Midst of Lions

Midst of Lions - notable band from Detroit, MI.

Midst of Lions was officially founded in 2003. Although the formation of the band was birthed in early 2000's out of a band called Rivers Risin' which was formed by Aaron Lucas. Guitarist Aaron Lucas put the band River's Risin' on hiatus when the pastor of the downriver Mi area church that he attended asked Aaron to head up an all worship project the pastor promised that church would work on. After realizing the promise from that pastor would never come to fruition Aaron along with his Rivers Risin' band mates began thinking reunion. Planing for a reunion was cut short when River's Risin' drummer was killed in a car wreck. (This situation inspired the song "Waiting On the Son To Call" that appeared on the first of Midst of Lions disc). After a while the rest of the members of River's Risin' carried on in another project called On the Edge, which featured vocalist Patrick Webb, and Rivers Risin' drummer, now bassist Jeff Tucker, and River's Risin' guitarist David Sullivan. The members of On the Edge were looking to record a demo and asked Aaron to help assist. Aaron agreed, but soon lost interest in the project since in his opinion the project mirrored more of a church worship team than a band. On the Edge carried on, and went through some line up changes, and eventually found themselves needing a guitarist. Bassist Jeff Tucker called Aaron again and asked him back. As time went on this project would experience a hault in creativity, and thus the band broke up. Leaving Patrick Webb, Aaron Lucas, Jeff Tucker with new drummer Anthony Webb, brother of deceased Rivers Risin' drummer to form a new band. The band pondered names for a while, when Patricks sister, who was also a close friend of Aaron's, felt that God was telling her the bands name was found in Psalms 57:4. The band took to the name right away, and began working on original material. The band would find bumpy roads a head as Patrick had a hard time warming up to the heavy, darker, riff driven music pened by Aaron. The early song "Couldn't You" was almost dismissed from Patrick due to the darker sound. Patrick would later warm up to the song after seeing the movie "Passion of the Christ."

In the Summer of 2004 the band entered the studio to record the indie debut entitled, "For Your Consideration." The title track which is said to be about one living for Gods approval not mans, was reportedly inspired by Lucas' experience of a pastor that was very manipulative and dishonest, and also denounced the project, a source close to the band discloses. The original lyrics of the blues song "Just Rather Praise the Lord" also pened by Aaron, do not appear on the album as they were changed as Patrick sited them as being to angry as they discussed the dealings of the shady pastor. Most of the basic tracks for the recording were recorded in one day, the following day a church split led to the parting of company with the band and Webb as drummer. Jeff's brother Mike, former On the Edge drummer was eventually brought in as Webb's replacement.

Early 2005 brought the release of For Your Consideration. Lack of commitment from some of the members prevented support for the album. It was this lack of commitment, that made Aaron question his desire to continue with the band as he began to work with other artists, and considered a solo project. He experienced criticism from with the group for his work with a local worship leader. Conflict would also continue, as the singer would speak negatively about Aaron’s new pastor, and church. A church co-pastored by both Patrick’s father, and Aaron's father. There was an advance that funded the debut bands release, and a source close to the band confirms that Aaron made plans to leave the band once the advance was repaid. Things would seem to improve when Patrick attended a mission’s conference that would revive his interest and desire for the bands ministry. This excited every one in the band. However a few short weeks later Patrick felt a need for a change in direction for his ministry, and announced that he was leaving the band.

The remaining members took some time off to plan the next move. Again Aaron considered a solo project while Jeff considered quiting music all together. The band later decided to carry on, an audition process began that included former On The Edge, current Broken Day Machine vocalist William May. The band was strongly considering working with May when Aaron ran into a close acquaintance from High School, Susan Croston, at a local church screening of one of the Left Behind movies. Susan gave Aaron a copy of her solo disc. Within seconds, Aaron was sold, and wanted to give her the job right away, but the Tucker brothers, and manager wanted an audition with Midst of Lions songs before a singer would be confirmed for the position. Each singer auditioned was promised two rehearsals with the band. Susan had one audition and was called afterwards, by the guitarist asking her to join the band. The next week at a church function the band made their debut with Susan as singer. The band performed two songs from For Your Consideration, We Are There, and Come Sweet River the latter co written by Patrick would later be rewritten removing all of Webb's lyrics, and becoming more of a plugged in rock song. Patrick was in the crowd at this performance, and even announced the band as they took stage.

