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{{Short description|Christian progressive power metal band}}
{{Short description|American power metal band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Theocracy
| name = Theocracy
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| image_size =
| image_size =
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| origin = [[Athens, Georgia]], US
| origin = [[Athens, Georgia]], U.S.
| genre = [[Christian metal]], [[progressive metal]], [[power metal]]
| genre = [[Power metal]], [[Christian metal]], [[progressive metal]]
| years_active = 2002–present
| years_active = 2002–present
| label = [[Atomic Fire]], Ulterium, MetalAges
| label = [[Atomic Fire]], Ulterium, MetalAges
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}}
}}


'''Theocracy''' is an American [[Christian metal|Christian]] [[progressive metal|progressive]] [[power metal]] band founded in 2002 by Matt Smith of [[Athens, Georgia|Athens]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. They have released four albums and multiple Christmas singles.
'''Theocracy''' is an American [[Christian metal|Christian]] [[progressive metal|progressive]] [[power metal]] band founded in 2002 by Matt Smith of [[Athens, Georgia]]. They have released five albums and multiple Christmas singles.


== Background ==
== History ==
The group started as a one-man project with all the instruments and vocals on the debut album ''Theocracy'' performed by Smith. Musically, the band mixes the [[power metal]] style of [[Edguy]], [[Iced Earth]], and [[Helloween]] with progressive influences from bands such as [[Dream Theater]], [[Symphony X]], [[Kansas (band)|Kansas]] and [[Rush (band)|Rush]].
Theocracy started as a one-man project with all the instruments and vocals on the debut album ''Theocracy'' performed by Smith. The group performed at the [[ProgPower USA|ProgPower USA VII]] festival Pre-Party in [[Atlanta, Georgia]]. Live performances from the show of the songs "The Serpent's Kiss" and "Mountain" were included on the ProgPower VII DVD.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lucidloungestudios.com/ProgPower7TheDVD/DVDProgress.htm |title=ProgPower The DVD Progress Report |publisher=Lucidloungestudios.com |accessdate=May 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206032653/http://www.lucidloungestudios.com/ProgPower7TheDVD/DVDProgress.htm |archivedate=February 6, 2012 }}</ref>

The group performed at the [[ProgPower USA|ProgPower USA VII]] festival Pre-Party in [[Atlanta]], Georgia. Live performances from the show of the songs "The Serpent's Kiss" and "Mountain" were included on the ProgPower VII DVD.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lucidloungestudios.com/ProgPower7TheDVD/DVDProgress.htm |title=ProgPower The DVD Progress Report |publisher=Lucidloungestudios.com |accessdate=May 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206032653/http://www.lucidloungestudios.com/ProgPower7TheDVD/DVDProgress.htm |archivedate=February 6, 2012 }}</ref>


The band's self-titled album was released on January 1, 2003, by MetalAges Records. All instruments were played by Matt Smith. The album had been out of print for several years, and fans have asked for a re-issue. In order to improve upon the drum machine and amateur production of the original release without losing the charm of the recordings, Theocracy drummer Shawn Benson recorded drums on all tracks, while nothing else was re-recorded. Smith completely re-mixed the album, with the mastering handled by Mika Jussila, and on November 19, 2013, Ulterium Records re-released it.
The band's self-titled album was released on January 1, 2003, by MetalAges Records. All instruments were played by Matt Smith. The album had been out of print for several years, and fans have asked for a re-issue. In order to improve upon the drum machine and amateur production of the original release without losing the charm of the recordings, Theocracy drummer Shawn Benson recorded drums on all tracks, while nothing else was re-recorded. Smith completely re-mixed the album, with the mastering handled by Mika Jussila, and on November 19, 2013, Ulterium Records re-released it.
Line 29: Line 27:
Their second album, ''[[Mirror of Souls]]'', was Theocracy's first album as a full band. It was released on November 21, 2008, through Sweden's Ulterium Records and on November 26, 2008, in Japan by Soundholic Records. The Japanese version contains the bonus track "Wages of Sin." The North American edition was released December 9, 2008. A picture disc LP was released through the record label's web store containing "Mirror of Souls," "Laying the Demon to Rest," "Absolution Day," and "The Wages of Sin." This LP was limited to 250 copies worldwide.
Their second album, ''[[Mirror of Souls]]'', was Theocracy's first album as a full band. It was released on November 21, 2008, through Sweden's Ulterium Records and on November 26, 2008, in Japan by Soundholic Records. The Japanese version contains the bonus track "Wages of Sin." The North American edition was released December 9, 2008. A picture disc LP was released through the record label's web store containing "Mirror of Souls," "Laying the Demon to Rest," "Absolution Day," and "The Wages of Sin." This LP was limited to 250 copies worldwide.


