Sacred Warrior – Wicked Generation

Released in 1990 on Intense Records, Sacred Warrior's Wicked Generation stands as one of the most ambitious and emotionally powerful albums ever released in Christian metal. At a time when most bands were content writing disconnected songs about fantasy, rebellion, or surface-level spirituality, Sacred Warrior delivered something far deeper - a progressive power metal concept album that fearlessly explored themes of abuse, pain, brokenness, justice, and ultimately healing and redemption.Musically, Wicked Generation pushed the band far beyond traditional heavy metal boundaries. Building on the progressive melodic metal style they had become known for, Sacred Warrior crafted a record filled with soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, dramatic arrangements, and emotionally charged songwriting. The influence of bands like Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, and Fates Warning can certainly be heard, but Sacred Warrior carved out a sound and identity entirely their own - intelligent, melodic, heavy, and spiritually compelling.Songs flow together with purpose and emotional weight, creating an album experience that feels cinematic and immersive from beginning to end. Rather than offering easy answers, Wicked Generation wrestles honestly with darkness, trauma, and the consequences of human brokenness while still pointing toward hope and restoration. Few albums in Christian metal history attempted something this bold - and even fewer succeeded this completely.Over time, Wicked Generation has become a cult classic among fans of progressive and melodic metal, earning an impressive 85% review score from the Angelic Warlord website and continuing to gain appreciation from listeners discovering the album decades later.This definitive Retroactive Records Metal Icon Series edition finally gives the album the treatment it deserves. Rob Colwell's remaster breathes new life into the recording with greater depth, clarity, and power, while Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal provides stunning updated artwork and layout work worthy of this progressive metal masterpiece.More than thirty-five years later, Wicked Generation remains one of the most unique, intelligent, and emotionally resonant albums in Christian metal history - a fearless artistic statement that still sounds powerful today.