In early 2006 the band would begin recording an released EP which was to be called Now and Tomorrow. This recording featured new songs, and revamp songs that appeared on the bands indie debut. Although the CD lacked in production, most reviews praised the vocals, lyrics, and guitars. This was the first release that saw the band getting radio play. This Is Life To Me, and Restore Me from this release began being played on AM Christian stations and some Internet radio stations as well.

In the Summer of 2006, after being burnt out on music Jeff Tucker left the band and would eventually move out of state. This move and being a minor caused Mike Tucker Jr to also leave the band. This parting was amicable, due to Jeffs lack of commitment, and dedication. New material was also being written more in heavier rock vein. Susan and Aaron auditioned 1 bassist, and three drummers. Drummer David Decker formerly of the band Sought Out and Diligence was the last drummer to audition, and was asked the next day to join the band. The audition was not the first time Aaron and Decker had met, the two were standing together in line at a Stryper concert, with out even knowing the other was in music. The two would see each other again at another Stryper concert. At Susan's church their was an accomplished bass player, and also a former band mate of Decker's and with some upcoming dates nearing the band asked Ron Kelly to sit in for some shows. With Kelley sitting in the band seemed to gel rather quickly, and not too long after that Kelley was asked to join the band. The resemblance of Lucas and Kelley would prompt questions asking if they were brothers. After saying no for so long, Aaron now reportedly answers yes. Decker, and Kelley helped bring the band into its much desired more rock flavored sound. Realizing that the band now had more of an ability to perform heavier material and be consistent with their performances with rhythm section Decker, and Kelley, songs Far Away, Amnesty and Drive, were written. Those songs were probably their heaviest songs to date, as listeners cited the influence of Black Sabbath, Metalica, and Led Zeppelin in the newer material. Of the new drummer Aaron would tell people that he reminded him of a cross between Matt Sorum (GnR, Velvet Revolver) and John Bonham. Of the bassist he would say it was like being in the band with Geddy Lee (Rush), or John Myung (Dream Theater).

The band quickly began work on new material. This line up would prove to be the most productive line up so far. The band would even perform longer sets, performing some shows for as long as three hours, with out repeating a song. In the fall of 2006 the band entered the studio to record the CD "Along For the Ride." The CD featured a range of styles but mostly hindered on the heavy blues rock sound. The release would also find the band getting some radio airplay. However, the range of styles would eventually be seen as not something that interested Decker. The CD would eventually be released in May of 2007, by then due to creative differences and what seemed as constant internal conflict the band parted company with Decker.

Drummer David Arnold who had auditioned before Decker, was brought in as a fill in for some shows to support the new release. Not too long after that, the remaining members decided they wanted to continue with Arnold. With Arnold the band would see even more of an increase in creativity, and productivity. Performances also improved with the addition of Arnold. Arnold's playing fit the progressive elements the band was flowing into with songs like Glimpse, and Feel Home Again, and with some new songs the band had already begun working on for the follow up to Along for the Ride. Arnold also fit and supported the ministry the band wanted to work in and with. The band tricked Arnold into showing up for what would be a photo shoot for Along For the Ride, and then asked him to join the band, and also asked him to appear on the cover of Along for the Ride. A move that offended Decker, although he was given credit on the liner notes of the disc. According to a source close to the band, Aaron, although maintained his position on the photo, did regret offending Decker.

As the band continued on in support of "Along for the Ride" rough economic conditions would force David Arnold to get a job outside of Michigan, and thus prevented him from committing to the band. A few months before this happened the hatchet was buried, concerning the relationship with Decker, who had filled in for a show that Arnold couldn't make. At some shows Decker could be seen helping Arnold set up. When Arnold made it official that he was leaving the band, Lucas convinced the remaining members to give working with Decker another chance. This reunion would prove to be short lived, issues this line up previously experienced working together would surface again.

In late in 2007 the band again parted company with Decker. About this time as the band was slowly compiling songs for a follow up to Along For the Ride, David Arnold's situation changed and that returned him to the Michigan area. Arnold had offered record and play on some solo stuff that Aaron was working on, and performing with Kelley while Susan had to step back to deal with illness in her family. The guitarist put the solo project on hold and Arnold was asked to rejoin the group. The band resumed work on newer material they were working with Arnold before he left the state also were compiling songs for the follow up. This material reportedly maintains all the stylistic layers the band has while leaning a little more toward progressive music. The influences of Rush, Kings X, Spock's Beard, Neal Morse and other prog rock artist shared by Lucas, Kelley and Arnold has begun showing up in the material and performances of the band. The band is set to begin preproduction on the follow up to Along For the Ride in the spring of this year.

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