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Hot Flashes
FAITH FACTOR - Ex-Deadly Blessing Singer Debuts New Tune
Posted on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 18:07:21 EST

BW&BK was there when FAITH FACTOR, the Christian metal outfit fronted by former DEADLY BLESSING vocalist Ski performed an open-air concert in Pitman, NJ. Headlining a trio (trinity?) of religious affiliated bands at a Saturday (April 19th) afternoon rally/prayer meeting for safety in schools (referencing the tragedies at Columbine, Virginia Tech and the Amish schoolhouse, amongst other) as well as a thinly veiled plug to get religion in public education, Faith Factor debuted 'In God's Shadow', a grinding mid-tempo number which makes use of Ski's stratospheric range. The rare public appearance is a warm-up for the Cornerstone festival, in July and Germany's Keep It True, in November. In addition to the new track, the setlist was as follows (chronologically): 'Prayer Warriors', 'When Light Replaces Darkeness', 'In God's Shadow', 'Angel & The Butterfly', 'Deceiver', 'The Rapture' and a "Christianized lyrics" rendition, complete with fog machine, of LIZZY BORDEN's 'American Metal', now re-christened 'Jesus Metal', with a chorus of "The Powers in the cross, we all need...Jesus metal."

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Formed in 2005, Faith Factor will be the newest Christian Power Metal Gods sometime in the near future. I was totally blown away when I first popped this cd in and heard Prayer Warriors for the first time. Intense Raw Aggression is the only way I can describe this song. This is what Power Metal is supposed to sound like with the grinding axes and the powerful, steady backbeat which will knock you senseless.

I have to be honest with you when the music kicked in I said to myself "Please Lord not another band with awesome music and subpar vocals". Well let me tell you this couldn't be further from the truth. The lead singer "SKI" is as dynamic a vocalist that you will find in the Metal music industry. Ski was the former vocalist for the band Deadly Blessing and if you want to talk about God given talent then Ski has it. I was completely floored when "The Angel and the Butterfly" kicked in. I think I actually sat there with my jaw agape and my eyes started welling up with tears. I said to myself "This is what it's all about". This has got to be one of the most fantastic songs I've heard in a long time. A song that can literally bring me to tears not only musically but lyrically has got to be a very special song. In fact if you want to ever check out Ski's vocal abilities then please be my guest and give this song a listen.

Deceiver rounds out this EP with an almost Anthrax meets Queensryche type of sound. This sound works great for me seeing that both the aforementioned bands had a big influence on my Metal Meltdown as a young man. I still can't say enough about this ep, because it kept me wanting more. I'm the type of person who sits down to dinner and the appetizer just won't suffice. I hear that the guys are working on material for their full release. Let me be the first to tell you your gonna have to try to move me out of line because I'll be the first one standing there to get my chops on this one !

Ski, formerly of 80s Jersey metallers Deadly Blessing, should have been a massive talent, on par with that heyday’s primer new arrivals as vocalists (Geoff Tate, Midnight, John Arch, etc.), rivaling the old guard of Halford, Dio and Dickinson. Now, afforded a second bite at the apple, with divine guidance, Faith Factor’s debut 3-song Ep showcases a sound not too afar from his old outfit, but with a Heavenly message. ‘Prayer Warriors’ kicks things off, the most overtly religious track. Can’t help but think of Dokken’s Nightmare On Elm Street contribution every time the titular chorus comes around. A piano laced ballad ‘Angel And The Butterfly’ is a gradually building epic construction and less overtly “preaching,” which will hold them in good steed with secular music fans. With the Bible bashing heads, instead of the music, it would be a shame to see Faith Factor relegated to the fringe, where much of Christian metal is restricted. Older groups like Trouble and Crimson Glory walked the fine line between mainstream/major label acceptance and lyrics glorifying a higher power. More contemporary artists, such as Rob Rock and Astral Doors prove it can be done, on an international level, sharing the global stage with all sorts of sounds. If they can build on the likes of the closing ‘Deceiver,’ with its message of good over evil “hidden” by less polarizing buzzwords (ie. Father, Son, Deceiver, as opposed to God, Jesus, Satan), it should win over less open-minded individuals. Heavier, the crunchy American metal, bordering on thrash, and could have been languishing in the Blessing’s cauldron for two decades.

