Jump to content

Theocracy (band): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Added a picture of Ernie Topran and info of his coming.
AnomieBOT (talk | contribs)
m Dating maintenance tags: {{Expand section}}
 
(78 intermediate revisions by 36 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American power metal band}}
{{Other uses|Theocracy (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Theocracy
| name = Theocracy
| image = Theocracy performing in 2013.jpg
| image = Theocracy, Elements of Rock 2019 (grouped).jpg
| caption = Theocracy performing on Collosseum Music Pub, Košice, Slovakia in 2013
| caption = Theocracy in 2019
* From left to right: Jonathan Hinds, Val Allen Wood, Matt Smith, and Ernie Topran
| landscape = yes
| image_size =
| landscape = yes
| background = group_or_band
| image_size =
| origin = [[Athens, Georgia]], US
| background = group_or_band
| genre = [[Christian metal]], [[progressive metal]], [[power metal]]
| origin = [[Athens, Georgia]], U.S.
| genre = [[Power metal]], [[Christian metal]], [[progressive metal]]
| years_active = 2002–present
| label = Ulterium, MetalAges
| years_active = 2002–present
| website = {{URL|http://www.theocracymusic.com}}
| label = [[Atomic Fire]], Ulterium, MetalAges
| website = {{URL|http://www.theocracymusic.com}}
| current_members = Matt Smith<br/>Jonathan Hinds<br/>Val Allen Wood<br/>Jared Oldham<br/>Shawn Benson
| past_members = Seth Filkins<br/>Josh Sloan<br/>Patrick Parris<br/>Patrick Nickell
| current_members = Matt Smith<br/>Jonathan Hinds<br/>Jared Oldham<br/>Ernie Topran<br/>Taylor Washington
| past_members = Seth Filkins<br/>Josh Sloan<br/>Patrick Parris<br/>Patrick Nickell<br/>Shawn Benson<br/>Val Allen Wood
}}
}}
'''Theocracy''' is a [[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. Smith was one of a select few musicians to appear in the "Metal Bible".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrun.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=25124 |title=Blabbermouth.Net |publisher=Roadrun.com |accessdate=May 21, 2012}}</ref> Since its inception, Theocracy has released four studio albums and has undergone five line-up changes.


'''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 originally started out as a one-man project and all the instruments and vocals done on the debut album ''Theocracy'' were performed by Smith. The current lineup includes Smith along with Ernie Topran, Jonathan Hinds, Jared Oldham, and Val Allen Wood. 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 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 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}}</ref>


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.
The band's self-titled album was released on January 1, 2003 by MetalAges Records, in which all instruments on the album were made by Matt Smith. The album has been out of print for several years, and fans have constantly 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. Matt completely re-mixed the album, with the mastering handled by Mika Jussila. So, on November 19, 2013, another release of the album was made by Ulterium Records. It also received fantastic reviews and worldwide acclaim within the Metal genre.


''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>
Their second album, ''[[Mirror of Souls]]'', was released on November 21, 2008 through Sweden's Ulterium Records and features cover artwork by Robert G. Wilson, Jr. They made an appearance on the cover of the January/December 2007 issue of ''[[Heaven's Metal]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hmmagazine.com/store/002038.php |title=HM Store |publisher=Hmmagazine.com |accessdate=May 21, 2012}}</ref> It was also released on November 26, 2008 in Japan by Soundholic Records. It is Theocracy's first album as a full band. 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 labels 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.
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=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>
''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 |publisher=Ultimatemetal.com |date=October 12, 2011 |accessdate=May 21, 2012}}</ref>{{Better source|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>
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|publisher=Nuotta}}</ref>
On October 28, 2016, they have released their fourth studio album titled ''Ghost Ship'', through Ulterium Records.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} 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''.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}


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>
[[File:Ernie Topran.jpg|thumb|Ernie Topran performing with Theocracy.]]

===Coming of Ernie Topran and beyond (2016–present)===
==Musical style==
In the autumn of 2016, Patrick Nickell left the band and after that was replaced by Ernie Topran. Theocracy founder Matt Smith adds, “Ernie has proven himself to be a total professional and completely dependable, which is what we were looking for. In addition to his incredible drumming skills, he also happens to be the most kindhearted, genuine and fun guy you could ever hope to meet. We couldn’t be happier to have him on board.” Torpan has been active in the Atlanta scene, since 2006. During that time he has performed with many different bands, and he has been Theocracy’s touring drummer for the last couple years. “I was happy to help Theocracy when they needed a touring drummer for some Scandinavian and German festivals,” says Topran. The band will next perform in Murray Hill Theatre on May 27, 2017, where they will start their next tour.
{{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 ==
[[File:Theocracy.jpg|thumb|Singer Matt Smith, who formed Theocracy in 2002, performing on stage]]
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
'''Current members'''
'''Current members'''
*Matt Smith – lead vocals <small>(2002–present)</small>, keyboards <small>(2002–2008)</small>, guitar, bass <small>(2002–2009)</small>
*Matt Smith – lead vocals <small>(2002–present)</small>, keyboards <small>(2002–2008)</small>, lead guitar, bass <small>(2002–2009)</small>
*Jonathan Hinds – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, keyboards <small>(2006–present)</small>
*Jonathan Hinds – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, keyboards <small>(2006–present)</small>
*Val Allen Wood – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(2009–present)</small>
*Jared Oldham – bass, backing vocals <small>(2009–present)</small>
*Jared Oldham – bass, backing vocals <small>(2009–present)</small>
*Ernie Topran – drums <small>(2016–present)</small>
*Ernie Topran – drums <small>(2016–present)</small>
*Taylor Washington – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(2022–present)</small>


