XTOL worship group was formed in January 1996 to provide a contemporary, more informal alternative to the worship in local churches in Brightlingsea, Essex. "XTOL" is taken from the verb "extol", meaning "praise enthusiastically".

Initially, XTOL led its own informal acts of worship entitled "Faith and Music Experience" or "F.A.M.E.". Since then, XTOL has concentrated on leading worship at various churches, festivals and events in the North Essex area. Fellowship and worship form an integral part of the group's ethos.

The line-up has changed several times since 1996. However, the line-up has remained pretty constant since 2000. XTOL's first recording, "Ancient and Modern Revived", was released in September 1997 and sold extremely well. XTOL Live at Praise in the Park, Ipswich was released in Autumn 2000 and the band's third album, "Chosen Generation", was released in October 2002. Our new album, "Open Arms" is being released in December 2007 - you can order your copy on the "New Album" page of this website.

XTOL is based at St. Andrew's Church, Alresford in North East Essex. We continue to "XTOL him with music and song" (Psalm 95)