David Halbe 
When I listen to Holy Grail now, I can do nothing but lament my loss. I’m blown away by the band’s uncanny tightness and execution. A unique offering of modern metal dressed in solid songwriting.
Sometimes, time plays a huge part in perspective. We like things as they are but don’t truly realize how great something was until it’s gone. Holy Grail was a great band. A hybrid metal band, influenced by classic thrash and death metal, the group was on a path to global domination but folded before the dream could be realized.
Holy Grail (originally called Sorcerer) was formed by ex-White Wizzard members: James Paul Luna (vocals), James LaRue (guitars) and Tyler Meahl (drums).
The band released two EPs and three full length efforts before unexpectedly calling it a career.
Throughout their short career, I interviewed the band on numerous occasions when they played through my town with: Anthrax, Wednesday 13, Black Tusk and Striker. Just looking at this list, it’s easy to see that Holy Grail was a band that could play with anybody. Their music was universally accepted in any metal genre.
When I listen to Holy Grail now, I can do nothing but lament my loss. I’m blown away by the band’s uncanny tightness and execution. A unique offering of modern metal dressed in solid songwriting. While it’s easy to commend the vocals of James Paul Luna, the contributions of the other band members are more than just noteworthy. Specifically, I’ve come to appreciate Tyler Meahl. He’s a vastly underrated drummer with tempo changes as maniacal as they are consistent. I can listen to any track off Ride The Void and be awestruck by the ease of his execution. Pairing him with Blake Mount created a wall of sound that would rival any rock group. Adding the screaming guitars of Alex Lee and Eli Santana enhances the overall sound.
I always found the band upbeat and determined. I purchased a book called: Holy Blood, Holy Grail and gave it to the group as a gift. They were literally fighting over who’d read it first!
My point is, I got the impression Holy Grail was in it for the long haul. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Shortly after a tour with Striker, Holy Grail folded. I interviewed Eli Santana (Guitar) and Alex Lee (Guitar) during that tour and was told the band was working on an EP and needed to find a label – I often wonder what became of that material?
Either way, the members of Holy Grail have moved on and I lament the band’s demise. Every member, who still wants to pursue music as a career, seems to have landed on their feet.
Alex Lee has brought his fantastic guitar skills to Devil Driver.
James Paul Luna is now fronting a new group called Intranced.
Tyler Meahl has taken over drums for the band Persekutor.
Eli Santana – Has now taken over as vocalist for the hardcore act, Ignite.
Only time will tell if the story of Holy Grail has reached an end. Until that time, there’s music to celebrate. Next time you listen to some tunes, throw on some Holy Grail and celebrate a band whose unexpected ending came way too soon! \m/
Holy Grail (2016):
- James Paul Luna – Vocals
- Alex Lee – Guitars
- Blake Mount – Bass
- Tyler Meahl – Drums
- Eli Santanna – Guitars
I saw Holy Grail several times a dozen years ago. They really should have gained more traction. “My Last Attack” is one of the best metal jams of the 2010s. Unfortunately, that’s just how it goes sometimes. The world of Metal in America shrank and was extremely crowded. I’m just glad their music is still available, though I did buy their album back in the day.