Chariot

Chariot was formed in Central Florida in the mid 80's on the heels of the Jesus Movement. It was a time when piano and organ music was the church norm. The core team consisted of Paul Aviles (vocals), Louis Filardo (guitar), Jim Pappadeas (bass), Bruce Fleming (drums), and John Sauchelli (sound).
As a group of typical 1970's high school teens growing up in a loose minded Florida Space Coast culture, we excelled in a bit of revelry, rebelliousness and playing under-age at local bars and haunts. Having thrived on anthems such as "Running With The Devil" on a "Highway To Hell" for a number of years, we each accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior in our own time and unique situation. Each of us having turned a new leaf from the old life into a renewed born-again Christian believer, we met again in the mid-80s's with a new outlook on life. This meeting, along with the realization of the miracle of rebirth in each of us, led to a unified urgency to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bringing together our natural talents and new-found zeal to actually live as Christ commands us, we formed the band Chariot. Chariot was based on our hard rock music background and the necessity to express the Holy Spirit that burned within us. With only a few existing Christian rock bands out there, such as Rez Band, Jerusalem, etc., to serve as a model, we moved into uncharted territory. With prayer and support from several pastors and local churches, we moved full speed ahead.
We set off writing hard-hitting songs that spoke of God's righteousness with a flair for deep spiritual gifts, prophetic visions and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Hence the "Step Into Light" album provides a compilation of the songs that produced th4e positive results we strived for, while driving the audience's attention and focus towards Jesus and the good news of His salvation.
Armed with this playlist, Chariot was able effectively minister at numerous venues around Central and South Florida for many years. Their desire was, and still is, to bring Jesus' good news message into a struggling world to save the lost.
As we are reminded in 1 Peter 4:10 - If, as every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. As we are taught by this scripture and in 41 other similar passages. Chariot was blessed by the diversity of many Spiritual Gifts that all focused on His saving grace and agape love.