Apollos

Apollos is hard rock/classic and progressive metal band that was begun in 1987. Their first album, Rising, recieved critical acclaim from the famed KERRANG! magazine, and they built a loyal cult following. The band pioneered the "Gnothic metal" sound, due to the prevalent neo-gothic imagery and sound combined with lyrics rooted in Gnosticism, or esoteric wisdom poetry. After touring the western PA area and recording an EP, the band decided to go on hiatus so lead singer Lord Jack (aka Anthony Stultz) could become a Zen teacher and Buddhist priest. The band remained underground for almost 20 years, until, in 2006 after hearing the Dio album Holy Diver, Lord Jack's son began to study guitar. He progressed quickly through his study of classical guitar, as well as the teachings of renowned players such as Randy Rhoads, John Petrucci, and John Petrucci. In late 2007 they wrote an early version of the song Awaken, and thus, Apollos was reborn! The band released their second studio album, entitled Awaken, on November 2nd, 2010. The album is dedicated to their late friend, the metal master Ronnie James Dio, and proceeds from the album are being donated to his charity, STAND UP AND SHOUT!