mandolin, background vocals
Michael McClung: Bass guitar, background vocals

My older brother worked in a Christian bookstore in the mid to late 90's and he was responsible for introducing me to many bands, including Seraiah. I believe he brought home the cassette demo one day for their first album, Carnival World. Part of the Star Song imprint, Pure Metal, this was a little heavier album that was I was accustomed to listening to at the time. I used to classify then as speed metal...but that was before I was introduced to Tourniquet! I haven't listed to this album in a very long time as I just don't mess with cassettes these days. I've always wanted to own this album on CD, but the secondary prices were more than I wanted to pay. Thankfully luck would be on my side as I found a seller that had the CD and album cover for just $.99! Much better than the $25-$35 some eBay sellers want. Because of this I sadly don't have the back art scanned in above.

Seraiah was another band that listed Bible verses for each song that influenced the song writing. I've always been partial to this as it gives me some insight on what the songs actually mean, especially when you stop to read the song lyrics.

Carnival World - 1 John 5:3-5, James 4:4
We all know this world we live can be tough and at times cruel. This song is a reminder that the battle is already won for us. 1 John 5:5, "Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one that believes Jesus is the Son of God."

Devastating Daydream - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Anti-suicide song. Excerpt song lyrics: An eternity without the Father an eternity without love / Listen to me know taking your life won't solve your problems / Release your deepest fears turn them over to the Father.

Hear Their Cry - Exodus 20:13, Psalm 139:13-16
Exodus 20:13 sums up this song about abortion, "You shall not murder."

The Nature of Things - Genesis 1:27-28, 2:20-24, Romans 1:21-27, 1 John 1:9
I can honestly say I don't remember hearing many songs period that dealt with homosexuality in the early 90's. Taken right from Scripture in Romans. Excerpt song lyrics: It's only by design that man and woman go together / But almost anythings accepted in our society / Even some churches and preachers sayin' that it's okay / But for the choices made there'll be a price to pay." 

No More Tears to Cry - Revelation 7:17, 21:4
Before you come to know Jesus there may be tears shed over the emptiness you may feel, however as Revelation says, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes."

Rise Up - Genesis 3:13-16
A song about enmity

You Know - Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave your or forsake you."

Helpless Without You - Exodus 20:4-5
Bow down to God versus anything of this world.

Let Him Take Control - John 3:16, James 4:7-8
"Submit yourselves. then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Fallen Heart - Deuteronomy 8:11, Luke 15:4-7, Revelation 2:4-5
We've all made mistakes and perhaps put some distance between ourselves and our Lord. It's not too late however, not matter what you've done. As Revelation 2:5 states, "Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from it's place."

Musically this album has really grown on me. I could remember from my cassette days really enjoying the first two songs, but the rest I couldn't remember anything about. Listening to this album again has given me a new appreciation for it. I'm glad I didn't pay $20+ for it, but if I had I still wouldn't have regretted my purchase.

I should point out that Seraiah went on to release a second album with a whole new sound. Two of the bands members went on to record another album for Star Song under the band name Kid Promise.

3 comments:

  1. Another classic for me. Too bad they got softer for the next album. I would have liked to see another in this style. Oh, I like how you have scans of the inserts along with your reviews. Keep up the good work!

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    1. Thanks Adam for feedback. While I liked Seraiah's follow up effort, I've often wondered what a sequel of sorts to Carnival World would have sounded like.

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  2. I went to college with the guy that "discovered" Seraiah and became personal friends with the band. He released a couple of their songs on his CD compilation of up-and-coming bands. I was able to meet them at a concert and had a great time speaking with them. I was told that while Seraiah wanted to keep with the heavy metal/hard rock sound of their debut, at the behest of their producer, they reluctantly moved into more of a pop-rock sound on their 2nd album. I personally think it was a mistake because in concert, the band could melt your face off. Their self-titled album isn't all bad but knowing of what they were capable, it seems like a missed opportunity. Fun fact: Quinton Gibson went on to play for Whitecross and eventually Darius Rucker (of Hootie & The Blowfish fame.) Tracy Ferrie, who played bass on Seraiah's 2nd album, would also later play for Whitecross and eventually record two albums with Stryper.

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