S2. Ep. 9: Rex Carroll Interview! (Whitecross, King James, Fierce Heart)

[@jamiemay8546]

That song good enough just blew my mind

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Great song from "In the Kingdom"! Musically, it reminds me of "Hot For Teacher" by Van Halen. Rex is a shredder, no doubt. Blessings! -Kent

[@jamiemay8546]

​@@AREA312RockMetalVodcastit's like a mix of Hot for teacher with the intensity of get up from 5150

[@tjflash60]

Thanks for the interview.

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thanks for watching, Thomas! We are grateful! Blessings! -Kent

[@NikosKatsikanis]

what a great interview!

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching and commenting, Nikos; we are grateful! May The Lord be glorified! -Kent

[@jeremynordlund5583]

We need a Scott Wenzel interview

[@danielsell7598]

Whitecross fans would love to see a Scott Wenzel interview! In the spirit of Rex Carroll's answer about his favorite Whitecross album, my favorite Whitecross interview is the next one. ; )

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Daniel! We are appreciative! We'll see what we can do about having Scott as a guest at some point. We would be honored to have him on. Blessings! -Kent

[@JohnKeyMusic]

@@AREA312RockMetalVodcast I would ask for this interview. Looking forward for this. By the way, congratulations and God bless you all for bringing this precious interviews.

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

@@JohnKeyMusic Thank you for the kind words and for watching, John! Wishing you The Lord's continued blessings! -Kent

[@shamgar75]

Rex is a great guy. Love his honesty and his "God moment" stories. You can tell how much he loves music. I can't wait for the new Whitecross album. Going to relisten to his Rex Carroll Band CD and check out Fierce Heart. Thank you guys for a great interview. God bless!

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching and leaving a comment, Shamgar75; we are appreciative! We are also grateful that Rex agreed to be our special guest! Wishing you The Lord's blessings! -Kent

[@rexsmetzer]

The Rex Carroll Band cd is an underrated gem!!!

[@lucas.k13]

I'm not crying, you're crying! I was listening to this in the car on the way home from work, and you sharing about your friend passing away and Rex, tears were streaming down my face. It is amazing the impact our musician influencers, particular those of faith, have on us.

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Indeed, Lucas, Rex had made a huge impact - and was a big influence - upon my best friend from college who would also become my bandmate. Little did I know that Rex's impact upon my friend would make that same huge impact on me later in life. I am grateful for The Lord's blessings! Thank you for watching and commenting, Lucas! -Kent

[@rodzillarox4882]

Rex has been one of my favorite guitarists for years.. since 1987 actually . I have developed a cool new friendship with Rex as a guitar student and during our lessons he has great stories as well as amazing teaching abilities. I am so blessed to be learning from him and ….thanks so much for this way cool interview. I just found your channel today and can’t wait to listen to the other interviews!

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching and commenting, Rodzilla Rox! My co-hosts and I are genuinely appreciative! Very cool that you are studying under Rex! Wishing you great guitar riffs and The Lord's blessings! -Kent

[@tonlarj37]

Thanks for the interview. Rex is one of my top 3 favorite guitarist and may be my #1 influence. I got the "Nagasake" tab from him, along with some encouragement and posted on my KZbin. That's my favorite all time guitar solo. Love Rex!!!

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching and commenting, Tony. My co-hosts and I are grateful! It's easy to understand why Rex is such an influence to many: He's a top-notch musician and a caring person. We were privileged to have him as our guest. Thanks again for watching! -Kent

[@HighwayLand]

One of the first Christian albums I ever bought was in the kingdom. I still remember back in 1994/95 when our worship band would play the song in the kingdom, and of course I did my ultimate best at playing drums for the group. And it was September 14th 1996 when I got to see whitecross perform out in Roseburg Oregon, and that was with Scott Wenzel Brent Denny Quinton Gibson and Troy stone. I still have the photo with those guys. And as always thank you for the interview.

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching and sharing from your personal journey, HighwayLand! I enjoy hearing about other's journeys with these bands in the same manner that others (hopefully) enjoy these interviews. I have never seen Whitecross live, so you've one-upped me in that department. LOL! I was a junior in college when In The Kingdom was released in 1991. It was all the rage among my peers that year. Very cool that you played drums on the title track for the worship band! Wishing you The Lord's continued blessings! -Kent

[@jetway7777]

Great Interview ...Rex is such a great guy ....I was very fortunate to see Whitecross play live around 1989 somewhere in SanBerdino , Ca. I remember Vengeance also played ...Rex's crazy guitar shredding was definitely an unforgettable experience I will never forget even to this day !