New Jersey based Holy metallers FAITH FACTOR made their live debut on Saturday, October 13th at the Cherrywood, playing a CD release party for their three track Ep. Fronted by former DEADLY BLESSING vocalist Ski, the dual guitar outfit performed the following: 'Prayer Warriors', 'Light Replaces Darkness', 'Divine Temptation' (based on Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness), 'The Rapture', 'Deceiver', 'Angel And The Butterfly' (featuring Ski on acoustic guitar), 'Armor Of God' and closed with an updated version of the Deadly Blessing classic "Deliver us from Evil"

As previously reported, Faith Factor are confirmed for the 2008 edition of the Cornerstone Festival, which is being held from June 30th-July 5th in Bushnell, IL.

Firstly and especially, i want take you along way back in time...more specifically to the year 1988. Why? Well, that year is very well marked in my memory due to a band called DEADLY BLESSING came set up with one of the most impressive albums of all times, entitled "Ascend From The Cauldron". Released through New Renaissance Records, this effort did tremble the sphere by storm. Name of the game was Christian US Power Metal with a singer, I'll never forget this brother's name which was called SKI. I name him 'The Almighty' singer... i even dare to say that Ski is one of the best vocalists walking around on planet earth. Simply explained, FANTASTIC! So, for all those never heard of Ski or his former band Deadly Blessing...stand up and reach for it right on!!

The follow-up to "A.F.T.C.'' album was "Psycho Drama", released in 1990 but unfortunately without the wonderful voice of Ski himself. We heard him back on an album released by Hellion Records, entitled "An Eye To the Past" 2005. Great output by the way, filled with rare tracks and sung by Larry Betson and Ski.

But back to the point now and spread some words about Ski's new band named Faith Factor! Brothers and sisters, THIS IS BRILLIANT...US Power Metal able to let your heart putting up a very big smile of pleasure and joy. Still spreading the word of God, Ski and his new band Faith Factor have conquers my heart and soul for sure. To be honest, i never thought there was a life after Ski left Deadly Blessing but the opposite has been proved entirely with a band like this. As written on the provided Faith Factor information sheet: "Ski, Joe, Chris, Dan, Jim and Blaine...A Brotherhood Of Foot Soldiers For The Army Of God". Making awesome Metal music by spreading the word of Jesus, i have no problems with that! These Southern New Jersey based guys have been Christian established, a decision we all would respect. Concerning religion, I'd like to stay in the middle and focus myself on their music. An observation after listening to "07/07/07.

This EP contains three songs and a predecessor of what will follows, i mean a full length album. By the way, they're working on it...ain't that great news!!! First song of the EP is called "Prayer Warriors" and kicks you in the head right away. US Power Metal to nibble. Ski's world class vocals (yeah, he still own his memorable high pitched vocal lines) in combination with the rest of the Faith Factor guys works lubricated! Is this the perfection to me? Indicated of it certainly! Just like in the old days (80s), this band follows the track route of legendary Deadly Blessing without a problem. Faith Factor has been ordinary made making Metal music together. The true Metal spirit is present and that feels good to me. Breaks, well fitted guitar lines / flaming Metal solo's,...by the grace of The Almighty, this first song is finished and I'm already overwhelmed!

"The Angel And The Butterfly" actually can be described as a knife that cuts on both sides. Very catchy or seizing moments make place for some more power. It's just a killer 'power ballad'. Ski obtains to let hear all its musical skills and that it's quite a lot you know. Rest of the musicians are strong enough following the leader which reduce this track to a climax. Third and last effort "Deceiver", perhaps my opinion seems certified but i only can tell the same as previously described songs which is....many forms of talent is what i still hear, in the vein of the opening track...top-notch US Power Metal.

