Heavenly Shred: Instrumental Heavy Metal Shred Guitar Versions of Classic Hymns of the Church and Timeless Christmas Carols

Once again I've been blessed by God---Dee Harrington of SAINT, Jim Griffin (who also played on Reshredded and Shredded Sweet). And new shred mater friends--David Walliman and Jeff Garner are on board for what I believe could be my best effort to date!

Heavenly Shred is a collection of Instrumental Shred Metal versions of some Classic Hymns of The Church--including a number of timeless Chrstmas tunes and original songs I wrote for the project. Check out the SoundClick Player below, take a listen to the songs and if you like what you here,
pick one up today... I certainly appreciate the support!
Metal Blessings,
Pastor Brad

1. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
PB and Jeff Garner - Guitars, Dee Harrington - Bass
Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal priest, was inspired when he was visiting the town of Bethlehem in 1865. Three years later, he wrote the poem for his church and his organist, Lewis Redner, added the music. Redner's tune, simply titled "St. Louis", is the tune used most often for this carol in the United States (This would be the melody I base my instruMETAL version on). Meanwhile, the English tune "Forest Green", adapted by Ralph Vaughan Williams, is the tune most often used for this carol in the United Kingdom and sometimes in the U.S. as well, especially in the Episcopal Church. Source (Wikipedia).

2. O Come O Come Emmanuel
PB - Guitar, Jim Griffin and PB - Bass
O come, O come, Emmanuel is a translation of the Christian Latin text ("Veni, veni, Emmanuel") by John Mason Neale in the mid-19th century. It is a metrical version of a collation of various Advent Antiphons (the acrostic O Antiphons), which now serves as a popular Advent and Christmas hymn. Its origins are unclear, it is thought that the antiphons are from at least the 8th Century, but "Veni, veni Emmanuel" may well be 12th Century in origin.[1][2] The text is based on the biblical prophesy from Isaiah 7:14 that states that God will give Israel a sign that will be called Immanuel (Lit.: God with us). Matthew 1:23 states fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

It is believed that the traditional music stems from a 15th Century French processional for Franciscan nuns,[3] but it may also have 8th Century Gregorian origins. It is one of the most solemn Advent hymns. In the Catholic church, two subsequent verses are sung each week of Advent, beginning with the First Sunday of Advent as verses 1 & 2. The Second Sunday of Advent, verses 3 & 4 are sung. On the Third Sunday of Advent, verses 5 & 6. On the Fourth Sunday of Advent however, verses 1 & 7 are then sung. Source (Wikipedia).

5. Joy to the World
PB and Mario Barasic Guitar, PB Bass
The scripture-based words are by Isaac Watts. The music was adapted and arranged by Lowell Mason from an older melody which was then believed to have originated from Handel, not least because the theme of the refrain (And heaven and nature sing...) appears in the orchestra opening and accompaniment of the recitative Comfort Ye from Handel's Messiah, and the first four notes match the beginning of the choruses Lift up your heads and Glory to God from the same oratorio. However, Handel did not compose the entire tune.

4. Silent Night
PB and David Wallimann Guitar, PB Bass
The original lyrics of the song Stille Nacht were written in German by the priest Father Josef Mohr and the melody was composed by the Austrian headmaster Franz Xaver Gruber. The version of the melody that is generally sung today differs slightly (particularly in the final strain) from Gruber's original. Today, the lyrics and melody are in the public domain. Source (Wikipedia).

3. Deck The Halls
All PB
The tune is that of an old Welsh air, first found in a musical manuscript by Welsh harpist John Parry Ddall (c. 1710–1782), but undoubtedly much older than that. The composition is still popular as a dance tune in Wales, and was published in the 1784 and 1794 editions of the harpist Edward Jones's Musical and Poetical Relics of the Welsh Bards. Poet, John Ceiriog Hughes wrote the first published lyrics for the piece in Welsh, titling it "Nos Galan" ("New Year's Eve"). A middle verse was later added by folk singers. In the eighteenth century the tune spread widely, with Mozart using it in a piano and violin concerto. Source (Wikipedia)..

