Les Carlsen - Free Will (Collector's Edition CD) 2026 Only 300 Copies Pressed

• Collector's Edition
• 10 new Songs from Bloodgood Frontman, Les Carlsen
• Jewel Case CD
  
• LTD Collector Card # Spikes Up Series
  
• Collector Slip Sleeve
• Limited to just 500 Units
• 12 page booklet w/Lyrics and photos
• Release Date: December 2025
• Vinyl Release Date: Feb 2026

Album Description

If you missed the Kickstarter, here it is.  10 new songs from Bloodgood frontman Les Carlsen which also includes his wife Joyce. If you've had the pleasure of see them in concert there is no denying, that Les has a rock-star for a partner in life.  

Chris Jericho (Fozzy) ...

Howard Jones (Killswitch Engage) ...

This Album Might Be a Defining Moment.

I just finished listening to the songs on this album, and calling it an “album” almost feels inadequate. And feel like I'm selling it short.  This is something more. It’s not just poetry, though the words are rich and intentional. It’s not just theatrical, though every performance feels alive. It’s a complete body of work that was clearly meant to be together — every song flowing into the next with purpose, like chapters in a story written by someone who knew exactly what they were doing.

But it goes even deeper than that. This isn’t just music — it’s ministry. It’s passion. It’s truth set to melody. You can feel the presence of God in the lyrics, in the arrangements, in the way the songs unfold. It’s as if the Spirit of the Lord guided every note. There’s something divine in the design — a completeness, a sense that this was never meant to be just entertainment.

Yes, it rocks. The guitars, the energy, the production — all of it stands tall. But when it’s over, what lingers isn’t just the sound. It’s the feeling. That deep, quiet fulfillment that only comes when something truly connects with your soul. Like sharing a meal that nourishes more than your body — and then handing the leftovers to someone who’s been hungry for days. That moment of gratitude, grace, and presence — that’s what this album leaves you with.

In today’s world of singles and streaming, where songs are often written to grab attention in three and a half minutes, this album reminds us what true artistry looks like. It’s complete. It’s cohesive. It tells a story from beginning to end. 

This isn’t just another release by one of the great vocalist of our day. This could very well be a defining moment in Christian rock — a reminder that when music is surrendered to God, it becomes something eternal. 

Some of the Songs and the "Why?" behind them according to Les

• With "Free Will", Paul Jackson and I continue the songwriting legacy that started in BLOODGOOD.  This song has hooky riffs, a relentless groove and harmonies that blend together so well that sometimes it's hard to distinguish between me and Joyce
  We feel the message of “Free Will” is very relevant. It’s been said that ‘we are the result of our choices’. We each have the God-given freedom to choose whatever we want, but what we choose shapes us as people and determines our future. This is never more important than when making a choice that affects our eternity. 
• "He Loves Deep" based on the scripture, Romans 8:38+39. This fast-paced, double kick song describes the depth of God's love for us.
• "Make Way" follows the same theme of "He's Coming", the first single from the last album. Jesus will return for his bride to take her to the great 'Wedding Feast'. Be ready!! This song is lyrically heavy and musically progressive...and listen for the 'Easter egg'
• "Come To Me" Within 24 hours of receiving the music from Craig Church, Les was so inspired that he wrote lyrics and melody, and recorded the rough vocals. It is in a musical vein that defies description.
• "He's God" was another 'surprise' that came together the day after Les received the music from Craig Church. Get ready to cheer for the Almighty Creator of the Universe! This song will feature supporters who choose the "He's God" Add-on.
• "Truth and Love" After several decades of using music to bring the gospel message to people, I'm still committed to the original call to be a musicianary! This song has been a long time in the making.
• "Bite My Tongue" In a moment of reflection on past hurts, the lyrics and melody for this song came to Joyce in a 'stream of consciousness'. Anyone who has ever felt minimized, unheard, or trapped in passive aggression will relate to this song. There is hope! The music is in a genre outside of the 'metal' box.
  
• "Everyday" was inspired by our daughter, Faith's life as the mother of multiple littles with all its challenges. The music breaks barriers, and explores new levels, mixing classical string arppegios with crunch guitars.
• "Keep Pushin'" We are made from dust and to dust we will return. As an evangelist, my goal is to 'push' humanity toward the Creator who breathed life into dirt. Straight ahead ROCK!

A Message from Les Carlsen

A Love Story of Music, Faith, and Reinvention

My name is Les Carlsen, best known as the lead singer of the Christian metal pioneers and Hall of Fame inductees, BLOODGOOD. But behind the stage lights and roaring crowds is a love story rooted in creativity, faith, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

In 1971, on opposite coasts—me from the West, Joyce from the East—we met in the Broadway musical Hair. From the moment our voices blended, so did our dreams. We poured our passion into stage performances, songwriting, and recording—living creatively, boldly, and together.

Then, something transformative happened. In a way that can only be described as divine orchestration, we each met Christ—separately, but at the same time. It was a turning point. Suddenly, everything—our talents, our music, our lives—belonged to Him. We dedicated ourselves to walking in gratitude and giving back what had always been His.

From 1985 to 2022, during the BLOODGOOD years, our creative paths diverged. I remained on the frontlines while Joyce stepped behind the scenes, supporting and contributing in quiet but powerful ways. When BLOODGOOD came to a close in 2022, it felt like the perfect moment to reunite—in the studio and onstage, in song, and in spirit.

Now, at 76 years young, we’re not slowing down. We're reaching higher, dreaming bigger, and creating with the passion of 25-year-olds. Reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s essential. We believe God still has more for us to do and it’s never too late to pursue what He places on your heart. The best is yet to come!

We've been married for over 50 years. Jesus is the center of our relationship—He’s the real deal, and we want to live like Him: full of love, passion, and purpose. Our hope is to inspire a younger generation to follow Christ, to pursue their creative dreams, and to know that your purpose doesn’t expire with age—it matures.

Track List

1. Truth and Love
   
2. Free Will
   
3. He’s God
   
4. Epic
   
5. Make Way
   
6. Every Day
   
7. Bite My Tongue
   
8. He Loves Deep
   
9. Keep Pushing
   
10. Come To Me