What the band has proved here with the release of "07/07/07" meant a lot of me. Knowing that one of my all time favorite singers is back in business, teamed up with some other great musicians...i can scream it out that Faith Factor already stands on top of my 2007 faves! A band with potential and a pleasure for all US Power Metal maniacs in the vein of Deadly Blessing (of course!), Helstar, Attacker, Have Mercy, Heir Apparent, Sacred Warrior, Neon Cross, Gargoyle, Overlorde,... Check out these guys and declare your support to the US Metal movement! "Welcome To God's Metal Ministry - Faith Factor". www.faithfactor.info MY POINTS: 99/100

Faith Factor is the "newborn child" of ex-Deadly Blessing singer Ski (Norman Kiersznowski). After his split with Deadly Blessing in 2006 he decided to concentrate on this new "white-metal' band and I was very curious with what kind of music he would return in the metalscene. Ski had always been the most memorable bandmember of Deadly Blessing with his extreme high-pitching vocals (which I like very very much!!). Well, dont worry; on this 3 song CD he is screaming his lungs out again in a way we where used from him. I dont listen to lyrics because I want to judge a band on their musical qualitys and I can tell you that this band is awesome! After last years debutalbum of "Temple of Blood"; again a superb whitemetal masterpiece! Keep an eye on this band!!! Expect music in the vein of (of course) Deadly Blessing, (old) Queensryche & Forbidden but with a more moderate production (otherwise my rate would have even be much higher)! MY POINTS: 93/100

From South New Jersey a new U.S. Metal sensation has risen! Faith Factor is a Christian Metal band who will take the world by storm. Their first EP titled “07/07/07” shows clearly that there’s a White Metal orientation in the band’s lyrical content. As for the music, galloping riffs and pompous rhythms combined with the wonderful and steel voice of Ski will definitely cause waves of enthusiasm in every U.S. Metal fan. For those who forgot or don’t know, Ski is the singer of another sensational U.S. band named Deadly Blessing in their first effort titled “Ascend From The Cauldron” and also on their comeback CD, entitled “An Eye To the Past”! He was also a member of the band Altered State. For those who are familiar with Ski’s voice will definitely go and buy his new effort without even reading the rest of this review! As for the Faith Factor EP, “Prayer Warriors” opens the CD and it’s a storming track with a galloping riff which leads you into pure metallic satisfaction! “The Angel And The Butterfly” is a brilliant Metal opus, which starts like a ballad and ends as a wonderful Power Metal Hymn! It’s needless to mention Ski’s monumental performance here! “Deceiver” reminded me at times the great legends of U.S. Metal Mystic Force and it is once again a furious U.S. Power Metal song which will delight each and everyone who digs this particular style! The band is really focusing in promoting their new CD and also plans to play some show in Europe next year, so prepare yourselves for some thundering live attack from Ski and his bandmates! Buy Or Die! Band’s mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/faithfactorrocks Band’s web-site: http://www.faithfactor.info/
Dimitris Starakis

07/07/07 - is the title of the EP released by American white metal band Faith Factor. The band got into existence after vocalist Ski decided to leave Deadly Blessing in 2006. Reason for his departure was the intention of Ski to focus on the religious aspect in the music.
He sure did that because the name says it all, Faith Factor and with song titles like Prayer Warriors, The Angel and the Butterfly and Deceiver you know what to expect lyrically.
Musically this is damn good powermetal US style. Heavy, melodic, well played and with Ski taking the lead on the vocals. If you like high pitch (like me) then this is a band for you. US metal fans should check this out.
07/07/07 is a nice introduction to Faith Factor and I can't wait to hear a full length and some improvement in the production department should be welcome. Rating = 90/100 Review written by - Locke