''As the World Bleeds'', was released on November 21, 2011, in North America and on November 25, 2011, in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/theocracy/721357-theocracy-world-bleeds.html |title=THEOCRACY - AS THE WORLD BLEEDS - Ultimate Metal Forum |website=Ultimatemetal.com |date=October 12, 2011 |accessdate=May 21, 2012}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=A fan forum is not a reliable source. |date=October 2016}} After releasing their new album, Theocracy released their first official music video from the new album, entitled "Hide in the Fairytale" on September 5, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.metalcallout.com/metal-news/feeling-cheesy-firewind-and-theocracy-have-new-videos-out.html|title=Theocracy Have New Videos Out|publisher=Metal CallOut}}</ref>
''As the World Bleeds'' was released on November 21, 2011.<ref>{{Citation |title=As the World Bleeds - Theocracy {{!}} Album {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/as-the-world-bleeds-mw0002243032 |access-date=2024-12-13 |language=en}}</ref> After releasing their new album, Theocracy released their first official music video from the new album, entitled "Hide in the Fairytale" on September 5, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.metalcallout.com/metal-news/feeling-cheesy-firewind-and-theocracy-have-new-videos-out.html|title=Theocracy Have New Videos Out|date=September 5, 2012 |publisher=Metal CallOut}}</ref>
The band embarked on a European tour to promote the remastered re-release of the self-titled album in November 2013. The tour consisted of smaller venue shows as well as larger festivals including Brainstorm Festival in The Netherlands, Blast of Eternity, and Rock Without Limits in Germany, and ''[[Maata Näkyvissä Festival]]'' in Finland. Joshua Street filled in for drummer Shawn Benson for this tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nuotta.com/mnf-2013-theocracy|title=We had an interview with Theocracy (USA) at Maata Näkyvissä festival|date=April 8, 2014 |publisher=Nuotta}}</ref>
The band embarked on a European tour to promote the remastered re-release of the self-titled album in November 2013. The tour consisted of smaller venue shows as well as larger festivals including Brainstorm Festival in The Netherlands, Blast of Eternity, and Rock Without Limits in Germany, and ''[[Maata Näkyvissä Festival]]'' in Finland. Joshua Street filled in for drummer Shawn Benson for this tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nuotta.com/mnf-2013-theocracy|title=We had an interview with Theocracy (USA) at Maata Näkyvissä festival|date=April 8, 2014 |publisher=Nuotta}}</ref>


On October 28, 2016, they released their fourth studio album, ''Ghost Ship'', through Ulterium Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/ghost-ship-mw0002973575|title=Ghost Ship - Theocracy - Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=December 24, 2018}}</ref> It includes their second official music video for the album's title track filmed in Atlanta, along with lyric videos for "Wishing Well" and "Easter".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indievisionmusic.com/music-videos/theocracy-ghost-ship/|title=Theocracy - Ghost Ship - Music Videos|date=November 7, 2016|website=Indievisionmusic.com|accessdate=December 24, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUHiIEbIY7M |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/VUHiIEbIY7M |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Theocracy - Wishing Well [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]|accessdate=December 24, 2018|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMDKtNbyD0w |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/UMDKtNbyD0w |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Theocracy - Easter [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]|accessdate=December 24, 2018|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
On October 28, 2016, they released their fourth studio album, ''Ghost Ship'', through Ulterium Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/ghost-ship-mw0002973575|title=Ghost Ship - Theocracy - Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=December 24, 2018}}</ref> It includes their second official music video for the album's title track filmed in Atlanta, along with lyric videos for "Wishing Well" and "Easter".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indievisionmusic.com/music-videos/theocracy-ghost-ship/|title=Theocracy - Ghost Ship - Music Videos|date=November 7, 2016|website=Indievisionmusic.com|accessdate=December 24, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUHiIEbIY7M |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/VUHiIEbIY7M |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Theocracy - Wishing Well [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]|date=September 29, 2016 |accessdate=December 24, 2018|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMDKtNbyD0w |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/UMDKtNbyD0w |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Theocracy - Easter [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]|date=April 13, 2017 |accessdate=December 24, 2018|publisher=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

