Brutal Planet Records announces that two long-awaited titles from Florida Christian metal pioneers Apostle are finally getting the deluxe reissue treatment — and both are available now for pre-order at discounted prices exclusively at boonesoverstock.com.
⚔️ White Metal (1985) — available for the first time ever on CD and Vinyl, including the rare 1984 demo as bonus tracks
⚔️ Chariots of Iron (1987) — the underground classic finally receiving its first official CD release
Both titles are fully remastered by Rob Colwell, feature expanded packaging with archival notes and rare photos, and are part of the Metal Icon Series. Quantities are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
In the early 1980s, when Christian metal was still finding its footing, Apostle emerged from Jacksonville, Florida, led by guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Matt Harding (1957–2012). What began as a small local group with a deep spiritual calling soon became one of the most dedicated and prolific underground acts in Christian metal. Formed in 1983, Apostle combined fiery, melodic metal with an unwavering devotion to sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
From the start, Apostle’s ministry reached beyond the church walls. As drummer Bill Box recalled, the band would play “anywhere and everywhere—clubs, reformatories, outdoor parks, churches, coffee houses, and skating rinks.” Their mission was to take the gospel wherever people would listen. Bassist Dave Lawson summarized their purpose simply: “What you have to do is sell out to Jesus and let Him change your life. We’ve tried to stay straight to the Bible and sing songs that glorify God.”
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Apostle toured widely across the South and Midwest, often sharing stages with national Christian rock and metal acts such as Whitecross, Bride, and Rez Band. In 1989, Apostle recorded with Glenn Kaiser (Rez Band/JPUSA) in Chicago—one of the scene’s most respected figures—resulting in their most polished and spiritually intense album. Harding’s soaring guitar work, layered harmonies, and heartfelt conviction set Apostle apart as a band unafraid to merge heavy music with deep faith.
Despite their talent and steady output, Apostle’s recordings were distributed only in small cassette runs, making them treasured finds among collectors. Their catalog remained largely unheard outside underground tape-trading circles. These official Retroactive Records reissues finally make that catalog accessible on both CD and vinyl for the first time—all beautifully remastered by Rob Colwell and accompanied by restored artwork and historical notes.
One exception, Prepare to Meet God, did receive a limited CD release years ago but quickly became nearly impossible to find. Its inclusion alongside the earlier Apostle material—and Matt Harding’s solo project Steel Armada—completes the long-overdue restoration of his musical legacy.
Brutal Planet Records had been trying to obtain the rights to reissue Apostle’s music for nearly 30 years. After Matt Harding’s passing in 2012, they continued searching for any contact that could lead to his family or former bandmates—years filled with dead ends and unanswered messages. Eventually, they reached out to the Christian Rock & Metal Facebook group, asking its 80,000 members for help. Chris Rozier (writer for Heaven’s Metal Magazine) responded and connected them with Larry Motes, one of Apostle’s drummers. Larry then contacted Jacob Harding, Matt’s son, and through that connection, this long-awaited reissue campaign was finally set in motion.
Previously available only as a flimsy, low-quality cardboard-sleeve promo that barely surfaced in the collector world, Unburied has long been considered nearly impossible to obtain. This Brutal Planet Records edition finally gives these unearthed horrors a proper home in a jewel case with a 12-page lyric booklet, remastered by Rob Colwell and officially welcomed into the Metal Icon Series.
Purchase APOSTLE "White Metal” Vinyl:
https://boonesoverstock.com/products/apostle-white-metal-vinyl-2026-retroactive?_pos=3&_sid=052ccf78b&_ss=r
Purchase APOSTLE "White Metal” CD:
https://boonesoverstock.com/products/apostle-white-metal-cd-2026-retroactive?_pos=1&_sid=052ccf78b&_ss=r
Purchase APOSTLE "Chariots of Iron” Vinyl:
https://boonesoverstock.com/products/apostle-chariots-of-iron-vinyl-2026-retroactive?_pos=4&_sid=052ccf78b&_ss=r
Purchase APOSTLE "Chariots of Iron” CD:
https://boonesoverstock.com/products/apostle-chariots-of-iron-cd-2026-retroactive?_pos=2&_sid=052ccf78b&_ss=r
