Oh yes! It doesn't take but one listen to this disc to know that you've got one molten hot slab of killer tunes collected on one "Live in the studio" EP. These performances definitely live up to the name "Intense Live Series." Two of the tunes are mega collectors-items: a cover of the Bloodgood tune The Messiah (with Les Carlsen handling lead vocals!) and The Tempter, a tune off the first Trouble album. This loose format gives these stellar musicians a chance to show off their skills and energy levels. As boasted in the liner notes, the guitars here are boosted way up to the "Awright!!!" level that metal maniacs crave. Every song on here is brilliant, so I'll comment on each one. Phantom Limb starts off with the boys riffing away at Rush's Spirit of Radio and then going into their own familiar territory, albeit a bit faster than on "Pathogenic..." Les actually sounds at home in this 99 miles per hour delivery (remember Crucify and Battle of the Flesh?). Ark of Suffering features a short inclusion of Stereotaxic Atrocities, tying together the band's two animal rights songs. Whitewashed Tomb finds the band blazing away instrumentally, which is also the only real moment on the disc where my mind starts to wander away from the sounds emitting from the stereo speakers. It's not a bad tune, but a jam's a jam--even if the musicians are exceptional. The Skeezix Dilemma restarts with four vocalists throwing in their vocal chords: Les, Gary Lenaire, Victor Macias and Erik Mendez. The jam in the bridge shows Ted thrashing away at his drums and cymbals with a passion. The shout and response chants near the song's end add a majestic feel to the tune--which even Spinal Tap couldn't top for gothic-ness. The guitar harmonies ending the song turn into great little solos. Most of the tunes here are tuned down to C, which gives The Tempter the low end power it deserves. The guys in Trouble would be proud. The Messiah is pulled off with Bloodgood-like power and feeling, although it sounds as if the band is not quite at home with the tune at the beginning of the third verse. The line, "Don't be afraid!" seems to catch the guys off guard. Alas, it almost feels good to catch these monster players (and apparent perfectionists) making a mistake--even if a tiny one. Les' little "thank you, Jesus" that he whispers at the end of the tune is moving in its simplicity. What can I say? Go get this one and feast!