⚫
On March 2, 2023, they announced that they had a new album coming out soon under a new label and not on Ulterium Records. They did not provide any details about the upcoming album, except that it was "mastered and ready to roll."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theocracymusic.com/2023/03/02/breaking-the-silence-with-news/|title=Breaking the silence with news|date=March 2, 2023|accessdate=June 3, 2023}}</ref> On August 3, the band revealed they had signed with [[Atomic Fire]] and the new album would be released later in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://grande-rock.com/news/theocracy-signs-with-atomic-fire-records/|title=Theocracy signs with Atomic Fire Records|publisher=Grande Rock|access-date=August 7, 2023|date=August 3, 2022}}</ref> A week later, they released the single and music video for the song "Return to Dust" while simultaneously announcing the October 13 release of their fifth studio album, ''Mosaic''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jay Heilman|url=https://todayschristianent.com/music-news-theocracy-releases-new-single-return-to-dust-announces-new-record-mosaic-out-october-13-2023/|title=Theocracy Releases Single and Music Video for Highly Anticipated New Cut, "Return To Dust"|publisher=Today's Christian Entertainment|access-date=August 11, 2023|date=August 11, 2023}}</ref>


==Musical style==
⚫
On March 2, 2023, they announced that they had a new album coming out soon under a new label and not on Ulterium Records. They did not provide any details about the upcoming album, except that it was "mastered and ready to roll."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theocracymusic.com/2023/03/02/breaking-the-silence-with-news/|title=Breaking the silence with news|date=March 2, 2023|accessdate=June 3, 2023}}</ref> On August 3, the band revealed they had signed with [[Atomic Fire]] and the new album would be released later in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://grande-rock.com/news/theocracy-signs-with-atomic-fire-records/|title=Theocracy signs with Atomic Fire Records|publisher=Grande Rock|access-date=August 7, 2023|date=August 3, 2022}}</ref> A week later, they released the single and music video for the song "Return to Dust" while simultaneously announcing the October 13 release of their fifth studio album, ''Mosaic''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jay Heilman|url=https://todayschristianent.com/music-news-theocracy-releases-new-single-return-to-dust-announces-new-record-mosaic-out-october-13-2023/|title=Theocracy Releases Single and Music Video for Highly Anticipated New Cut, “Return To Dust”|publisher=Today's Christian Entertainment|access-date=August 11, 2023|date=August 11, 2023}}</ref>
{{expand section|date=December 2024}}
Musically, the band mixes the [[power metal]] style of [[Edguy]], [[Iced Earth]], and [[Helloween]] with progressive influences from bands such as [[Dream Theater]], [[Symphony X]], [[Kansas (band)|Kansas]] and [[Rush (band)|Rush]].


== Band members ==
== Band members ==
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at:11/28/2011
at:11/28/2011
at:10/28/2016
at:10/28/2016
at:10/13/2023


