God's rock roars at Landis Elementary

Logansport heavy metal group plays Armor-Fest fundraiser.

A group of more than 200 anxious teenagers rushed the stage at the first sign of activity in the Landis Elementary gym Saturday night.
Sound checks indicated Crosseyed, the Armor-Fest headliner, was about to begin. Its Christian message was delivered through thunderous guitar, screaming vocals and a bass guitar and drums that set the beat.Louder, louder, one fan chanted as Crosseyeds drummer, Jeff Gunnell, tested his sound. The audience buzzed with excited chatter.
Crosseyed members started the show with a “reality check.Lead singer Johnny Oravsky reminded fans that Jesus Christ will never let you down.
Fog machines and a light show kicked in as the music began to blare.
Funds generated from Armor-Fest will go toward production and paying for the bands at Lazarusfest later this year. Tickets were $5.
Some might think Crosseyeds method for spreading the word of Jesus Christ unusual. One parent did not care for the style of music, but said at least it draws their children into music with a positive message rather than the foul-mouthed lyrics of other music genres.
It's about having fun, Trampas Young, Crosseyed bass player, said of bringing people together through the groups music.
Young was saved at a concert in the same elementary a couple of years ago. He said it changed his life. He no longer uses profanity or parties and devotes his time to his family and spreading the word of Jesus Christ.
Young attributes the bands success to Jesus and intends to continue using his musical talent to spread the message.
The Lord spoke to me and told me this is what you need to do.
Crosseyeds fan base consists of mainly teenagers, but there were people ranging from first-graders to senior citizens in attendance. Their Web site averages 1,500 hits per month.
Crosseyed does not play any cover songs and has more than 30 original compositions in its repertoire. All the members write songs, but Young credits Josh Bovitt as being the most talented song writer and musician.“He can play any instrument.
Many of those in attendance were adorned with Crosseyed gear.
Of the Son, another Christian heavy metal group, opened for Crosseyed. Both bands intend on playing the upcoming Lazarusfest.
Crosseyed consists of three Logansport residents. Gunnell lives in Carmel.Young said fate brought the band together. They had played other heavy metal bands singing the typical lyrics with references to drugs, sex and violence.
Thank God for call waiting,” Young said or he would not have known that Gunnell, who Young had not seen or spoken to for 15 years, was trying to reach him for the same reasons he had quit his previous band.
Overall, the concert was a family environment. There were mosh pits and crowd surfing going on. Nothing like friendly violence to get the full heavy metal experience.
One lad exited with a bloody nose but was back minutes later in the thick of the ritual body slamming.
The rolling mass of energy forms with one push and quickly escalates then slowly winds down when the dancers tire.
Primal screams abound from the stage. Young says this is used as a focal point for their music's message.
He admits the loud sound does frighten some people, just like devoting his life to Christ showed him who his true friends are.
I think it does scare people, Young said. Once he changed his life he was called church-goer and many of his so-called friends stopped coming around.
Bovitt agreed and said,Everybody walks at their own pace.

"Keep your eyes on the cross of Christ!!" say's BIG MAN "That is what
Crosseyed's music is all about!!" The words of 6'2" 300lb (Muscle
Head) BASS WARRIOR Trampas Young, who has now taken on the mantle of
lead vocalist as well. Hey, and can they ever "PUT UP!", man! Gaining
the respect of bands like Disciple and Day of Fire, these guys are
ready for battle and are destined to hit the scene and SMACK down the
enemy with a BIG BODY DROP!!

Crosseyed's music is nothing less than THUNDEROUS! Fast pounding
beats, HARD popping bass and KILLER guitar riffs from the madman Josh Bovitt set the tone for
Tramp's CONNAN THE BARBARIAN SHOUTS OF CARNAGE! Most of all the very
fiber of there music stems from the bands devoted FAITH in Christ!!   
Songs like "Crosseyed"
, "Stomp" and "Invoke" are sure to send the devil packin his bags to
scurry out of town on the next train. I love bands that don't back
down and use the Sword of the Spirit in their music! KEEP YOUR EYES
ON CHRIST!! And keep an eye out for Crosseyed!! They are truly a
"Force To Be Rekon With" in the Christian Heavy Music Scene!!

You have been warned!!

~ Kuba
Full Armor of God Broadcast