Fans of old school power metal along the lines of Sacred Warrior, Recon, Jacobs Dream and Septer need look no further than New Jersey based Faith Factor. Formed in the fall of 2005 but not releasing its debut 3 song EP until the summer of 2007, Faith Factor combines high end, melodic based vocals with a triple guitar attack to create a work that can best be described as heavy and energetic but catchy at the same time. Former Deadly Blessing vocalist Ski fronts the group. Bringing a commanding – almost operatic – vocal presence that hints at Johnny Bomma (River Bomma), Ski displays near unlimited range when he cuts loose and goes for a high note (think Lance King, Vett Robers of Recon or former Jacobs Dream vocalist David Taylor). The lead work here is very adeptly performed as well, reminiscent to the aptly named Bruce Swift of Sacred Warrior fame.

The bands EP, appropriately released on July 7, 2007, features two hard rocking tracks in “Prayer Warriors” and “Deceiver” and a first class power ballad entitled “The Angel And The Butterfly”. All three come in at around six minutes each. Lyrics are openly Christian.

“Prayer Warriors”, the most up-tempo of the three, brings a high energy vibe that would not sound out of place on Recon’s Behind Enemy Lines or any of Sacred Warrior’s four albums. Introduced by a stretch of tight as a nail riffing, the song charges ahead in vibrant fashion until acquiring a sublime chorus driven by heavy duty backing vocals. A fast paced stretch of lead guitar stands in perfect complement to the ardent scene.

“The Angel And The Butterfly” is as fine a power ballad as I have heard. A piano slowly compels the song forward, gracefully underlining its verse portions until the rhythm guitar crashes into the mix to shore up its emotionally charged chorus. Ski does a good job exhibiting the abundant range to his voice throughout this one.

A dark and weighty slab of classic metal, the apocalyptic “Deceiver” brings to mind some of the material on Saint’s 1986 offering Time’s End. Technical is the overall feeling I get here, reflected in the numerous time changes made by the song and the bands frequent excursion into instrumental territory. Very catchy chorus hook as well.

Give Faith Factor a great deal of credit for the potential it displays on its recently released 3 song demo/EP. But if you are like me, however, and are left with the feeling of wanting more, it is good to know the band is currently at work on material for a full length follow up to be entitled Against A Darkened Sky.

3 screaming guitar assault, a vocalist with a range from here to heaven and a great drummer and bassist, that, my friends, is Faith Factor, hailing from the US of A.
Top notch power metal EP, 3 tracks of heavenly metal, of which The Angel and the Butterfly is a ballad. Many of the classic power metal fans will remember Ski from the band Deadly Blessing, the band he left last year, because he felt God called him for a mission in the Christian scene. Ski has an unbelievably voice, and reaches the highest notes without any problems. This EP has a wide variation of vocals, going from shouts passing mid level singing to high pitched singing. The guitars play melodic, with an occasional solo, and the '3 guitar line-up' really adds to the thickness of the songs. The drum is played well. Although I would've loved a bit more double-bass he still plays pretty decent and gives a good support to the other guys. A good thing is that you can hear the bass good in the mix, but it still doesn't overrule the other instruments. The quality of the demo, when talking about sound, is good. Of course there are better produced albums, but for a debut EP, I think we should be more than happy. My favorite track is The Angel and the Butterfly, in which the guys also use keys. This song is so peaceful and just gives me the chills when listening. Musically, this is a very professional EP, and if the full length is even better, it will blow away many others, in my opinion the packaging could've been a tad better, as I'm not really into cardboard sleeves. and it would've been nice if there was more 'art' involved. But if you don't care about art, and just about the music, this should be a very close to mind blowing release for you. I'm looking forward to more.

Ok, here's the LadyRocker review for the day...

