LS pumped out three brutal albums in a short period of time (1991-1994) and then was out of the studio for about three years. During that time they lost singer/bassist DJ. Then guitarist, Bruce Fitzhugh, stepped in and took over as singer and Jason Truby's (the other guitarist) younger brother, Chris, took up playing the bass.
This story, which isn't too unfamiliar in the Christian Metal scene usually has a sad ending. You normally expect a band to fizzle in this climate. However, such is not the case with Living Sacrifice. As with the title of the album this band seems to really be Reborn. In other words, LS comes back just as strong and aggressive and professional as before (unlike Barren Cross' return which was even cornier than their original stuff).
The discriminating listener will notice that this album does have a different vibe from the previous three. The first album is best described as thrash and was rightly compared to Slayer. The next two were much heavier and are best described as brutal Death Metal. This new album, I think, is best described as heavy Groove Metal with a hint of Thrash. It has been called Hardcore and I wouldn't necessarily disagree. However, one shouldn't think of this album as leaning towards punk. There does seem to be a very conscious effort on LS' part to identify with the style of music that Sepultura, Pantera, Korn, Machine Head, Suffocation, Obituary, etc. are pumping out today. In fact, I'd say that the best comparison is Sepultura, not just musically either, but vocally and professionally as well. Particularly similar is the song "Sell Out" which reminds one a lot of Sepultura's "Cut Throat". LS really impresses me as a very capable band. It seems like time off has been a real boon for them.
One last note. I am greatly impressed by the note on the next to last page of the insert at the bottom. Read it.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #14Reviewed by Brad CavinessRarely has an album title been so appropriate. Living Sacrifice is indeed Reborn on its debut for Tooth & Nail Records. Gone are the death metal and grindcore references that made the band a joke to most fans of other musical genres. In their place are nods to artists like Helmet, Tool, Korn, and Six Feet Deep. The change is not imitative, but a natural extension of the band's previous image. The…