Shining Force began in 1995 through a vision from God to Billy Vaughn to do outreaches primarily in parks in the poverty-stricken wards of Houston, TX. In 1995, Billy connected with other members through a peculiar and miraculous media source who shared the same vision: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Shining Force began by playing, and they captured the hearts of several street ministries.

The band soon recorded a demo entitled More Than Conquerors in 1998. The band played several hundred events through the next three years, reaching several thousand for the Kingdom of God. They played at Arts Festivals several times, the Star of Hope for women and children, several outdoor rallies for the poor and homeless, car shows, churches, youth groups, and Christian-themed clubs, to name a few.

Shining Force’s follow-up, first full-length album was Holy Nation, produced through Dewlen Studios. The band received several good reviews through multiple webzines, magazines, and radio stations. Their music was also listened to by over 26 countries while soaring on the then-popular MP3.com website and ReverbNation. Billy and the band kept cranking out the songs and made some changes in the lineup because some of the members could not handle the increasing demand.

At this time, they brought in some stronger musical talent and were approached by several indie labels. They signed up with Bloodbought Records out of New Jersey and recorded the self-titled album Shining Force. The album had a stronger sense of musicianship and was well received. The band was approached by Metal Blade Germany, but the deal was not right for them. The band began breaking into the mainstream due to their hard-hitting chord structures, incredible leads, crunchy hooks and catchy riffs, and was supported by a powerful double bass attack on drums. The music was along the talent level of Judas Priest, Zeppelin, Stryper, and Iced Earth, to name a few.

The band officially crossed over to playing religious and secular venues and drew sizable audiences. Several thousand received the Word of God, hundreds were saved through Jesus Christ, and many others set free from multiple sicknesses, possession, and addictions. In addition, they opened up for several legendary rock artists and national recording artists on the secular and Christian scenes. They began work on the next full-length album, By the Blood, their heaviest and most intricate work to date with Heald Studios. The band released some of the demo tracks through the Beyond the Riff radio show dedicated to the Christian metal scene where they received raving reviews.

During the process of recording, Billy was struck by a deadly illness and two key members decided to part ways after 8 years. Shining Force continued to do outreaches and shows until the illness turned for the worse. Billy went through a liver transplant procedure. Billy is now better and back to playing shows and has potentially found the right replacement members to complete the current lineup of Shining Force. Abel Molano, Chris Tooke, Ernie Lopez, and Arnold Cantu is the current line up working with Billy, and the dynamic of the new lineup has culminated in an excellent mixing of that classic metal sound combined with just enough of a modern metal sound.

All of their trials and tribulations have become a part of their powerful testimony; they are indeed Warriors for Christ. All of this leads us to today. The band has put together one exceptional release, powerful artwork, excellent new music, powerful lyrics, and even a guest appearance from Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens (Judas Priest) to round out their brand-new album, Spiritual Warfare.

So, get ready as we are set to release Spiritual Warfare to the masses and take no prisoners this August. Check out the first track, which is also the title track now being serviced to radio entitled “Spiritual Warfare.”