Excellent album. I couldn't have picked up a better EP, so I know the full-length album is going to kick some serious bootie. "Prayer Warriors" has got some of the best power for power metal. Ski's voice is so amazing to me, as it has quite a range. "The Angel and Butterfly" is probably my favorite, as this one just reaches out to you in a big way. I played this song in room this morning, and it was received well by the lady who ran the room. "Deceiver" is an awesome track to end out the EP with. All in all, this has a lot of great potential, so I'm sure there's more where that came from.

Let's shoot for Cornerstone, peeps!!

Normally, I wouldn't be making a thread on one particular song, but I believe this one is an exception. Ladies and gentlemen of Faith Factor and Firestream, this song is the absolute best worship song I have ever heard in my life (and I'm all over the place in Christian Metal), and I've heard a lot of worship songs. Please note that my definition of worship songs is anything Christian metal, whether power metal or black metal. It makes the EP worth it's weight in gold and a lot more. I have reason to believe that God Himself gave you guys this song, it sounds too beautiful and heavenly to be created by the sole work of man. I am actually considering making a video of this song (with lyrics) for my youth group to play during worship. It is that good. Praise God for such wonderful people in Christ. I will be honored to have the privilege of meeting you all someday.
And when I'm done with the video, Faith Factor will have the honor of being the critics of the video. That is, if they're willing to give a brother in Christ a hand : ) God bless each and every one of you.

From the band "Ultimatum", New Mexico:
Faith Factor are a new metal band out of New Jersey featuring underground, cult metal favorite Ski, formerly of Deadly Blessing. Those familiar with Ski's last band should find plenty to like with Faith Factor. A bit of investigating on-line, I found several reviews that label Faith Factor as power metal. I would actually just describe them as good, old fashion, heavy metal. This reminds me of when Metal Blade was releasing great albums like "The Spectre Within" (Fates Warning) and "Burn to My Touch" (Liege Lord). Energetic, galloping, heavy metal with soaring, clean vocals. However, unlike many from those early days of heavy metal, Faith Factor's lyrics fall squarely in the Christian metal category. The EP starts off with the powerful "Prayer Warriors", a heavy, yet melodic, traditional metal number that would have fit in perfectly on one of those old Metal Massacre or Shrapnel's U.S. Metal releases. The next track is an emotional power ballad, although not in the sense of a stab at a radio hit, like the old pop metal bands. Rather, this is a song more in line with Judas Priest' "Dreamer Deceiver" or "Beyond the Realms of Death", with a less dark tone. The last song is probably the best on the EP and has a slight NWOBHM vibe to it. This is heavy metal! Powerful and aggressive, yet uplifting. Now here's hoping for a full length album in the not to distant future. These three songs are strong, but only three songs isn't quite enough.

I dare anyone to press play on their stereo system and remain perfectly still throughout Prayer Warriors, the opening track on Faith Factor's debut 3-track EP 07/07/07. Faith Factor is an American Power Metal (as opposed to European power metal) band hailing from New Jersey. If the name Faith Factor sounds familiar, it is because it is the band that Ski formed upon leaving Deadly Blessing, a highly popular underground power metal band. The mere fact that Ski is the front man on this band is enough to assure us that regardless of the music the vocals will be top notch.

If you managed to complete the dare, you must be deaf. Prayer Warriors starts of with a strong build up, at perfect head banging speed and rhythm. It is impossible not to at least bob your head to the first 40seconds, if you are not already doing the windmill. The drums really pound out a strong beat throughout the whole song. Ski soon enters and delivers the vocals we have all come to know and love. For those who are not familiar with Ski's voice, think of a combination of Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and Robert Sweet (Stryper). He is able to scream out the high notes with perfect clarity and power. Just like Iron Maiden, Faith Factor utilized three guitarists for this recording, and allowed them to employ many beautiful guitar harmonies. The bass is easily heard and holds the music together with great proficiency. The Prayer Warriors is a high energy 100% rocking song with a great chorus, which uses a combination of easy sing along gang vocals and Ski. I predict this track will quickly become a live favorite and stay in the band's their set list for many years.

