Various Artists
Metal Mardis Gras
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Here is a must-have collector's item for born-again metalheads. It's got footage from an unforgettable 12-hour heavenly metal concert. Included here are at least two songs each of: Crossforce; Thunder Calling; HERO; Vengeance; Malachia; Soldier; Eternal Ryte; Neon Cross; Bloodgood; Gardian; and Barren Cross. The video footage is below professional, million-dollar-budget quality. It's similar to what you'd see on big city public television. It is exciting footage with very good audio quality. Although a couple of the bands had sound problems in concert (HERO and Vengeance), overall the audio is top-notch. Some of the most exciting sound on the video is the guitar sound coming from Tony Polacio's guitar during Gardian's set. He sounded very hot with a good, high-end singing sound. Some bonus footage we get are backstage interviews with: Vengeance; Neon Cross; Bloodgood; Barren Cross; and HERO. For the first time on video, you can see Bloodgood perform "Crucify" and "Messiah". Neon Cross' dramatic song, "Son of God" is also featured, complete with crucifixion dramatization. One of the songs in the Vengeance footage is called "Prodigal Son", which is the original tune that changed into "Mulligan's Stew" for the "Human Sacrifice" album. The video ends with a presentation by Pastor Bob Beeman, telling viewers not to hesitate to call their 800-548-5222 if they need help of any kind. If you'd like this first-ever video look at some of Christian metal's finest, send $19.95 to: Sanctuary, PO Box 4130, Redondo Beach CA 90278-8330.