It’s not every year that Christian metal gets a shot of pure adrenaline straight to its heart. On August 12, 2025, two pillars of the genre—Les Carlsen, the unmistakable voice of BLOODGOOD, and long-time guitarist/lyricist Paul Jackson—reunite to deliver "Free Will," a new single that’s both a call back to classic roots and a bold leap forward. The single’s release also fires the starting gun for Carlsen’s Kickstarter campaign, funding his upcoming solo album.
For fans of Christian metal, BLOODGOOD’s legacy is gospel. Their anthems—"Lamb of God," "Crucify," "Top of the Mountain"—aren’t just songs; they’re spiritual lightning rods. The creative engine behind much of that fire? Les Carlsen and Paul Jackson. After years of separate creative journeys, the two are back in the studio, channeling the same raw energy that defined a generation.
Jackson, whose songwriting and guitar work have been integral to BLOODGOOD’s sound, brings his signature depth and edge to "Free Will." Carlsen, legendary for his soaring vocals and stage presence, delivers a performance that’s both ferocious and vulnerable—a voice that refuses to age or compromise.
"Free Will" isn’t just a song. It’s a statement—a spiritual sequel to BLOODGOOD’s greatest hits. The track explores the concept of free will as a divine gift, probing the tension between fate and choice, faith and doubt. Jackson’s lyrics cut deep, while Carlsen’s vocals soar and snarl, reminding listeners why classic Christian metal still matters.
Les himself puts it simply: "This will be an album for those who want to hear the truth—in their speakers and in their hearts." That’s not marketing fluff. That’s a promise forged in decades of relentless touring, blistering performances, and music that refuses to pull its punches.
The August 12 release is more than a single—it’s the launchpad for Carlsen’s next album, crowdfunded through Kickstarter. Fans will get the chance to support the project directly, connecting with Carlsen and Jackson as they craft new music for a hungry audience.
The Kickstarter campaign promises exclusive behind-the-scenes access, special editions, and the kind of personal connection that only indie projects deliver. It’s a fitting next step for Carlsen, who, after decades at the helm of BLOODGOOD, is using his platform to connect more deeply with fans and explore new creative territory.
What sets "Free Will" apart isn’t nostalgia—it’s conviction. Carlsen and Jackson aren’t just reliving old glories; they’re pushing the genre forward, wrestling with timeless questions in a world that’s only gotten more complicated. The music is heavy, the lyrics honest, the execution flawless.
For Carlsen, it’s a mission. For Jackson, a renewal. For fans, old and new, it’s a chance to witness living legends in their prime, refusing to rest on their laurels.
August 12 is just the beginning. With "Free Will," Carlsen and Jackson set the stage for a new era of Christian metal—one that honors the past but refuses to be shackled by it. The Kickstarter campaign isn’t just about funding an album; it’s about building a community, inviting fans into the creative process, and proving that this music still has something urgent to say.
Turn up the volume. The kings are back.