6. Nothing But The Blood
PB and Jim Griffin Guitar, PB Bass
Robert Lowry was a popular Baptist pastor in various churches throughout the Eastern United States. In later life he became interested in writing and publishing gospel songs. Today he is best remembered for his many contributions to our hymnal with songs such as 'Nothing but the Blood', published in 1876. Though simply stated both textually and musically (a five note melodic range and just two chords), this gospel song has had an important place in the church's ministry in teaching both young and old the absolute necessity of trusting implicitly in the precious blood of Christ for this life and for eternity." Source (Wikipedia)

7. Holy Holy Holy
PB and Jeff Garner Guitar, PB Bass
Holy, Holy, Holy is a Christian hymn written by Reginald Heber (1783-1826). Its lyrics speak specifically on the Trinity as stated in Christian theology. It was written specifically for the use on Trinity Sunday, which occurs eight weeks after Easter The tune used for this hymn, "Nicaea", was named after the Nicaean Council in 325. It was composed by John Bacchus Dykes in 1861 specifically for the lyrics. The composer wrote many tunes to hymns (over 300) and many are still in use today. Source (Wikipedia).

8. I'll Fly Away
PB and Mario Barasic Guitar, PB Bass
I'll Fly Away," written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929 [1], is a hymn most associated with American Baptists[2] and the Church of Christ. It is an optimistic song about an earthly death that leads to everlasting life in glory with Christ.

"I'll Fly Away" has been called the most recorded gospel music song [3], beginning with a recording by James and Martha Carson, the "Barn Dance Sweethearts" of WSB Atlanta, in 1946, followed two years later by the Chuck Wagon Gang in 1948.

The hymn has been covered by numerous singers, but usually associated with country or gospel music, particularly the variety referred to as "shape note music". Source (Wikipedia).

9. Oh How I Love Jesus
PB and Mario Barasic Guitar, PB Bass
Frederick Whitfield was an Anglican clergyman who lived from 1829-1904. The hymn he wrote, "Oh, How I Love Jesus", became a favorite in the evangelistic crusades of Moody and Sankey. It originally had 8 stanzas but only 4 are found in most hymn books. It was first written in tract form in 1855. The entire hymn revolves around the name of Jesus. What a powerful name! The name of Jesus promises us great things from the Father. It promises to be with us in every circumstance. How we should love Jesus for all the great things He has done and is doing for us. Source (http://schaefer-family.com/hymns/name.htm)

10. Carol of the Bells
PB and Jeff Garner Guitar, PB Bass
In 1916, Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych was commissioned by director Oleksander Koshetz to create song based on local folk melodies. In response, Leontovych created his choral work "Shchedryk," pairing a folk song and a separate four-note folk tune. It was first performed by students at Kiev University in December 1916.1 According to Judith Otten, it's full title was "Shtchedrik, shtchedrik, shtchevatchka." (Source (www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com)

The Carol of the Bells lyrics were added to the original folk music from the Ukraine by Peter Wilhousky. The lyrics and words to this popular Christmas song celebrate the festive season and its traditions such as the pealing of church bells at Christmas and of the singing of Christmas Carols - caroling. The original Ukrainian lyrics to the song was entitled Shchedryk meaning bountiful and were traditionally sang to celebrate the New Year. Source (http://www.carols.org.uk/carol-of-the-bells.htm)

11. Christian Metal Realm
PB on the rythm section, the CMR Crew & PB everywher else!
I hang out a good bit at a Christian Heavy Metal Forum/Community called "The Christian Metal Realm." It's an awesome place. It's a pretty tight community of metal loving, Jesus worshiping brothers and sisters. So--around the time that I was writing and recording for Heavenly Shred---I got the idea to put basic rythm track together and just let as many people participate on it as wanted to. I recorded the rythm track... put the word out at the CMR and the following people responded: Raymand Christie, Andy England, Cindy Gilkey, Jon Hooper, Lou Lizyness, Joe Magnitude, Richard Rutledge, John Tink and Don Webster. So each one of them received the tune and laid down a lead track or a vocal bit on it--and it turned out AWESOME!