BarData =
BarData =
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bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:Guitar width:3
bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:Guitar width:3
bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:Guitar2 width:5
bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:Guitar2 width:5
bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:Bass width:7
bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:Bass width:9
bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:Drums width:9
bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2005 color:Drums width:7
bar:smith from:01/01/2004 till:end color:Vocals
bar:smith from:01/01/2004 till:end color:Vocals
bar:smith from:01/01/2004 till:01/01/2009 color:Guitar width:3
bar:smith from:01/01/2004 till:01/01/2009 color:Guitar width:3
bar:smith from:01/01/2004 till:01/01/2005 color:Drums width:7
bar:smith from:09/01/2008 till:01/01/2009 color:Bass width:7
bar:smith from:09/01/2008 till:01/01/2009 color:Bass width:7
bar:hinds from:01/01/2006 till:end color:Guitar2
bar:hinds from:01/01/2006 till:end color:Guitar2
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Starting in 2003, the band has recorded and released one Christmas-themed song for free download to all members of their "Club of Souls" fan group per year through 2012, located on their official website, as well as additional songs in 2014 and 2019. In 2013, Matt Smith instead dedicated his efforts to the ''Collide & Spark'' charity special, released as ''Project Aegis''. In 2015, Theocracy instead were working on a new album, therefore did not have any time to record a new Christmas song.
Starting in 2003, the band has recorded and released one Christmas-themed song for free download to all members of their "Club of Souls" fan group per year through 2012, located on their official website, as well as additional songs in 2014 and 2019. In 2013, Matt Smith instead dedicated his efforts to the ''Collide & Spark'' charity special, released as ''Project Aegis''. In 2015, Theocracy instead were working on a new album, therefore did not have any time to record a new Christmas song.


:*2003-2006 (released in 2011): "Christmas Medley"
:*2003: "Theocracy Christmas"
:*2004: "Little Drummer Boy"
:*2004: "Little Drummer Boy"
:*2005: "Deck the Joy (To the Halls)"
:*2005: "Deck the Joy (To the Halls)"
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:*2009: "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
:*2009: "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
:*2010: "All I Want for Christmas"
:*2010: "All I Want for Christmas"
:*2011: "Christmas Medley" (2011 Remix)
:*2011: "Theocracy Christmas" (2011 Remix/Remaster)
:*2012: "Wynter Fever"
:*2012: "Wynter Fever"
:*2014: "Night of Silence"
:*2014: "Night of Silence"
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.theocracymusic.com/}}
* {{Official website|http://www.theocracymusic.com/}}
*{{allmusic}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

Latest revision as of 17:27, 13 December 2024

Theocracy
Theocracy in 2019 * From left to right: Jonathan Hinds, Val Allen Wood, Matt Smith, and Ernie Topran
Theocracy in 2019
  • From left to right: Jonathan Hinds, Val Allen Wood, Matt Smith, and Ernie Topran
Background information
OriginAthens, Georgia, U.S.
GenresPower metal, Christian metal, progressive metal
Years active2002–present
LabelsAtomic Fire, Ulterium, MetalAges
MembersMatt Smith
Jonathan Hinds
Jared Oldham
Ernie Topran
Taylor Washington
Past membersSeth Filkins
Josh Sloan
Patrick Parris
Patrick Nickell
Shawn Benson
Val Allen Wood
Websitewww.theocracymusic.com

Theocracy is an American Christian progressive power metal band founded in 2002 by Matt Smith of Athens, Georgia. They have released five albums and multiple Christmas singles.

History

[edit]

Theocracy started as a one-man project with all the instruments and vocals on the debut album Theocracy performed by Smith. The group performed at the ProgPower USA VII festival Pre-Party in Atlanta, Georgia. Live performances from the show of the songs "The Serpent's Kiss" and "Mountain" were included on the ProgPower VII DVD.[1]

The band's self-titled album was released on January 1, 2003, by MetalAges Records. All instruments were played by Matt Smith. The album had been out of print for several years, and fans have asked for a re-issue. In order to improve upon the drum machine and amateur production of the original release without losing the charm of the recordings, Theocracy drummer Shawn Benson recorded drums on all tracks, while nothing else was re-recorded. Smith completely re-mixed the album, with the mastering handled by Mika Jussila, and on November 19, 2013, Ulterium Records re-released it.

Their second album, Mirror of Souls, was Theocracy's first album as a full band. It was released on November 21, 2008, through Sweden's Ulterium Records and on November 26, 2008, in Japan by Soundholic Records. The Japanese version contains the bonus track "Wages of Sin." The North American edition was released December 9, 2008. A picture disc LP was released through the record label's web store containing "Mirror of Souls," "Laying the Demon to Rest," "Absolution Day," and "The Wages of Sin." This LP was limited to 250 copies worldwide.

