Empowered is a Christian rock band based out of Baton Rouge, LA. Christ has empowered us with the gift of music, so we want to empower others to know Him, and have Him bring a hope and a future to their lives.
Whether it's a full show, performing as an opener for one of your larger Christian rock shows, men's retreats, or your church or organization's special event, we will deliver The Rock within the rock! We want people to leave our shows or your event with an inspired heart for Jesus.
Below are just a few comments. Rockin' 4 Jesus!
When Benny DiChiara and his band Empowered released their new EP, Yahweh-Nissi, I can honestly say that I was a bit excited to say the least. We are pretty new to the Empowered Empire, but having a few of their tracks in our library, the anticipation was palpable… With their previously released tracks, Empowered fast became a mainstay in the Jules Block on Radio13.FM. Not that they don’t have “rock chops”, but it is another band that both my wife Julie (get it? Jules Block) and I can listen while we are cruising down the road.
Yahweh-Nissi, the EP starts out with the title track and sets the table nicely with what ends up being a beautiful four-course meal of praise to The One True King. Yahweh Nissi kicks the EP into gear with a solid rock song that would have David himself dancing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14). Ok, they don’t necessarily reference that verse, but being that this is based on the listener’s perspective (ok, just mine) that was the first thing that came to mind when I heard it. With a solid message of The Lord is My Banner, the song is truly anthem worthy that will have hands subconsciously raising in the air to anyone who hears it. Side note: if you are a band that drops the name Yahweh multiple times in a track, especially a rock track, you are deservedly so, gonna get some spins on Radio 13. Empowered asks the simple question “Who is going to rise?” Um, count me in!
As Shane Madere Jr. and Justin Burdette are laying down some seriously ridiculous riffs on the guitars, and Jeff Maddox is throwing down the nasty bass line, here comes Mic Capdeville and hits you with a glorious beat that will let you know you are indeed in the middle of a full-fledged praise anthem!
The EP continues with Jesus Can Heal the World, a song that is so needed in this broken and malevolent world. It is a song that gives us hope that through Christ, we will not only survive, but we will triumph! As Christians, it’s easy to become dismayed when we see the evil all around us that the populace tells us is “normal” and that we must accept it. Well, try this on for size: “All around the world He is making all things new so start the celebration we have been rescued!” That is a fistful of truth that so many people need right now.
Benny next comes at you with his silky-smooth vocals on Soul Shaker that continues this journey of hope and joy that permeates throughout this entire EP. I predict that more than a few church worship leaders will be bringing this to a Thursday night practice as they prep for this Sunday’s Praise and Worship service. The EP continues with I Surrender All, which gives you all the qualities that a great rock track deserves and in all the right places. It serves as a road map for the listener to give up their troubles, their problems, and their fears to The One who is truly in control.
On the tail end of this EP (yes, we wanted more tracks) comes a familiar favorite, I’ll Meet You There (Daddy’s Song) which is one of the most beautiful tribute songs you will ever hear. Benny’s ode to his father will grab a hold of the most stringent heartstrings and catapult you directly into his love and passion he feels for his father.
Empowered’s unwavering and unfiltered love for the Kingdom is evident throughout the entire EP without exception or apology. To think that just a few years ago, Benny’s future in music, and his quality of life in general, were in jeopardy due to a serious and traumatic brain injury. Through his unwavering faith he turned what could have been a life changing tragedy into a powerful testimony of God’s love and grace.
You need to do yourself a favor and download Empowered’s EP Yahweh-Nissi and you will definitely be blessed. These guys will have you rocking out one minute and lifting your hands in praise the next… actually, I have found myself lifting my hands in praise while rocking out which as many of you know, is my favorite type of Jesus Jams! Which is why Empowered is no longer included only in the Jules Block, but sprinkled throughout our rotation, Again, I implore you.......go get it… NOW!
Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Empowered is: Benny DiChiara (lead vocals and songwriting), Shane Madere Jr. (lead guitarist, background vocals), Jeff Maddox (bass and background vocals), Mic Capdeville (percussion and background vocals), and Justin Burdette (guitarist and background vocals)
God Bless and yes, Jesus is STILL on the throne!!
Drew Rousu / Radio13.FM
Here we have the third studio release “Yahweh-Nissi” by this Nashville-based heavy rock band, headed by main man and songwriter Benny DiChiara. There are some well considered lyrics on this five track EP which can be clearly followed – often not the case in rock productions. Kicking off with the title track, 'YahwehNissi' (meaning “the Lord is my banner”) turns out to be the 'heaviest' here. The press release describes it as a “war cry for Jesus” and “a rallying cry” for “a return to normalcy in the wake of the pandemic, social upheaval, and a loss of groundedness”.
The mid-paced 'Jesus can heal the world' comes next and meets its description as “a stand-up-and-jump-into-worship anthem with an instantly singable chorus”. 'Soul shaker' refers to a major event in the life of Benny – possibly the loss of his father (the basis of the last track), or the life changing brain surgery he experienced in the recent past. It begins with a nice electric guitar introduction and “last year was the hardest of my life” before proclaiming a desire to be a “soul shaker” for the Lord, a situation I can very much identify with, having many years ago had a similar 'faith sharpening' experience as a result of serious illness.
'I surrender all' uses a straight rock format and turns out to have a simple repeating chorus (“Jesus I surrender all”) that stays in my head after the EP is finished. The final track 'I'll meet you there (Daddy's song)' is written “in tribute to DiChiara's own father” and is the band's latest single. A worthwhile release for all CCM rockers out there.
