Guardian

Drawing from the sounds of Guns N' Roses and Motley Crue, Guardian emerged as a major presence within gospel music circles. These Christian rock performers, recognized for chart successes like "Power of Love" and "Shoeshine Johnny," carved out a place in the 1990s through their brand of modern gospel metal.

The group began under the name Fusion, started by bassist David Bach and vocalist Paul Cawley. With drummer Rikk Hart and guitarist David Caro completing the initial roster, the musicians performed at regional venues throughout the early 1980s until securing a contract with the Enigma label in 1985. Discovering another act already used the Fusion name, they adopted Guardian instead and brought in guitarist Tony Palacios to fill Caro’s spot. Their debut album First Watch appeared in 1989 and led to widespread live performances.

Following a tour stop in Japan, Cawley and Hart departed in 1990, citing the strains of constant road work. Bach and Palacios then sought release from their Enigma agreement to align with a more explicitly Christian imprint; the label granted their request later that year. Vocalist Jamie Rowe and drummer Karl Ney joined shortly afterward. The refreshed lineup entered the studio and issued its first Pakaderm release, Fire and Love, in 1991. Public reaction proved strong, prompting MTV’s Headbangers Ball to feature the clip for the hit “Power of Love.” After an even more extensive tour, the band delivered Miracle Mile in early 1993, which climbed to the CCM Top Five. That album was soon succeeded by the 1994 acoustic project Swing Swang Swung. In 1995 the musicians embraced the prevailing mainstream rock trends of the decade, signing with Myrrh Records and issuing Buzz that autumn. Following further touring and the completion of a Spanish-language recording, they unveiled their fifth studio effort, Bottlerocket, in spring 1997.