12. Psalm 33:3
PB and Jim Griffin Guitar, PB Bass
I really like the way this song came into being... it literally evolved and if you listen to it you'll be able to tell that. The song shifts in mood, pace and feel as it moves along. And it contains some playing that I really believe honors God--that's why I titled it PSALM 33:3, which reads, "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy."

"Pastor Brad continues to be one of the few artists to take the timeles Christmas classics to the next level - and shred them! Well done PB! ..."These holiday tracks are not the first PB has released, but they - and he - are at their shredded best!"
Steve & Greg
Almighty Metal Radio.com

Instrumental Heavy Metal Shred Guitar Versions of Classic Hymns of the Church and Timeless Christmas Carols

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To hear the HEAVENLY SHRED song you want, simply scroll though the list--until you find the song--then double click it, or click the play button.

"Absolutely some of the best guitar work I have heard in a long time! In all my years in radio, never has an Independent Artist struck me the way Pastor Brad has done."
Jeff Vichiarelli (Dizzy Izzy)
CEO, Dekadance Radio

""The PB and Friends Heavenly Shred CD sounds great and really comes at a wonderful time of the year. The songs are fresh and the mix is right on! I recommend this CD to anyone who loves tight, instrumental music
with a spiritual touch. This is another great Pastor Brad and Friends production!"
Jim Griffin
Griffin-X

"Hey PB... Goit a chance to listen to HS yesterday and it smokes!!! If I had to sum it up in 1 or 2 sentences I'd say Its a great extension to ther Shred series, and its not the same cliches that you hear on alot of these Christmas standards that come out these days. I also enjoyed the bass work done by Dee. Or as 'Heavy Metal Bob' might say, 'Its a Holiday Shredfest from the Worls only Shredding Pastor!' Talk to you soon... I'm gonna crank it as we put up our tree!"
"The Deacon of Metal"
Rob Deacon
Rochester, NY

"Psalm 33:3 - 'Sing unto him a new song; Play skilfully with a loud noise.' Brad definetly has accomplished that. Well Done!"
il2radmin
Fan @ ilike2rock.net

"Have you heard of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra? I got to see them live a few years back and they where excellent! But this year, I was BLOWN AWAY when one of the artists on iLike2Rock.net sent me his Christmas CD called "Heavenly Shred". Pastor Brad who is indeed a Pastor, Shreds the likes of O Little Town of Bethlehem, Joy to The World, Deck the Halls and other traditional xmas tunes plus some of his own. You got to hear it!!" Tom-- Administrator, iLike2Rock.net

"Thanks for putting out such a wonderful
cd! This is long overdue! I've listened to it several times and it just gets better with
each listen! It's so awesome to hear
Christmas songs put to instrumental hard
rock music! Keep up the good work!"
Harvey Scarborough Jr.
Fan--Avon, North Carolina

"WARNING! The High Volocity Guitar Work
of Pastor Brad will Shred the Christmas
presents under your tree! Move Trans-
Siberian Orchestra over on your CD shelf
and make room for "Heavenly Shred". This
is the one Christmas CD every Metalhead
should have in their collection."
DJ Tom
iLike2Rock.net Radio

Hey Pastor Brad,

My mistake, I guess I actually played "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem," since "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" isn't on the album! I was confusing your version of "Oh Little Town..." with a heavy rocking version of "God Rest..." that I've played on the show in Christmas seasons past. I did get feedback from a couple of listeners who liked your rendition; and since it isn't often we play material from actual pastors on the show, the listeners remembered your name as well!

I also wanted to let you know that I'll be reviewing your CD on this coming Sunday's Christmas Special. I'll also be submitting the text review of that album to the Altoona Mirror newspaper for use in their "Go" magazine, hopefully to be published on the Friday before Christmas.

Jim Price

A Review of Heavenly Shred, by Andrew Rockwell of Angelic Warlord.com
Pastor Brad (Windlan) remains one of the hardest working guitarists in all of metal and hard rock. A full time minister from Altoona, Pennsylvania, the artist released two albums in 2004 (Get Real and Rock You Up), three more in 2005 (Out Of The Hellhole, Telecaster and The King Has Come) and one in 2006 (Shred). His aptly entitled lone offering from 2007, Reshredded, preceded the early 2008 effort Shredded Sweet. The latter half of 2008 finds PB presenting with Heavenly Shred, his ninth album overall (in five years!) and fourth to head in instrumental guitar based territory.