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Very cool you were able to see 'em back in the classic years, Jetway7777! That must've been on the Triumphant Return tour! Also very cool that you saw Vengeance! Thanks for watching and commenting! -Kent

[@Lions_Mane]

This was a really special interview for me! I grew up a Christian Rock and Metal fan in the 80's and Whitecross are still a favorite of mine; Rex and company are one of the absolute best in my opinion! I still love cranking up the 1987 self-titled album, "Hammer & Nail" and "Triumphant Return" to this day. Thank you guys for this interview, it really means a lot! Blessings! - Kevin from Florida

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching, Kevin! We are genuinely grateful! So many wonderful Whitecross albums to choose from, but I concur that there is something special about the initial eponymous album through Triumphant Return. The 2005 re-recording of 1987 is also great! Wishing you The Lord's blessings, Kevin! -Kent

[@wheelzwheela]

Thanks for the great interviews. I really enjoy watching these.

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

We are greatly appreciative of you watching and commenting, wheelzwheela! Thank you! -Kent

[@mikestillwagon5675]

As a working musician with label experience and a mailman, I agree wholeheartedly with Rex's Rule #1.

[@growingmusician]

While Stryper is always going to be my fav, I'm beyond excited for a new whitecross album

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching and commenting, Adrian; we are appreciative! I look forward to a new Whitecross album as well! -Kent

[@MournfulMystic]

Great chat! Been a fan since getting the first album on cassette in 87 here in Australia. Saw Whitecross in Adelaide in 1988. I would love to see Bruce Swift of Sacred Warrior interviewed. They are probably my favourite christian metal band. Bruce is a very underrated guitarist with a strong Randy Rhoads influence.

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching and commenting, Dwellceller! Very cool you were able to see Whitecross back in the 80's! Yes, Bruce Swift is a terrific guitarist... We will certainly send him a guest invitation when time permits. Please be patient with us and thanks for letting us know who you'd like to see! Blessings! -Kent

[@dannylanthois8208]

Greetings from Australia Thanks for the great work guys. Hearing the history and what these the different bands and members are currently up to, in their lives and faith is a great encouragement.

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching, Danny! We are very appreciative and are glad that the interviews are a blessing! -Kent

[@RockYourClass]

Gotta be my fav guitarist. Great interview guys!

[@rexsmetzer]

Thanks!!! We enjoyed it ourselves too!!!

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching and commenting, Rock Your Class. We were grateful to have Rex as our special guest! -Kent

[@ECIDtrucket]

God what a nice guy he is! God bless you Rex! Whitecross it's in my heart dearly! Great interview guys!! Next should be Scott Wenzel

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

We appreciate you watching and commenting, Ecotrucks! Wishing you The Lord's blessings! -Kent

[@ericcire7709]

Another Homerun, brothers! I loved Rex’s story about the girl who asked for prayer in Germany. One of his comments jumped out to me as a potential lyric so here goes: Step Up And Testify No Theology Degree? Don’t worry, Just Try Just Step Out In Faith Your Seeds arent Stalled God Annoints the Called Stepppppp Uppppp!

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting, Eric! We are genuinely appreciative! Wishing you The Lord's blessings as you continue to step up and testify! -Kent

[@jamesweber3797]

One of the greatest christian guitarists of all time! Hands down!

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Rex rocks! Thank you for watching and commenting, James! -Kent

[@Kenmo.6274]

Another great interview…thank you! I am going to try and get to that music fest at the end of summer in Ohio…a lot of bucket list bands I gotta see. I never got a chance to see Whitecross, Barren Cross or even Saint Back in the day so this is a great opportunity. Rex Carroll stands out as one of my favorite guitarists…his style of guitar playing is instantly recognizable. Glenn Kaiser & Stu Heiss, Michael Schenker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Phil Keaggy and Frank Marino are among some of my favorite guitarists.

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Great guitarist list there, Ken! Thank you for watching and commenting! Yes, I would so love to go to that "bucket list" fest in Ohio but, alas, I will have to live vicariously through my co-host, Rex! -Kent

[@darthplumbervideos]

This is an awesome interview! Love you guys! Rex is a great brother and guitarist 🎸 💙!

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching, commenting and subbing, Darthplumber! We love your channel as well with the great classic footage! Thank you for sharing the Christian rock & metal history you preserved all those years ago! Blessings! -Kent

[@BJF17401]

Kent, thanks for the Rex Carrol interview. He is definitely humble and knows God is is total sorce. I was especially moved by your sharing about your dear friends death and appreciation for Rex sending him a reply back in the day. I too had a Christian metal band back in the late 80s and early 90s playing Whitecross, Bloodgood etc covers years after our break up my dear friend Doug (bass player) died. This has never been just music it is Jesus Christ at full volume. Thank you for sharing your heart. I love you brother.

