Reviewed by Ian Webber

It's 30 years since 'Burn This Record' was released and my original tape cassette version is practically unusable. Now Roxx Records have released this completely remastered version of one of the seminal hardcore Christian punk albums. In addition to the original recording, seven previously unreleased demo tracks have been added from the Florida legends to produce this celebration package. Known for their cutting edge hardcore, frenzied rhythms and the addition of a female lead vocal, The Lead produce a wall of noise. It is pleasing to see how well 'Burn This Record' has survived the test of time. Still sonically anarchic, these 22 cuts have sharp rhythms and a progressive feel. Marrying machine gun drums with precise riffing, each track exudes energy. A throaty bass underpins songs such as the demo "Defy", but the recording's real strength is found in bold statements of faith that are as uncompromising as they are brutally honest. "Change The World", probably the most commercial cut, opens proceedings with a solid rumble and a call to personal holiness. Other notable tracks include the anthemic "Oh No, Not Again" which runs and builds into the nearest that The Lead get to a sing-a-long chorus. For fans of hardcore there is very little on offer not to enjoy, and for the curious, this is an iconic recording in the development of a branch of hard music. The Lead were pioneers and this recording with its extra demos gives a nice insight into the embryonic stages of the Florida hardcore scene of the early '90s.

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.

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