As with the artists previous instrumental outings, Heavenly Shred is certain to appeal to fans of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Joey Tafolla, David Chastain, James Byrd and a host of others within the same genre. Those into Fourth Estate, Jeff Scheetz, Slav Simanic and Jon Hooper should find a lot to like here as well.

What makes Heavenly Shred unique is that it brings a “holiday theme” in that half its compositions draw their inspiration from many of the popular Christmas carols of the past. Now, there is no reason to be concerned in that PB proves ingenious in conceiving an instrumental hard rock song that, at the same time, is interwoven with a well known Christmas carol melody. In other words, what we have is a project capturing the spirit of Christmas without coming across, well, too “Christmasy”. To understand my point, check out “Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem”, “O Come O Come Emmanuel”, “Deck The Halls” and “Joy To The World”, up-tempo pieces that, for a lack of better words, just plain shred. Mid-paced numbers “Silent Night” and “Carol Of The Bells” might slow things down a bit but deliver their share of flair as well.

The remaining material on Heavenly Shred, while shedding the Christmas theme, proves equally deft. “I’ll Fly Away” and “Oh How I Love Jesus” bring tons of energy and acoustic laced “Nothing But The Blood” and palatial “Holy Holy Holy” a heading on the more laid back side of things. “Psalm 33:3” is a gritty rocker while “Christian Metal Realm” represents an all out slugfest of metal riffs and blazing lead guitar.

PB, as always, makes his presence felt with his abundant guitar harmonies, as is aptly demonstrated on “Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem”, “O Come O Come Emmanuel”, “Nothing But The Blood” and “Holy Holy Holy”. And he proves no slouch in the soloing department either- just give “O Come O Come Emmanuel”, “Deck The Halls” and “Christian Metal Realm” several listens to understand my point.

As with many of the artists previous releases, Heavenly Shred goes under the heading Pastor Brad AND Friends. The friends in question, of course, are the numerous guest musicians appearing on the project, including guitarists Mario Barasic, Jeff Garner, Jim Griffin (Griffin-X) and David Wallimann. Jim Griffin and Dee Harrington (Saint), at the same time, capably fill in on bass.

“Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem” proves a three minute explosion of non-stop energy. The song starts to several seconds of open air guitar before moving on to a stretch of bluesy soloing- which is immediately followed by the trademark Christmas melody we are all familiar with. “Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem” races its remaining distance with mega-tight guitar harmony, a drum solo and more hi-octane soloing leading the way.

“O Come O Come Emmanuel” maintains the upbeat tempo but with more of a bluesy edge. The song begins in gritty fashion before transitioning to a run of the albums most exciting lead work (real neo-classical feel to the playing). As “O Come O Come Emmanuel” moves forward, more radiant lead guitar highlights the backdrop, only decelerating for a punchy bass solo and occasionally passages upheld by a steadfast rhythm guitar.

The all out metal of “Deck The Halls” brings quite the resounding low end- the bass guitar is thick, weighty and right up front in the mix (the way it should be). If anything, the song moves at the slight reduced tempo in comparison to the previous two, standing out with the bluesy mentality of its lead work and changeovers to moments in which a bass guitar solo mimics the trademark “Deck The Halls” melody.

“Silent Night” heads in a more tempered musical direction. Laid back and relaxed in feel, the song smoothly flows ahead to melodic guitar harmony backed by occasional traces of the acoustic. After several minutes, however, “Silent Night” abruptly picks up in pace as some ripping guitar leads take over- only to just as suddenly decelerate back to the earlier more moderate flavorings.

“Joy To The World” gets underway to a drum solo prior to bouncing ahead at a mirthful tempo. The beautiful “Joy To The World” melody stands out as the song advances, briefly slowing to some open air guitar only to make a transition to an unleashing of blazing lead guitar- backed by occasionally eruptions of roaring guitar feedback. A brief bass solo, appropriately, closes out one of the albums better numbers.

