King James (band)
Heavy metal supergroup formed in 1993.
King James, a heavy metal supergroup, came together in 1993 with guitarist Rex Carroll (from Whitecross) and vocalist Jimi Bennett (from Sacred Fire). They later added Stryper members Tim Gaines and Robert Sweet, and their first album dropped in 1994. The band toured behind it without Gaines, who opted out after the recording sessions. Sweet stayed on tour into 1996 but sat out the second album. Carroll and Bennett carried on, releasing *The Fall* in 1998. Plans for another King James release were discussed, but Whitecross reformed, and Bennett teamed up with former Petra drummer Louie Weaver to form Viktor. Both groups had new CDs out by 2006. After those projects wrapped, King James reunited and put out *MaXimus* in June 2013.
- formed
- 1993
- genre
- heavy metal
- first_album
- 1994
- notable_members
- Rex Carroll, Jimi Bennett, Tim Gaines, Robert Sweet
Lore & Background
King James was formed in 1993 by guitarist Rex Carroll, known for his work with Whitecross, and frontman Jimi Bennett of Sacred Fire. They later added Tim Gaines and Robert Sweet, both from the band Stryper, and released their self-titled debut album in 1994. The band toured in support of the album without Gaines, who declined to join after the recording sessions. Sweet remained with the band on tour into 1996 but did not participate in their second release.
Reader's Guide
King James represents a notable intersection of Christian metal musicians in the 1990s, bringing together members from Whitecross, Sacred Fire, and Stryper. Their debut album in 1994 established them as a supergroup, though lineup instability marked their early years. After a second album in 1997, the band went on hiatus as members pursued other projects, including Whitecross regrouping and Jimi Bennett forming Viktor with former Petra drummer Louie Weaver. The band reunited in 2013 to release MaXimus, demonstrating their enduring presence in the heavy metal scene. Their significance lies in their role as a collaborative project among established Christian metal artists, producing three studio albums over two decades.
Did You Know?
- King James was formed in 1993 by guitarist Rex Carroll and frontman Jimi Bennett.
- Tim Gaines and Robert Sweet of Stryper joined the band after its formation.
- The band's second album, The Fall, was released in 1998.
- King James regrouped and released MaXimus in June 2013.
More in Heavy metal supergroups 1-24
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