Reviewed by Ian Webber

With this release, America's excellent Christian re-issue label Retroactive Records have released another of the albums from the metal/hard music pioneers. 1988's 'Live To Die' was produced during Bride's full on metal era and retains much of its Gothic stylings. There is however, less of a dark feel to the tracks and a significant step up in the production values and richness of sound. This remastered re-release really makes the best of the broad soundscapes the recording contains. An overwhelming wave of double pedalling (a drum technique that creates a heavier sound) and twin guitars riff through classic metal tracks. "Hell No" with its hooky chorus and the speed guitar on the title track mean that the album contains several cuts that could easily find their way onto an anthology of classic rock from the '80s. Dale Thompson continues to hold the project together with his distinctive screamed vocals on tracks that provide a more obvious statement of the band's faith. Like the other Retroactive re-issues, this package ties together some interesting sleeve notes with a classic recording that is well worth seeking out as it showcases a band at the top of their game.

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.

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