Who has ever been brought close to tears by a song? Most of us have at times felt a twinge in our hearts when listening to songs such as Love Bites (Def Leppard), Always There For You (Stryper), Love Hurts (Cher), My Heart Will Go On (From the Titanic movie) and many others. Guess what? The Angel and The Butterfly is a metal ballad which you can add to the list. The lyrics to this song are very personal to Ski, and relate of a conversation he had with God. "Lord, I'm not worthy of Your Love" / "My Child, My Son, He died for you". The lyrics are very powerful and mean something different to each person. To me they are a reminder of God's great love for us, and of His unfathomable sacrifice. The Angel and The Butterfly starts of with a piano introduction, before slowly building up to the choruses. We are treated to a short bass solo in this song (reminiscent of Geezer Butler), heralding the start of a very moving instrumental section, made all the more powerful by having the three guitarists. The emotional ending of this 6 min ballad is mind boggling, sending shivers down the spine of the listener. I will never get sick of listening to this song, nor its message of love.

Deceiver. Another heavy metal masterpiece warning of the great risk of listening to the Devil and his lies. This one is full on, taking no prisoners in the wake of its metal onslaught. Ski once again is perfectly backed by the highly talented musicians. Make no mistake though, this is not a Ski solo project, as every member of the band makes their presence felt throughout the EP. The chorus on this song is another great one to sing along to, and still maintains a heavy head banging beat.

Over all the Faith Factor EP is highly impressive, especially for the bands debut recording. Although when you consider the caliber of the musicians involved in the band, it should come as no surprise that the music would be top notch. The members all work together complementing each others skills and covering each other’s weaknesses, creating one solid unit dedicated to Praising God's Name through their own brand of American Power Metal!!!!

Wow!! This is an amazing EP. Faith Factor really blows you away. Ski's vocals are amazing and the guitar work is really tight. Even though there are only three songs on this EP (they're working on the full album right now), all of the songs are excellent. Ski has an amazing vocal range which really comes out in The Angel and The Butterfly. Deceiver has a sound similar to Iron Maiden. This is some great stuff. If you're into heavy metal, you've GOT to pick this up!!!

The highly anticipated Faith Factor EP is out. Let me start by saying this three song EP is well produced. The band is very tight. Ski's voice is amazing and fits perfectly in this power metal band. It starts with the song "Prayer Warrior", a very catchy tune. I was singing along with it by the second listen. I would love to see them live so I could sing this song with them. It is a great anthem for those who are saved, every Christian should be a prayer warrior. The second song, "The Angel and the Butterfly", all I can say is WOW! What a great power ballad. One of the best that I have heard in a long time. At work I had to listen to it twice because the Holy Spirit overcomes you with the song. I have to agree with Jeff, the third song, "Deceiver" has a similar sound to Iron Maiden. Great power metal song. The only downside to this whole album is that it only had three songs. That just raises the anticipation for the full-length album to come out. I give this little EP five stars all the way. Great job guys !

Dotti, from the Philadelphia area writes:

Regarding the production, it's 'raw' in places but that's what gives this EP a KICK!
The one thing that stands out for me regarding Christian Metal is that the musicianship is very HIGH quality and Faith Factor is no exception. But then again when you're playing for The Almighty you give your very BEST right? The passion these guys have for God is clearly heard in their playing.
And what can I say about Ski's vocals? MOVE OVER MICHAEL SWEET!!! lol!
Not many are blessed with a range like Ski's!
And don’t try driving while listening to The Angel and the Butterfly, your eyes will fill up! That song is ANOINTED
All in all I give it a rating of 95% and I look forward to a FULL Faith Factor CD!

Ski's vocals are back on a 3 song demo called "07/07/07" (Metallic Archangel Records)

-Outstanding Christian metal for fans of Deadly Blessing, old Queensryche, old Fates Warning, Vicious Rumors, Helstar,....