Jonah33 is an American Christian hard rock band from Arkansas, U.S. that formed in 2002. In an interview with the band, it was explained that the name is derived from the first sentence of Jonah 3:3[1] in the Old Testament. Jonah33 released one extended play and three studio albums before disbanding in 2008, and later reformed in 2014.

Jonah33
OriginArkansas, U.S.
GenresChristian rock, Christian metal, hard rock, alternative metal
Years active2002–2008, 2014–present
LabelsArdent, Ares
MembersVince Lichlyter
Jason Rooney
Joshua Dougan
Cory Riley
Past membersJonathan Kellum
Pete Eekhoff
Brian Hitt
Websitewww.jonah33rock.com

History

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Jonah33 was founded in 2002[2] by Vince Lichlyter, who grew up in Seattle, Washington. After moving to Arkansas and starting a student ministry there, he put together a musical ensemble which attracted the interest of Ardent Records.[3] Ardent released Jonah33's self-titled debut album on June 24, 2003. Two members of American Christian rock band Skillet, John and Korey Cooper, contributed to Jonah33's first album; John contributed bass guitar alongside Skidd Mills and wrote two songs, "Watching You Die" and "Death and the Life", while Korey wrote the song "God of My Life".[4] The Strangest Day followed in 2005, which peaked at No. 49 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart in 2006.[5] Switching to independent label Ares Records, the band's third LP, The Heart of War, was released in July 2007.[6]

Disband and reunion

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Jonah33 disbanded in 2008. Lichlyter posted a blog on Jonah33's Myspace saying that the band felt like it was time to disband. He said that "everything is a season and the Jonah33 season has ended".[7] He is now a solo artist. At the end of the blog he said his new solo career "is only a season just like Jonah33".[citation needed] Jonah33 became active again in early 2014[8] and released the Dead Man Walking EP that year. Two singles, "Bullet from a Gun" and "Blood is Thicker", were released in 2015 and 2021, respectively.

Members

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Current members

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  • Vince Lichlyter – vocals, guitar
  • Jason Rooney – lead guitar
  • Joshua Dougan – drums
  • Cory Riley – bass

Former members

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  • Jonathan Kellum – guitars
  • Pete Eekhoff – bass
  • Brian Hitt – guitars

Discography

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Jonah33 discography
Studio albums3
EPs2
Singles8
Studio albums
  • Jonah33 (2003)
  • The Strangest Day (2005)
  • The Heart of War (2007)
Extended plays
  • Jonah33 EP (2003)
  • Dead Man Walking (2014)
Singles
  • "All for You" (2003)
  • "Watching You Die" (2003)
  • "Faith Like That" (2003)
  • "This Is It (You Instead of Me)" (2005)
  • "Desensitized" (2005)
  • "Tell Me" (2005)
  • "Bullet from a Gun" (2015)
  • "Blood Is Thicker" (2021)

References

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  1. ^ "Jonah33: from Drugs to Christ". Godtube. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  2. ^ Cummings, Tony (16 March 2014). "Vince Lichlyter and Jonah33: An Arkansas-based rock veteran returns". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  3. ^ Artist profile at CCMplanet.com. Accessed September 9, 2007.
  4. ^ Jonah33 liner notes. Ardent Records. 2003.
  5. ^ Billboard, Allmusic.com
  6. ^ "Swallowed By Worship? Hard rockers Jonah33 sign with California's Ares Records". Cross Rhythms. 30 May 2007. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  7. ^ "Bowing Out: Rock team Jonah33 call it a day". Cross Rhythms. 26 April 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  8. ^ "Jonah Returns: Hard rockers Jonah33 back in new incarnation". Cross Rhythms. 12 March 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
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