Known as the “Fathers of Modern Worship Music,” SONICFLOOd released its debut album in 1999, ushering in a fresh musical canvas of modern rock/pop music featuring electric guitars, hook-filled choruses, and audio effects alongside moving and personal praise lyrics.
Since then, Sonicflood has been nominated for a Grammy award and has gone on to sell almost 2 million records, releasing Resonate (2001), followed by Cry Holy (2003), This Generation (2005), and Glimpse: Live Recordings from Around the World (2006). The band has produced the top hits “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” “I Want to Know You,” “Your Love Goes on Forever”, “Shelter,” and “Cry Holy.” Sonicflood has also earned Dove Awards for Praise and Worship Album and Compilation Album of the Year.
Regardless of accolades or chart successes, the purpose of SONICFLOOd’s music and ministry has always been to give praise to God in all circumstances. That focus is made clear at every performance as front man Rick Heil shares his testimony of how God brought him through Crohn’s Disease, a painful intestinal disorder he had lived with for over 26 years.
Heil relates, “When I was eleven, I was diagnosed with Crohn's, which has no cure. I had about eight feet of my intestines removed, to no avail. Eventually, doctors began washing their hands of me. I became bitter and angry with God, but God, in His mercy, brought people into my life that taught me the power of faith and prayer. Finally, I laid down the anger and bitterness. I said, ‘Not my will but Yours be done.’ That really changed me.” With doctors still offering no solutions, Rick and Cece sought a second opinion. They discovered the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, ranked Number 2 in the nation for treating intestinal disorders. There, with Dr. James Church, Rick experienced the healing they had prayed for. Dr. Church removed scar tissue to examine, and made a shocking discovery. “He could find no Crohn’s Disease in my body. The places where it should have reoccurred were pristine.” says Rick.
Thrilled to share of God’s goodness and faithfulness in their lives, SONICFLOOd wants their energetic beats and heartfelt worship lyrics to uplift others. “I think worship music is one of the strongest tools we have in fighting [Satan’s] negative messages, including bitterness, anger, and depression,” says Heil. “You are what you’re filled with. The great thing about worship music is it is always available. If you feel overwhelmed by this life, you can crank up the tunes and let the Lord minister to you and get refocused.”
Not content to spread their music and powerful message only here in the United States, SONICFLOOd has remained committed to spreading God’s Word internationally, consistently touring in areas such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Malaysia, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, and Turkey. The band’s 2006 album, Glimpse: Live Recordings from Around the World, featured performances from several overseas dates and included a live DVD documenting their international travels. The band also partnered with the International Mission Board (IMB) for their 56-city 2006 “This Generation” tour, which encouraged concert goers to become more involved in missions work both domestically and internationally.
Sonicflood’s dedication to reaching the world is also shown through their partnership with children’s sponsorship organizations. Through their concerts, the band has helped sponsor over 10,000 children.
At the heart of Sonicflood is a longing that transcends just making music; it is a longing to see people worship God wherever they are, geographically and spiritually. “We want to see people having a great time and enjoying great music; but more importantly, we want to bring the truth and what’s real. Our enemy is hard at work. There’s no time to play around.”