The Glorious Unseen began with a Sunday night Bible study… Disillusioned by the local church scene, a few former youth leaders and friends gathered on a spring Sunday night outside Nashville, TN. What took place ignited their hearts together... They came together to express their desire for God. They came together because they desired community. Their style of ministry was different… Not ever knowing what was going to happen, they continued to meet every Sunday night to pursue God - and to have Him pursue them. The worship that emerged from this group was simple, introspective, and vulnerable. When worship leader Ben Crist wrote his first song - he didn't consider it a worship song... "I just wrote this cool song, but never thought it would be something we would play in worship. I thought maybe I'd have a side project where I'd play some of my own songs from time to time." But when a few friends persuaded him to use the song during a worship set - the people were touched, and as he wrote more and more songs, the group gathered around them. The songs became their soundtrack. They became songs that brought them closer to God, and God closer to them...
In 2005, Ben released his first worship CD, a project called "Embracing the Call" which featured five of his originals. The release caught the attention of Seattle's Tooth and Nail records, and Ben signed a deal with them in august 2006. That fall he entered the studio with Steve Hindalong and Marc Byrd (Leeland, Jeremy Camp) to record his debut album "Tonight the Stars Speak". The album was released in October 2007.
The summer of 2008 took the band all across the country and back. They played a wide range of events - including youth retreats, hardcore shows, churches, and fests. The band gained main stage slots at both Cornerstone fest and Purple Door fests, while also appearing at Icthus fest, Soulfest, and TOM fest.
The new EP “Cries of the Broken” features acoustic versions of a few of the songs off of the “Tonight the Stars Speak” album. The record features the harp sounds of TIMBRE, and guest vocals by Janell Belcher of THE EMBER DAYS. The band is currently working on writing and recording for their upcoming full-length release…
Hey guys! Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for coming to Lifest yesterday. I was more excited to see you two play then anyone on the main stages. You two really know what worship is about, and I just want to thank you for ministering to my heart with every song. Ben, your voice is such a gift. I loved the new stuff you played last night, can't wait for the new album. It was really nice chatting with you two yesterday at your merch table, Take care, keep doing what you're doing, you're blessed for it!
It was great worshiping again with you at NLCC in Ashland last Friday. My daily prayer for you is that you never lose that anointing of the Holy Spirit.
This is not meant to condemn Christian worship bands of today, but I find us getting away from the simple emotion behind the music & lyrics.
I honestly begin to tear up when I hear the Glorious Unseen. Its a small quiet voice among the clatter of over-zealous, fame seeking worship artists. With TGU's ministry I feel we've finally captured the simple intimicy of worship. Thank you guys. And God bless you as long as you stay focused.
Thank Your for being friends :-) Your music sounds wonderful (I guess it's just blessed by THE HOLY SPIRIT) ...I "had to" recommend it to a friend at once...
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