Reviewed by Dave Williams

At last a white metal band outside of Stryper has released to the European market not only one but two 'live' videos. Bloodgood have always been one of the leading Christian metal bands and the new videos were recorded in the band's home town of Seattle in front of what can only be regarded as a very boring audience (the band had far better crowd response when they played here in England). Bloodgood have always had strong leanings towards the theatrical and this leaning is exploited to the full on both videos, with the band making use of 24 actors and dancers to intensify the message of certain songs. Even though the employment of actors is beneficial in places, at times they can be a little distracting and on certain songs look totally stupid. The sound quality on both videos is excellent and the band play two exceptionally tight sets. The band make use of a session rhythm guitarist to fill out their sound, although he is kept well out of the picture. 'Alive In America' mostly features songs from Bloodgood's last two albums with the exception of "Alone In Suicide" (from the album 'Detonation') which combines with "Hey You" and "She's Gone" to give the actors probably their best performance (including a very vivid suicide with Joyce Carlson cutting her arm open with a very large knife! And her body being dragged away by a black shrouded figure!) And "Soldier Of Peace" (from the album 'Bloodgood') - guess what Les Carlson holds in his hands during this song: (full marks for guessing a sword - yuk). If you're a Bloodgood devotee this is a vid you will definitely want.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.