Bloodgood

Bloodgood was an '80s Christian (or "white") metal band hailing from Seattle, Washington. Formed in the early '80s by vocalist Les Carlsen (formerly a cast member of a Broadway production of Hair), guitarist David Zaffiro, bassist Mike Bloodgood, and drummer J.T. Taylor, they followed in the footsteps of better-known acts like Stryper and Barren Cross in attempting to save souls through metal. Bloodgood toured steadily throughout the decade, releasing Metal Missionaries, a cassette demo EP, in 1985 and their yearly album releases including 1986's eponymous debut, 1987's Detonation (introducing new drummer Mark Welling), 1988's Rock in a Hard Place, 1989's Out of the Darkness (featuring new members, guitar player Paul Jackson and drummer Kevin Whistler), and, in 1990, not one but two live albums in Live, Vol. 1: Alive in America and Live, Vol. 2: Shakin' the World. Looking to broaden their sound with additional hard rock influences, Bloodgood brought in keyboard player David McKay to soften up 1991's All Stand Together, and the album also benefited from the percussion prowess of former Giant drummer David Huff. But none of this could mask the fact that the group's appeal had become extremely selective — even for a Christian metal band. After issuing their greatest-hits album, The Collection, later that year, and yet another live album in 1993 entitled To Germany With Love!, Bloodgood decided it was time to go their separate ways. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia & Al Campbell, Rovi