Heavy Metal
Victoria, Canada
“Formed in 1983 in Victoria, Canada, Ariel emerged from vocalist Steve Sawatsky's vision of combining 80s melodic rock with a gospel message. The name, derived from the Hebrew for 'Lion of God,' reflects their mission: to bring the gospel to audiences beyond Christian circles.
With striking harmonies and powerful guitars, they released the EP He Comes (1984) and the self-titled album (1986), conquering international radio stations. After a 30-year hiatus, they returned in 2021 with Sorrows to Seven, maintaining the 80s sound DNA and collaborations with guitarist Diego Tronca.
Mixing blues, progressive rock, and ethereal keyboards, the original trio (Steve, Lisa Sawatsky, and Ron Willes) proves that the fusion of faith and powerful riffs still resonates — now amplified by the internet. A journey that, in Steve's words, 'planted seeds and waits for growth.'”
| 1984 | He Comes | |
| 1986 | Ariel | Ariel Records |
| 2021 | Sorrows to Seven |
1984 Independent
Steve Sawatsky - Lead vocals, backing vocals, bass, drums
Ron Willes - Guitars, bass, keyboards, backing vocals
Lisa Sawatsky - Backing vocals
1986 Ariel Records (AR 001)
Steve Satkowski - Lead vocals, drums
Lisa Sawatsky - Vocals
Ron Willies - Vocals, guitar
Bruce Davies - Bass guitar
2021 Ariel Records
Steve Satkowski - Lead vocals, backing vocals, bass guitar, drums, percussion
Lisa Sawatsky - Lead vocals, backing vocals
Ron Willies - Guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals