Human Sacrifice by Vengeance Rising
Vengeance Rising… what can I say? This first release was the definitive Christian thrash record of its time. Originally released in 1988, everything about this record caused a stir. People complained about lead singer Roger Martinez’s voice, they complained about the album art, song titles, record title etc. etc. etc. Even with all the finger pointing, name calling and griping, Human Sacrifice put the metal world on notice. There were huge riffs, throbbing bass lines, guttural vocals and pummeling drums. There wasn’t anything else like this in Christian metal, and Vengeance (before they added Rising to their name) blew the doors off and could easily hold pace with any of their contemporaries in the thrash world like Megadeth, Slayer and early Metallica. It was a breath of fresh air for metal, and it was a genre defining release that other bands would always be compared to.
The cool thing about the re-release is the addition of several bonus tracks and an interview with former original vocalist Roger Martinez. The re-mastering really helps the clarity to come through as well, and it lends itself to really making this album crisp, concise and heavy, heavy, heavy! This new re-release also comes with new artwork and a new booklet/insert to boot. Thanks to Intense Millennium for making this available. If you haven’t ever listened to Vengeance Rising this is the best way to get started. Even if you own the first release (I still have the cassette), grab this one because the re-mastering gives new life to this album. HM Magazine also ranked this debut as the #1 metal release ever. Christian thrash…come listen and see where it all began.
[2010 Intense Millennium Records | Purchase: intensemillennium.com]Once Dead by Vengeance Rising
Where Human Sacrifice introduced this band to the market, Once Dead solidified their place in the Christian metal world. Kicking off this record with an eerie recital of the The Lord’s Prayer, Vengeance Rising stormed back into the scene with a fury and a (ahem) vengeance. This release continues down the path that these guys started, but this offering is more mature, more concise and much tighter than its predecessor. Unfortunately this would be the last record with the original line-up, but the band gave us something memorable. With even meaner and faster riffs, sharp and crisp guitar solos, the band sounded even better than before. Staying true to form this release was also very Biblically based lyrically, controversial, but ultimately uplifting.
The guys at Intense Millennium Records have done a tremendous job with the re-mastering and re-packaging of this classic record. There are an additional 4 bonus tracks released with this re-packaging disc as well. Once Dead hits the groove and doesn’t let up for almost a solid hour. Vengeance Rising’s legacy is well documented and well deserved, don’t let Roger Martinez’s leaving the band overshadow how great this band truly was. They blazed a trail and lit a torch!
[2010 Intense Millennium Records | Purchase: intensemillennium.com]Bloodgood by Bloodgood
Bloodgood’s classic debut album gets the re-issue treatment from Intense Millennium Records. The sound is classic metal – a little power, a little melodic, but all shred. The only real problem when it was first released was the limited recording budget. Now that has been fixed with a nice re-mastering job that really helps these songs shine. Two bonus tracks were also added – basically alternate versions of other songs on the album. They also fixed the original’s odd “I kinda get it but kinda don’t”
Rebellion by Sacred Warrior
Sacred Warrior was one of the first Christian bands to take on the progressive metal genre pioneered by Queensryche. They are not copycats by any means, but fans of simple riff rock might want to look elsewhere. You probably already know the album – so let’s talk about the re-issue. The sound is vastly improved from the original – almost to the point of making you feel like you are listening for the first time. The two bonus tracks are unreleased demos. And top that all off with some great new artwork. I can’t say I have loved all of the recent front cover upgrades, but this one is much better than the original. The original was a cool concept, but just probably suffered from picking the wrong live picture. The new cover is a bit gothic, but it looks great. Another quality re-issue from Intense Millennium.
7 Deadly Sins by Miranda Stone
I know the date shows that this album has been out for nearly 10 years, but I am just now discovering it. Miranda is married to Aradhna sitar player Chris Hale. So as a fan of Aradhna, I figured I should check this album out. I am glad I did. This is not pop-y wanna be folk – Miranda has grit and a bite that sets her apart from the crowd. She is also backed by a full band. The grit is not only in the music but also the lyrics – some great ideas to chew on here. Miranda also has a powerful set of pipes that fits the music perfectly. The only problem I have with this album is that it is the last solo album she recorded. There is another full length and ep before this one that I am hunting down – but we need to hear more!
[2002 Independent | Purchase: MirandaStone.com]
Strong Tower by McAllister
Tim McAllister originally made a name for himself as the leader of Flock 14 and then World Theatre. Strong Tower has obviously been out for a while, but I recently discovered that you can download a version of it for free from his site. I say “a version” because there is an expanded version of the physical CD for sale. You can check out the album for yourself – but why would you even bother? If you like edgy, guitar-based alternative rock, you will love this. It is not loud or aggressive, but very enjoyable. I keep coming back to the song “Million,” but I can also listen to the whole thing from start to finish. I have also read that Linford Detweiler of Over The Rhine makes a guest appearance.
Imperium by Grammatrain
Grammatrain returns with their first full album in years. They still sound like Grammatrain – no attempts have been made to adopt a new style. That’s not to say this is a re-hash of their first two albums. There is definitely a good amount of growth when comparing these songs to older material. To me, the songs seem to be a bit more plodding than in the past – fewer borderline punk songs than on Flying or Lonely House. Not that this is a bad thing – they still have some great riffs going on here. The spiritual dynamic is also interesting, as lead singer Pete Stewart recently said he is no longer a Christian, but tries to write songs that would not offend the Roraback brothers.
Happy Living by Mumble
I’ll be honest when reviewing this and tell you that I had to listen a couple of times before I got into this release. 
Maybe it’s because the music is way more complex than I originally thought. These five guys hail from Michigan and put out a powerhouse of what I can only describe as indie pop. Produced by Jeff Elbel of Ping and Farewell To Juliet, this disc is actually quite fun. Upon first listen I thought it sounded somewhere along the lines of Brian May playing guitar for The Beatles. It has a grown up indie drive with a pop sensibility and thrill. The lyrics are really good and tell unique snapshots with a storyteller’s rhyme. The music and arrangements are really unique and out of the norm. Definite feel good, roll down the window on a sunny day music. Check them out and give it a go!
The Altar Billies by the Altar Billies
This really actually is a full 11 song CD, but fits more in with the eps because it is only 5 recorded songs and then six live/instrumental versions of those same songs. It is also very economically priced wherever you get it. The production is a little bit on the DIY side, but that is understandable. What you have here are classic songs by The Altar Boys covered in rockabilly style. It is as fun as it sounds. Putting these songs in a different format helps to showcase just how great the songwriting was in The Altar Boys.
TV Baby by Upside Down Room
Upside Down Room’s long out of print ep is back. I missed this the first time around and it has been virtually impossible to find up until now. The new version has been re-mastered with two bonus tracks added along with updated artwork. I’m not sure where the bonus tracks are from, but they sound like they could have been recorded in the same session. Upside Down Room always stuck with their biker punk sound as a core, but each release saw them grow and stretch a bit. A great album that I am glad to see back.