TREASURE SEEKER: A Tribute to the Past
A Tribute to the Tribute
We don’t often cover “reissues” in these pages but every once in awhile something comes along with special value – something worth a second look, either to pay tribute to what was originally a ground-breaking release or recognize a release which might have sentimental value to fans, a hidden treasure. The latter is the case with A Tribute to the Past, originally released as a “tribute” album in 1998.
Golden Band Project
Treasure Seeker consisted, at the time, of members of three different European bands, Seventh Avenue, Chryztine and Lightmare. And A Tribute to the Past was released on the German independent label Treasure Hunt Records. The main contributors represented a union of those bands with William Hieb (bass-Seventh Avenue), Andy Gutjahr (guitars-Lightmare) and Olaf Hayer (vocals-Chryztine), the trio accompanied by Danilo Baldorf (drums) and Marc Piras (guitars). The collective effort resulted in a great cover album of Christian Rock/Metal heroes from the preceding decade plus one original track.
Digging for Gold
Here is most of the original review (never previously published) I penned circa 1998…
German Christian metal heroes, led by bassist William Hieb of Seventh Avenue, have come together on this project to pay respect to the founding fathers of Christian metal. In glorious fashion, Hieb, along with Olaf Hayer (Chryztine) and Andy Gutjahr (Lightmare), have resurrected some great metal classics from the late 80’s, an era of much activity in the Christian metal and rock scene.
The title track, a fast-paced rocker in the German speed/power metal style, is the only original composition here. Musically like Seventh Avenue, only the melodic vocals of Hayer make this truly distinguishable from Seventh Avenue. While some projects sound contrived, these guys rock and gel as a band. They bring, perhaps, the best elements from their respective bands.
The 9 cover songs are extremely well done, and in some cases sound better than the originals. This would be due, in part, to the stellar guitar leads found in all songs. Additionally, I really like how Hayer changes his vocal style to match the original singer’s style. Although there are slight variations in the leads, the songs will be recognizable to old fans. While most of the bands represented here were certainly leading the scene in the late 80’s, I am a bit puzzled by the inclusion of bands like Creed and Force 3. I guess my biggest criticism is the exclusion of Whitecross, Barren Cross and Sacred Warrior from this collection.
Production is very good and, as expected on a German metal import, the artwork is brilliant. Despite the absence of representation of some great bands, this project is commendable, both in concept and execution. This is a must for fans and collectors of Christian metal!
Treasured Label
Enter Ulterium Records, the Swedish label who have been releasing both original and reissued greats since 2006. Everything they put their hand to is a worthy endeavor and this 2024 reissue of Treasure Seeker is no exception.
Rich Commentary
Consequently, the 20-page booklet may be every bit the highlight as the songs themselves. The beautifully laid-out and designed booklet contains not only extensive liner notes by all five of the musical contributors, but also song commentary by Doug Van Pelt and Pastor Bob Beeman. Additionally, there is commentary by original artists regarding the cover songs! Therefore, we have comments from Josh Kramer (Saint), Richard Lynch (Saint), Stephan Galfas (Stryper producer), Ez Gomer (Leviticus), Les Carlsen (Bloodgood), Glenn Kaiser (REZ), Ulf Christiansson (Jerusalem), Charlie Wilson (Force 3), Dale Thompson (Bride) and Tichy Casni (Creed).
Significantly, the notes from William Hieb provide much insight into the genesis of the original version as well as some hints of what the band attempted (but never released) with a follow-up, companion to A Tribute to the Past.
[Note: for reference, the original booklet was a spartan 4 pages with song listing, credits and thanks on the inside panels.]
The Treasure
As to the songs themselves, their pedigree speaks for itself, at least in terms of selection, but the sound quality (while a bit on the treble side) is still very good to excellent. I don’t know if these songs have been remastered, but when I A/B them I don’t hear much difference, the volume the same. However, there may be less muddiness on the reissue version, which is 26 years newer. (Honestly, the original release still sounds very good).
Regardless, every one of the tracks here is an inspiring trip down memory lane and A Tribute to the Past remains one of the most endearing and well-executed “cover” tributes in Christian metal history! Thanks to Emil Westerdahl and Ulterium for bringing this one back into circulation and into the light of day.
Track Listing
- A Tribute to the Past (5:10)
- Too Late For Living (4:18)
- To Hell With the Devil (3:54)
- Flames of Fire (3:07)
- Out of the Darkness (3:18)
- Silence Screams (4:15)
- Rebels of Jesus Christ (3:10)
- Warrior of Light (3:50)
- Heroes (5:22)
- Meet Again (4:24)
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