First of all, let me lay aside all the rumors, if it is still being talked about, and let Dale Thompson speak for himself: "I love the guys in Stryper a lot, but the Lord told me that 'Bride is where I put you, and Bride is where you'll stay.'" Enough said. Bride is one of those few bands that can put the energy of a live concert in the studio, so if you've heard Bride in concert, they won't lose any force on their latest effort, "Snakes in the Playground." When "Kinetic Faith" was released, I had an underlying fear: "How is Bride going to top this?" The Kinetic album was such a change from previous releases--with new band members, new record company, and new image--it seemed hard to believe that Bride could get any better than this. Bride has outdone themselves again! With Stryper-influenced background harmonies, "Snakes in the Playground" pushes the band beyond themselves, adding the talents of Rick Elias, Rick Florian (Whiteheart), Newsboys and Greg Martin from the Kentucky Headhunters on guitar (on one song). With all those extra people lending their efforts, the music is more complete, but still unmistakably Bride. I first heard the rough mix at a private listening party shortly after their performance at Cornerstone '92. My first impression was how far the Thompson brothers have excelled, not only as performers, but as composers with something to say. All of the songs are original compositions. None of them are secular songs, re-done to sound Christian, which seems to be the acceptable thing to do on recent releases. Dale is firmly against that sort of thing by saying, "Christian bands recording secular songs compromises our Christian integrity." No compromise, even when there are snakes in the playground. The most prominent song is "Would you die for Me," because it sends out that "no compromise" message of your commitment to Christ; and, in case your relationship with Jesus is only ankle deep, you'll relate to "Psychedelic Super Jesus;" when Dale sings the verse a capella style, you won't misunderstand that Jesus is to be more than just "swinging from a chain." Tackling social issues, they offer "Love, Money," discussing the L.A. riots; "Picture Perfect" (with The Newsboys on backup vocals) addresses the abortion issue; and their own follow-up to "Kiss the Train" is "Some Things Never Change," which offers a way out of the temptation for teenage suicide. "I Miss the Rain" is a powerful ballad, featuring Rick Florian as the second half of the duet team that will musically typify the repenting sinner in us when we realize how far we have really strayed from God. Completing the album is "Rattlesnake" and "Don't Use Me" (again with The Newsboys), and a song that is reminiscent to an old-fashioned altar call from the 70's in "Goodbye," in which Bride mellows out quite nicely. It's great to hear metal's premiere band do ballads. It shows the Thompsons can be musically diverse, as well as vocally intense; however, this is not to say they are going to soft-sell their metal reputation. Since Cornerstone, "Snakes in the Playground" is all the massive metal I need to get me through till their next disc. With driving drums, throbbing bass, guitars that will blow your speakers, and vocals that will purge your soul, this means this album has a bite you can't ignore! Ouch!!