Zion Knight - Zion Knight [Previously Unreleased / Remastered] (2019), CD Scans

For the first time ever, the self‑titled ZION KNIGHT album appears on CD, newly remastered by 20th Century Music. Originally recorded in the late ’80s and early ’90s by U.S. guitarist Roderick Gray‑Lewis and featuring the vocalist from Pomp‑AOR favorites MPG, this long‑lost collection blends melodic Hard Rock with pompy AOR in a way that will thrill collectors of the genre.
Zion Knight emerged in the mid‑Eighties, shaped by the dominant American hard rock sound of the era. The project was spearheaded by David Mikeal — songwriter, vocalist, and former member of major‑label act MPG — who aimed to give the band a distinctive identity. Instead of relying solely on riff‑driven arrangements, Mikeal focused on melody‑first songwriting, weaving guitars, keyboards, and rhythm section into a cohesive, colorful soundscape.
The album showcases a strong interplay between guitars and keyboards, while the rhythm section keeps things tight and catchy without falling into predictable patterns. Mikeal’s vocal tone often recalls Mike Reno (Loverboy) and at times Eric Martin, delivering a smooth yet powerful performance — especially on the many upbeat, energetic tracks.
From a production standpoint, “Zion Knight” is pure Rockin’ Pomp AOR. Although the recordings were originally intended as a professional demo to secure a record deal, the sound quality is surprisingly polished. Everything was tracked in a 24‑track studio, giving the material a crisp, full‑bodied presence.
It’s genuinely unfortunate that Zion Knight never landed a label contract back in the day, because the songwriting, musicianship, and arrangements are remarkably strong. Thankfully, this release finally brings the material out of obscurity — cleaned up, remastered, and officially available for the first time.
A lost gem of late‑’80s American Hard Rock / AOR, now restored and released in a strictly limited run of 500 copies. A must‑have for fans of melodic rock, pomp AOR, and collectors of previously unreleased U.S. bands from the era.