8/10 - Dave Deeks / NEVER FOR NOTHING - CCM Newsletter & Prayer Diary [UK]
"Usually when a radio programmer reviews a new EP they're trying to pick the "strong song". Good luck with that when you listen to the 4 cuts on Empowered's "Three Days" EP. All four songs are powerful, polished, and profound. Just listen. You'll see. This Empowered EP will excite your ears and then live in your heart. That doesn't happen very often. Listen."
- 25-year Radio Programming Veteran David Atwood (CENLA Broadcasting)
I heard "Empowered" on Indiegospel.net in 2020. The song I first listened to by "Empowered" was "Listen to the Children" from the four track EP "Third Day" released in 2019. I put it on Indiegospel.net's audio Top 20 playlist. It went to Number #1. Their video, of the same title,
also went to Number #1 on Indiegospel.net's Top 10 Video playlist. "Three Days" also claimed the Number #1 spot on Indiegospel.net's Top 10 Video playlist and as of this writing, the audio version of "Three Days" is at Number #3 on Indiegospel.net's April 2021 Top 20 playlist. "Rock Bottom" will be on Indiegospel's Top 20 audio playlist May 2021. That's three out of the four songs on Empowered's four track EP! Different kinds of stops, unexpected cool hooks and tight harmonizing choruses shoots this EP into a universe all it's own. Very impressive! "Empowered's" music is a street, an avenue, that is there for us all to listen to, that can help us to our Savior's arms when we are at "Rock Bottom".
- T. Roy Taylor, T. Roy Taylor’s Indie Gospel Top 20 (IndieGospel.net)
“Your song Listen to the Children was chosen by T. Roy Taylor. He is the volunteer playlist manager and is my only staff. So, you have T. Roy Taylor and Dave Butler to thank. I love your "Listen to the Children" song though because I also do charity work for children when I am able and that song really resonates with me.”
- Ken Rich, Owner/Creator of IndieGospel.net
“I came across Empowered early in 2020, thanks to my Assistant Director, Jennifer Cotney. I knew the minute I heard their music, I wanted them as part of our station. The music is positive, high energy and has an undeniable love for Jesus in it. The messages in their music really hit home and the want to bring people to Jesus through this music really shines. Turn up the volume, open your heart and your soul and let Empowered lead you to Jesus!”
- Brian Tucker, Christian Mix 106
“In the radio business we know that everyone has the ability to communicate the gospel. We also know they best way to do that is through bold, encouraging music that breaks the ice with a rocking sound and a message of the good news of Jesus Christ. Empowered has a high-quality original sound that resonates with the young, old, and every soul in between. Get it, play it, and turn it up!”
- Shelby Lewis, Miracle 89.1 FM
“Empowered brought their song Listen to the Children to the table, and it is right on time. The music is powerful, and I love the message. WPSM was honored to be able to debut this song to Christian radio. I would recommend this song to any radio station looking for a fresh sound.”
- Drew Powell, WPSM 91.1FM – The Positive Choice
“Empowered’s sound is tight. The guitar sound and tone is superb and hits you right in the beginning and then transforms into a musical journey. From 2012’s release, “Soul Cry”, to the newly released, “Three Days” EP, Empowered continues to put out music that rocks for Jesus and just plain rocks. Benny’s voice is so smooth, it puts you in a trance. Had you not told me this was a Christian band, I would have never known it because of the tremendous sound. It sounds so good. I can’t wait to hear more from this band.”
Nicole Brice - Modern Grace Magazine - www.nicolebrice.com / http://www.moderngraceonline.com
“Empowered combines excellence in musical performance with a spiritual integrity that is apparent from the moment they enter a room. There was never any doubt that communicating the life changing message of the Gospel is their highest priority and each of the songs presented were theologically rich and biblically sound. We brought Empowered to FBBC to help us launch an additional worship service and they tailored a concert to fit the style of that service. Our people, literally from age 5 to over 70 loved them and are eager to have them with us again. Everyone says they remind them of a Christian version of Journey. My 11 year old doesn't know who the group Journey is but he consistently asks to play Empowered’s CD when we are in the car together. I would highly recommend them!”
- Dr. Jason Bland, Florida Boulevard Baptist Church – Baton Rouge, LA
“It’s hard to find Christian music that sounds like good ole classic rock! There have been a few bands out there that have accomplished that sound: (early) Petra, Jerusalem and Messiah. Hailing out of Baton Rouge, LA comes a band that is heavily influenced, musically, by artists such as Boston, Styx, and Journey (and maybe a little Triumph) and lyrically by bands such at Petra, Third Day, and Stryper. "Empowered" delivers an album that is revitalizing to the heart and refreshing to the soul with their debut release, "Soul Cry".
Empowered wants you to cry out and call on Jesus Christ! They encourage us to raise our hands in faith and open our hearts to the truth of the gospel. They are fulfilling the Great Commission as Christ tells us in Matthew 27: 19-20 - “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Shane McGaughney – http://www.HigherRockMusic.com.
“Honest, Heartfelt and real life lyrics are the backbone to this powerful Christian rock album. In addition, the intensity of the music seems to pull you in, leaving you wanting more as you move from track to track. A great addition to any Christian rock lover's music library.”
Dan Dukes, Prog. Dir. – WBSN-Lifesongs 89.1FM, New Orleans, LA http://www.lifesongs.com
“Amazing! It transported me back to the time when I could actually listen to rock music. The difference with Empowered from those great sounds of “Boston” and “Journey” is the lyrics. The words go straight to the heart. Benny DiChiara’s lead vocals are piercing. Each song, from the truly rock-out “Raise Your Hand” to the story in “1995,” this is a must hear CD. Get ready to be energized, encouraged, and Empowered!”
Tammi Arender – On-Air Personality for the Salem Music Network/Today’s Christian Music;