'''Former members'''
'''Former members'''
Line 52: Line 52:
*Shawn Benson – drums <small>(2005–2014)</small>
*Shawn Benson – drums <small>(2005–2014)</small>
*Patrick Nickell – drums <small>(2014–2015)</small>
*Patrick Nickell – drums <small>(2014–2015)</small>
*Val Allen Wood – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(2009–2020)</small>
{{div col end}}


'''Timeline'''
'''Timeline'''
{{#tag:timeline|
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:90 bottom:90 top:0 right:20
PlotArea = left:100 bottom:80 top:0 right:20
Alignbars = justify
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Line 64: Line 64:


Colors =
Colors =
id:Vocals value:red legend:Vocals
id:Vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals
id:Guitar value:teal legend:Lead_guitar
id:Guitar value:teal legend:Lead_guitar
id:Guitar2 value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar
id:Guitar2 value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:Drums value:purple legend:Drums
id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:Key value:yellow legend:Keyboards
id:Key value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:All value:orange legend:All_instruments
id:album value:black legend:Studio_album
id:album value:black legend:Release


Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4


ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2002
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2002
Line 79: Line 78:


LineData =
LineData =
at:01/01/2003 color:album layer:back
layer:back
at:11/21/2008 color:album layer:back
color:album
at:01/01/2003
at:11/28/2011 color:album layer:back
at:11/21/2008
at:10/28/2016 color:album layer:back
at:11/28/2011
at:10/28/2016
at:10/13/2023


BarData =
BarData =
bar:smith text:"Matt Smith"
bar:smith text:"Matt Smith"
bar:hinds text:"Jonathan Hinds"
bar:wood text:"Val Allen Wood"
bar:wood text:"Val Allen Wood"
bar:washington text:"Taylor Washington"
bar:filkins text:"Seth Filkins"
bar:hinds text:"Jonathan Hinds"
bar:sloan text:"Josh Sloan"
bar:filkins text:"Seth Filkins"
bar:parris text:"Patrick Parris"
bar:sloan text:"Josh Sloan"
bar:oldham text:"Jared Oldham"
bar:parris text:"Patrick Parris"
bar:benson text:"Shawn Benson"
bar:oldham text:"Jared Oldham"
bar:nickell text:"Patrick Nickell"
bar:benson text:"Shawn Benson"
bar:topran text:"Ernie Topran"
bar:nickell text:"Patrick Nickell"
bar:topran text:"Ernie Topran"


PlotData=
PlotData=


width:11
width:11
bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:All
bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:Vocals
bar:smith from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:Vocals 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:Bass 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
bar:hinds from:01/01/2006 till:end color:Key width:3
bar:hinds from:01/01/2006 till:end color:Key width:3
bar:wood from:01/01/2009 till:end color:Guitar
bar:wood from:01/01/2009 till:10/10/2020 color:Guitar
bar:washington from:09/21/2022 till:end color:Guitar
bar:benson from:01/01/2005 till:03/12/2014 color:Drums
bar:benson from:01/01/2005 till:03/12/2014 color:Drums
bar:nickell from:07/27/2014 till:07/13/2015 color:Drums
bar:nickell from:07/27/2014 till:07/13/2015 color:Drums
Line 118: Line 124:


==Discography==
==Discography==
* 2003 - ''Theocracy''
* ''Theocracy'' (2003)
* 2008 - ''[[Mirror of Souls]]''
* ''[[Mirror of Souls]]'' (2008)
* 2011 - ''As the World Bleeds''
* ''As the World Bleeds'' (2011)
* 2016 - ''Ghost Ship''
* ''Ghost Ship'' (2016)
* ''Mosaic'' (2023)


==Christmas==
==Christmas==
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, located on their official website, excluding 2013 and 2015. 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: "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)"
Line 134: Line 141:
:*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"
:*2019: "Snowglobe"

==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.theocracymusic.com/}}
* {{Official website|http://www.theocracymusic.com/}}
*{{allmusic}}

==References==
{{reflist}}


{{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]