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for your kind words and understanding, Paul. Yes, it seems like yesterday my band brother in Christ - Greg - was showing/telling me all about Rex Carroll writing him a letter back. So many of these band guys have been our "big brothers in Christ" and never really knew it. I'm thankful we have an opportunity to share our hearts with them on this side of life. Blessings and love back to you as you remember your friend and band-brother Doug. One Day... Not if but when The King returns... No more pain or mourning for the old order of things will have passed away. All glory to Yeshua: King of kings and Lord of lords! -Kent

[@kevencrothers2916]

The demo had Nagasaki, He is the Rock and Looking for a Reason

[@kevencrothers2916]

I had one

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

@@kevencrothers2916 Thanks for the clarification, Keven. I never had the demo. Blessings, brother! -Kent

[@Kenneth-nVA]

I saw Whitecross twice in 91&92 and both shows were tight musically and Christ honoring with their message. Got to meet Rex at the second show and he was such a great guy… I miss the 80’s -early 90’s Christian music scene. Blessings

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching and commenting; we are grateful! Very cool that you were able to catch Whitecross on tour back in the day - and that you were able to meet Rex! I concur: I also miss the 80s & early 90s Christian rock and metal scene, but I'm also grateful for the bands which have returned and are absolutely nailin' it! And we'll also have forevermore to enjoy the Spirit-filled music and Message in the Kingdom! Because of Jesus...! Blessings! -Kent

[@Auttumn13]

I really appreciate this interview and Rex Carol's honesty. I will absolutely purchase the new and forthcoming Whitecross record. That being said, I am very sad that Scott Wenzel is no longer singing and while this is hard to accept, I welcome the new singer with open arms and an open heart. His voice sounds great, but needs to work on the performance aspect. Scott got everybody in the crowd into the show.

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Great hearing from you, Gregory! Thank you for commenting and for your "openness" with everything. Wishing you The Lord's blessings! -Kent

[@soldier7778]

Great episode once again! After the first wave of bands in 1985/86 (Daniel Band, Jerusalem, Petra, Rez, Stryper and the second wave in 1987 (Barren Cross, Bloodgood, Leviticus, Messiah Prophet, Saint), another couple of bands I think and then there was Whitecross. I didn't like them at first but they grew on me over the next year or 2. There were some real moments (the girl on drugs and how her life was a miracle, the CCM industry rejecting Rex, the grandmother in the laundry mat, and Kent's story). I have the 8 WhiteCross CDs and that 1988 maxi single or EP on vinyl. Unfortunately, Star Song tried to make money with Whitecross and brought in writers and had more ballads. However, In the Kingdom is a great song. 1 or 2 ballads was enough - that was what made the first 3 albums awesome - more shred and less ballads. I think if Messiah Prophet and Saint continued Star Song would of expected the same thing of them. I'm looking forward to the new album. Even though Scott is no longer in the band, hopefully he is doing well and the new lead singer sounds great!

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Thank you for watching and sharing your Whitecross journey, Soldier777! We are always grateful to hear from you, brother! Wishing you The Lord's blessings! -Kent

[@jamiemay8546]

Do they still have the same singer

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

No, they do not. Dave Roberts has been the band's lead singer since 2020. Whitecross has released a new album this year called "Fear No Evil", featuring Dave on vocals, Rex Carroll on guitar, Michael Feighan on drums and Benny Ramos on bass. Below is our interview link for Whitecross, featuring the current members. Blessings! -Kent kzbin.info/www/bejne/f56UqJaAeKqLqZY

[@jamiemay8546]

@AREA312RockMetalVodcast God's hands is like a beautiful night ranger ballad

[@Whitevaliantwarrior]

🎼 Scott's vocals are horrible now, but he was awesome yrs. ago. The new guy strains on singing old Whitecross 🎸🎶🎵 .

[@garyleuba3036]

Does Rex still have the pink Peavy Vandenberg guitar? I’ve always wanted a Vandenberg!

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

Hey, Gary! PM our co-host Rex to ask the guitar-maestro Rex that question. I think RC still has that guitar, but I can't say for certain. Our own Rex can ask for you, though! Thanks for watching! -Kent

[@terrycantone7218]

Fierce Heart was not built around Rex.LarrY Elkins was asked by Atlantic Records to do a hard rock album. They asked him and Rex to get together.I know the Larry Elkins and Fierce Heart history.Larry had absolutely no patience with a guitar player with no clue on direction or class or appearance and no intention of working with someone like this further.This guy always fails to mention the utmost importance of Larry’s songwriting that made this get off the ground,not to mention his remarkable vocals.You don’t hardly sound like a Cristian.Jealousy is where you’re coming from

[@johnpierce2095]

i prefer to have scott lead singing, ive heard the new lead singer and just didnt like his vocals, they need younger lead singer

[@AREA312RockMetalVodcast]

I very much enjoyed Scott's vocals too, John. I'd also like to give Dave Robert's a chance as well. I'm looking forward to hearing a new album with Dave on vocals. A bit like Saint: I'm a huge Josh Kramer fan but I also think Dave Nelson knocked it out of the park on The Calf album. Just my opinions. Thank you for watching and commenting, John; my co-hosts and I are grateful! -Kent