Okay, this is my fourth review of the Intense Live Series. It could be said that this is out and out the best one, but that might short Tourniquet's brilliant offering. This one is in a whole different league, though. While Tourniquet is in a specialty field called progressive speed metal/thrash, Die Happy can qualify as a rock band. This live EP finds Die Happy in their element. In some ways, the boys sound more at home here with these tunes than in the studio. All six songs here are outstanding displays of the talent these guys have been given. "Justify" burns things up with a soulful groove and the commanding vocals of Mr. Robyn "Kyle" Basauri. This is a pattern for the rest of the album: Robyn's voice simply wails with power and passion, proving his God given talent is without much rival. "Painted Truth" showcases the solid bass playing of Greg Chaisson. Probably the sloppiest performance on the CD, Robyn still puts in a good performance. "Temple Of Soul" is an acoustic-driven performance with lots of soul--except when Doug "I sing like a biker on open mike night" Thieme takes the lead vocal on the last verse. It gives the song some diversity (it is a long song), but compared to Robyn's voice it sounds pale. "Celebration" starts off with acoustic guitars and kicks into some electric leads near the conclusion, where Robyn's voice soars. "Endless Time," a brand new tune not on any studio album, is another very cool acoustic tune that Robyn shines on. "All Over Me," from the Petra album "More Power To Ya," is performed with all the power that Petra maybe wishes they could muster. All the stops come out in this blues hard rock lament about the blood of Christ (and the guiltiness of His crucifixion) being all over us. It is the standout cut for sure. The song was written for the kind of passion and grit displayed here. This EP release definitely fits into the Die Happy catalog as a must have. The sonics and performances are so good that it just may be the band's best album.
Similar sounding releases
1995TourniquetCarry The Wounded
1992RansomSoul Asylum
1995Sign of the TimesDisengage
1994BrideAcross The Border
1990Scaterd FewSin Disease
1997King's XBest of King's X