The low key “Nothing But The Blood” also brings its share of quality. The song proves another collected piece (sort of like “Silent Night”) in moving its distance in composes fashion, a joining of catchy guitar harmony, acoustic guitar and brisk soloing sustaining the placid setting. Things do gain a bit of momentum at the minute and a half mark, however, as a shift is made to a stretch of ardent lead guitar.

“Holy, Holy, Holy” puts in place a stately – almost dignified – environs. The Gregorian vocals at the start of the song give way to a drum solo and screaming guitar feedback. “Holy Holy Holy” proceeds to groove the rest of its way at a lively tempo, the albums crystal clear production showcased in the plethora of scorching lead guitar – courtesy of Jeff Garner – allowed to fluidly rise above the mix.

“I’ll Fly Away” might be one of the albums shorter pieces (2:39) but certainly is not lacking in energy. A towering bass line gets the song going before it plows ahead to a determined guitar riff, the excited initiative preserved as a variety of lead work – from neo-classical to all out fiery – carries things to their close.

With a name like “Oh How I Love Jesus”, you would think this might be one of the albums mellower pieces. But not so. Combining a plethora of tight sounding rhythm guitar and melodic lead guitar, the song establishes an upbeat atmosphere its brief (2:22) but rollicking distance. The aggressive feel to the drums only adds to the mirthful scene.

“Carol Of The Bells”, the last of the Christmas themed pieces, presents with a flowing mid-paced milieu. Certain to pull you in with its familiar bouncing melody, the song drives its lengthy to a sturdy guitar riff underscored by a pronounced low end (nice bass guitar solo on this one). All the while PB decorates things with his adeptly done lead guitar.

“Christian Metal Realm”, of course, derives its moniker from the well known forum of the same name. The song opens to a charging bass line as the rhythm guitar crashes in and out of the mix. From there on, “Christian Metal Realm” stays true to form by plowing ahead with an abundance of muscle-laden momentum- the lead work throughout is over the top (you can tell the artist had a great deal of fun putting this one together). A BIG chorus with backing vocals loudly exclaiming “C-M-R” along with an extended keyboard solo (with a cool 70’s feel) tops things off.

Closing out Heavenly Shred is the straightforward rocker “Psalm 33:3”. Gritty and edgy, the song determinedly drives from front to back to a near militant guitar riff, making an excursion at its halfway point to an interesting fusion based span of lead guitar. I also enjoy how the bass guitar churns up the low end on this one as well- not to mention the distorted guitar feedback at its end.

What we have in Heavenly Shred is another quality instrumental hard rock album from Pastor Brad. If you enjoy the previous projects from the artist – or instrumental hard rock in general – then by all means check this out. The Christmas theme to half the songs here only adds to the albums appeal- as do the numerous guest musicians appearing on it.

Review by: Andrew Rockwell

Track Listing: “Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem” (2:51), “O Come O Come Emmanuel” (4:07), “Deck The Halls” (3:15), “Silent Night” (3:41), “Joy To The World” (3:39), “Nothing But The Blood” (4:28), “Holy Holy Holy” (4:02), “I’ll Fly Away” (2:39), “Oh How I Love Jesus” (2:22), “Carol Of The Bells” (4:05), “Christian Metal Realm” (4:41), Psalm 33:3” (4:03)

Musicians
Pastor Brad – Guitars, Bass & Keyboards

Additional Musicians
Mario Barasic, Jeff Garner, Jim Griffin & David Wallimann – Guitars
Jim Griffin & Dee Harrington – Bass

"Got my copy of Heavenly Shred in the mail today. After my first listen, my review will be real short....... This lp ROCKS, Hard and Raw. I can't wait to CRANK this for my kids when they get home today. This is a most-excellent addition to our Christmas collection."
"L8T"
--a fan @ The CMR

"I couldn't agree more! I've been cranking it since we got it in!"
James Mattern
Open Grave Records

"I couldn't agree more too, this is a great
cd for the festival season."
Cybergrinder
--a fan @ The CMR

"Can my review of this CD be three words?
This CD rules!"
Scott Watters
No Life Til Metal

"Easily one of the best intrumental Christmas cds that I have. I love Deck the halls, especially the base lines."
Dale
--a fan @ The CMR