Reviewed by Gareth Duffield

This anniversary edition of the band's 1989 debut album which has been digitally re-mastered and had a couple of nostalgic touches added to it. There's a short sleevenote from the band's vocalist Dave Bach reminiscing on the recording sessions and what must have been the longest year of their lives, 1988-1989 when the project was finished, but album producer and Stryper guitarist Oz Fox wasn't going to let it hit the record shops until everyone possible in California knew who they were. The patience paid off and the album sold 30,000 copies when it was released in June 1989, a good result for a debut Christian band. Also on this album you'll find "Spiritual Warfare" and "Marching On" from their 1987 California sessions, the first time they've appeared on an official Guardian release. The very first chord on this album makes me want to adopt a David Bowie style mullet, clad myself in tight leather and strike the power chords. You'll be glad to hear that the guitar thrashing is endless, Tony Palacious and David Bach produce some great vocal harmonies together, which could only be enhanced by the addition of Jamie Rowe a year later. "Livin' For The Promise" is a rock anthem extolling God's faithfulness while "One Of A Kind" offered church-going kids their own version of Van Halen party-rock with more uplifting lyrics. Okay, so it's a bit dated but there's still much here to enjoy.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.