Band Profile

Shining Force is a group of Christian Musicians who minister and entertain via Heavy Metal. The group came about through a Vision the Holy Spirit ordained into Billy Vaughn in 1995. The original calling was to minister at Church and Park Rallies. This vision was confirmed through much prayer, a prophet and several pastors. The band's original members were Billy Vaughn-Guitars, Paul Gonzales- Vocals, Rudy Rodriguez- Drums, Ray Gonzalez- Guitars and Jose Chavez on Bass.

It was not until 1996 when Billy met Randy Dickey that the band really took off. Both men had a fire to serve God and performed at several outreaches and rallies. It was at an apartment outreach that Shining Force met Robert and Linda Aguilar. The couple was so touched by the ministry, sincerity and talent that they involved Shining Force in several ministry events. They also financed equipment, the groups first demo and first full length album in 2001 named "Holy Nation".

Blessed by the Aguilar's support they made the Aguilar's honorary members of the band. The band received several great reviews off their first album. They went on to share the stage with the legendary Deliverance and other National Acts at the annual Texas Rock Fest. The band also partnered with their good friends and fellow Christian Metal Band "Hearken". The bands played several events together.

The fan base grew, the requests to play grew as well as their popularity. Shining Force's CD was getting world wide airplay via MP3.com and other web radio sites. A few traditional radio stations were also playing the music. The demand to take the music to the next level grew. It was during some line up changes that Billy met Ralph Mendez and Richard Navarro from the Texas Prog Band "Cremator". Adrian Flores an old bandmate of Randy's from a former band "Birth Rite" joined the band on Bass. The band took the music to a new skill level. After just a couple days together the band played at a Music Showcase in the Houston College System and placed 2nd. This happened after just two practices together.

The band was first invited to submit their music to Metal Blade Germany, but the deal never came through. However, the band's music got the attention from an Independent Label in New Jersey called "Bloodbought Records". Under contract with BBR Shining Force released the self-titled and self-produced "Shining Force".

The album was well recieved and had good reviews from several e-zines, radio and web radio stations. The music was warmly recieved in the European Market.

After one year BBR and Shining Force parted ways. Subsequently, the band went through some personal transitions and line up changes. However, the same chemistry could not be recreated that the "Shining Force" album line up had created. Focus was split with Randy joining Adrian who left "Shining Force" and the two formed "Soul System" which later became "Damascus". Randy also joined forces with Richard and Ralph to front their other band "Cremator". Billy spent time writing, experimenting in some side music projects and spending time with family.

In late 2006 Randy and Billy try to rekindle the fire that had been Shining Force. After a couple successful concerts life issues put the reunion on hold. In 2007 the pair began to work on the Vision for the third album that God showed them, which is the upcoming "By The Blood". Both men wrote a few new songs together going for a heavier driving approach. They stuck to the mindset this is to be a spiritual warfare album. During the latest transition stage both men worked on perfecting their song writing and performing abilities.

Their first show in 2007 Shining Force brought the national act Blissed to town and wowed the audience with their explosive attack and high energy show. Billy, Randy, Richard, Ralph and newcomer Angel had found new life. After a few more shows Angel decided to leave the band. Once again the band was in transition. Billy then located David Lentz and Dan McFarland both fomerly of Ocean to complete the line up on Bass and Keyboard. The addition of these two talented individuals along with everyone else built even a stronger more progressive sound.

Soon after the band began laying down tracks for the sure to be Metal Masterpiece; "By The Blood". The band is playing several tracks from their new album at their shows. Come hear the life changing message and hard hitting Metal that Shining Force delivers.

Shining Force Line Ups:

1995-
Billy Vaughn, Ray Gonzalez, Paul Gonzales, Rudy Rodriguez and Jose Chavez

1996-
Billy Vaughn, Ray Gonzalez, Randy Dickey, Rudy Rodriguez and Jose Chavez

1997-1998-
Billy Vaughn, Ray Gonzalez, Randy Dickey, Paul Gonzales, Jose Chavez, and Philo Suarez

1998-1999-
Billy Vaughn, Ray Gonzalez, Randy Dickey, Philo Suarez, Kelly Mendiola

1999-2000-
Billy Vaughn, Chad Laniewski, Randy Dickey, Philo Suarez, John Broussard, Bremmen

2000-
Billy Vaughn, Scott Vanderwall, Danny Breeden, Randy Dickey, Philo Suarez, and John Daniels

2001-2003-
Billy Vaughn, Ray Gonzalez, Randy Dickey, Jose Chavez and John Daniels

2003-2004-
Billy Vaughn, Richard Navarro, Randy Dickey, Adrian Flores and Ralph Mendez

2005-2006-
Billy Vaughn, Richard Navarro, Randy Dickey, Angel Martinez and Ralph Mendez

2006-2007-
Billy Vaughn, Richard Navarro, Randy Dickey, Angel Martinez and Ralph Mendez

2008-
Billy Vaughn, Richard Navarro, Randy Dickey, David Lentz, Ralph Mendez and Daniel McFarland