This is the re-release of Living Sacrifice's 1991 self-titled debut record. Incase you didn't know, Living Sacrifice was one of the first Christian bands to introduce the world to the underground hardcore metal scene. They would later on become the influence to many other Christian metal bands, including acts such as Demon Hunter.

I do not have the original version that was released by R.E.X. Music so I am currently unable to compare the differences between the two releases. In the CD insert, Bruce Fitzhugh writes that the original release of the album had been out of print for five years and they were glad to finally re-release the album to their fans. It is obvious that this album wasn't recorded in a major studio by producer Steve Albini, but the album is very intense in sound.

Musically, I would call this record a mix between the thrash metal of Megadeth mixed with the vocals of Metallica, all done in the name of Christ. The only complaints I have on this album is that almost all of the songs except for "Obstruction" sound the same. "Obstruction" slows down to a soft acoustic guitar before opening up to a brutal lead and rythym guitar that would melt your face off. Another complaint is that the lyrics are laid out as one big long verse rather than the traditional songwriting of having a verse, a chorus, second verse, chorus, and a bridge. The lyrics can get a little annoying at times, but overall, the album is 100% intense heavy metal that sounds awesome.

It is a different sound than their latest records such as Reborn and Conceived In Fire, but I enjoy the album because it was capturing who they were at that time. A very decent effort from a band that opened the door for Christian heavy metal, but at the same time delivered the message of hope that can only come through Jesus Christ.