Various Artists
White Metal Invasion
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This is an underground Christian metal collector's dream, literally. Steve Craig decided to put together a tape of underground bands to raise money for White Throne Magazine. He sent letters to several hot underground bands, some of which recorded a song just for this compilation tape. This tape shows us the potential of tapping into the underground. Steve isn't a record executive, just a radical music fan that had a vision. It took over a year, but the vision is reality. This is a quality package with some quality tunes. Rick Hunter's color photo on the cover is the first good impression one gets of the tape, then the music makes its own statement. Divine Right starts off with "All I Got", where Kevin Brandow's guitar outshines his voice. Chariot places "Truth" next, a hot Y&T-ish song. Emerald does a rippin' version of "Battle Ground", and Xalt puts in an excellent performance on "The Cross". 7th Angel make their big underground debut with "I Will See You in Heaven", complete with a beautiful instrumental intro called "Angels Are Calling". Armada rocks a heavy message called "Suicide" with a commercial chorus and good lyric writing. Seraiah starts off side two with "C'mon Get Up!", a rousing rocker with lots of fun. It has some very hot jammin' on it. Full Armor makes their hot debut with "White Knights", a fast anthem with several layers of stompin' sound. Soldier bursts through the speakers with "Louder Than Hell", a solid, power-packed rocker with a good commercial edge. Taker appears with "Look Into His Eyes". Angelica remixed "Follow Me, Follow Him" from their demo tape. It's a hot commercial metal tune with tons of great guitar playin'. Apostle closes the tape with some just killer neo-classical riffing in the instrumental "Dragon Slayer" and some powerful singing in "I Am Persuaded". This song is one of the highlights from Apostle's Hymns tape. This tape is an essential purchase for the serious headbanger. It shows off the potential of the Christian metal underground. This tape is available through Spring Arbor Distributors or directly from Mainstream Productions. Send $9 check or money order to: Mainstream Productions, 8936 Sergeant Rd, Indianapolis IN 46256.