As the World Bleeds was released on November 21, 2011.[2] After releasing their new album, Theocracy released their first official music video from the new album, entitled "Hide in the Fairytale" on September 5, 2012.[3] The band embarked on a European tour to promote the remastered re-release of the self-titled album in November 2013. The tour consisted of smaller venue shows as well as larger festivals including Brainstorm Festival in The Netherlands, Blast of Eternity, and Rock Without Limits in Germany, and Maata Näkyvissä Festival in Finland. Joshua Street filled in for drummer Shawn Benson for this tour.[4]

On October 28, 2016, they released their fourth studio album, Ghost Ship, through Ulterium Records.[5] It includes their second official music video for the album's title track filmed in Atlanta, along with lyric videos for "Wishing Well" and "Easter".[6][7][8]

On March 2, 2023, they announced that they had a new album coming out soon under a new label and not on Ulterium Records. They did not provide any details about the upcoming album, except that it was "mastered and ready to roll."[9] On August 3, the band revealed they had signed with Atomic Fire and the new album would be released later in 2023.[10] A week later, they released the single and music video for the song "Return to Dust" while simultaneously announcing the October 13 release of their fifth studio album, Mosaic.[11]

Musical style

[edit]

Musically, the band mixes the power metal style of Edguy, Iced Earth, and Helloween with progressive influences from bands such as Dream Theater, Symphony X, Kansas and Rush.

Band members

[edit]

Current members

  • Matt Smith – lead vocals (2002–present), keyboards (2002–2008), lead guitar, bass (2002–2009)
  • Jonathan Hinds – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, keyboards (2006–present)
  • Jared Oldham – bass, backing vocals (2009–present)
  • Ernie Topran – drums (2016–present)
  • Taylor Washington – lead guitar, backing vocals (2022–present)

Former members

  • Seth Filkins – bass, backing vocals
  • Josh Sloan – bass, backing vocals
  • Patrick Parris – bass, backing vocals
  • Shawn Benson – drums (2005–2014)
  • Patrick Nickell – drums (2014–2015)
  • Val Allen Wood – lead guitar, backing vocals (2009–2020)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]
  • Theocracy (2003)
  • Mirror of Souls (2008)
  • As the World Bleeds (2011)
  • Ghost Ship (2016)
  • Mosaic (2023)

Christmas

[edit]

Starting in 2003, the band has recorded and released one Christmas-themed song for free download to all members of their "Club of Souls" fan group per year through 2012, located on their official website, as well as additional songs in 2014 and 2019. In 2013, Matt Smith instead dedicated his efforts to the Collide & Spark charity special, released as Project Aegis. In 2015, Theocracy instead were working on a new album, therefore did not have any time to record a new Christmas song.

  • 2003: "Theocracy Christmas"
  • 2004: "Little Drummer Boy"
  • 2005: "Deck the Joy (To the Halls)"
  • 2006: "Christmas Medley" (2006 Remix)
  • 2007: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
  • 2008: "Rudolph vs. Frosty"
  • 2009: "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
  • 2010: "All I Want for Christmas"
  • 2011: "Theocracy Christmas" (2011 Remix/Remaster)
  • 2012: "Wynter Fever"
  • 2014: "Night of Silence"
  • 2019: "Snowglobe"

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "ProgPower The DVD Progress Report". Lucidloungestudios.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
  2. ^ As the World Bleeds - Theocracy | Album | AllMusic, retrieved December 13, 2024
  3. ^ "Theocracy Have New Videos Out". Metal CallOut. September 5, 2012.
  4. ^ "We had an interview with Theocracy (USA) at Maata Näkyvissä festival". Nuotta. April 8, 2014.
  5. ^ "Ghost Ship - Theocracy - Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  6. ^ "Theocracy - Ghost Ship - Music Videos". Indievisionmusic.com. November 7, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  7. ^ "Theocracy - Wishing Well [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]". YouTube. September 29, 2016. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  8. ^ "Theocracy - Easter [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]". YouTube. April 13, 2017. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  9. ^ "Breaking the silence with news". March 2, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  10. ^ "Theocracy signs with Atomic Fire Records". Grande Rock. August 3, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  11. ^ Jay Heilman (August 11, 2023). "Theocracy Releases Single and Music Video for Highly Anticipated New Cut, "Return To Dust"". Today's Christian Entertainment. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
[edit]
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