Random Hero

A Denver-based Christian metal band with a dramatic sound, Random Hero rode a series of self-released EPs to some chart success in the early part of the 2010s. A series of lineup shifts have occurred throughout their career, though the band's hard-hitting music and faith-based themes have remained consistent on albums like 2014's Oceans of Change and 2017's The Covering. After inking a major-label deal, Random Hero made a strong showing with their fourth album, Tension, in 2019. Formed in 2005, the band's original lineup lasted a few years, with guitarist Joshua Bertrand initially serving a central role. Previously identified as more of a secular metal act, they made the decision to focus more heavily on the Christian market, and by the time they released their first EP in 2009, Bertrand and bassist Derek Arosemena had surrounded themselves with an entirely new lineup that included lead vocalist Aaron Watkins and drummer Josh Tarrant. At the time, Tarrant was a serving member of the U.S. Air Force and Random Hero were given the opportunity to write a song entry for the Buckley Air Force Base Guardian Challenge contest. This led to a number of Air Force performances of their song "Guardians of Freedom" throughout the year. Following up their debut EP White, they issued its companion, Black, in 2010, and began appearing at major Christian music festivals like Illinois' Cornerstone and Agapefest. Working with Skillet member Ben Kasica as producer, they released 2011's Breakdown EP and found some success on the Billboard Christian Rock chart, with the title track peaking at number four. Not long afterward, both Arosemena and Tarrant left the band and were replaced by Rob McDonough and John Cornella, respectively. In 2013, Random Hero self-released their debut full-length, Carry Me, Bury Me. A mix of soaring Christian-themed metal and hard rock with dramatic orchestral flourishes, it netted them a deal with Illinois-based Redcord Records. With new drummer Patrick Madsen taking over for Cornella, the quartet recorded their second album, Oceans of Change, which arrived in 2014 and yielded additional charting singles like "Not Alone" and "Burn Up the Night." With their lineup temporarily stabilized, Random Hero continued to tour and returned with their self-released third studio LP, The Covering, in 2017. By 2018, more changes were afoot as Random Hero signed a deal with Universal-affiliated Rockfest Records and parted ways Bertrand, the band's last founding member. Newcomer Micah Labrosse took over on guitar and the group released their fourth album, Tension, in 2019, which made a strong run on Billboard's Christian and Heatseekers charts. ~ Timothy Monger