For a band that's been around for nearly 35 years, it's almost hard to believe that Trial of Fire-Live in North America, recorded in 2013, represents the bands first ever live performances in North America. Well, if you know the history of Satan, there's a simple reason why this is the case. As one of the original bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene in the early '80s, Satan released their highly influential debut Court in the Act in 1983 before splitting not long after, as the members formed & joined other bands, eventually all coming back together once again as Satan in 2011 and releasing their triumphant Life Sentence in 2013. This live album documents some of the best material from both albums, played perfectly as if the band had never strayed apart, in front of crowds that are singing along every step of the way. Throughout you can easily hear how Satan influenced a whole generation of thrash & speed metal bands that followed in their wake.
From the outset of this collection of songs recorded throughout the tour, it's clearly evident that vocalist Brian Ross is still in amazingly fine form, leading the band at full throttle through rippers like "Break Free", "Blades of Steel", "Time to Die", "Siege Mentality", "Alone in the Dark", "Kiss of Death", and of course the premiere track off of Life Sentence, the barnstorming metal ripper "Cenotaph". The instrumental "The Ritual" contains some splendid lead guitar work courtesy of Steve Ramsey &
Russ Tippins (Iron Maiden fans take note!) and the duo also weave some tasty twin guitar madness on the incredible "Incantation", with the fans singing along with Ross in a way that can only bring a smile to your face. Honestly, it's so cool to hear the love for this band, who've obviously been away from the scene for far too long and their return has really been embraced by longtime, loyal fans.
If you are a classic heavy metal fan, and there's only one live album you will buy this year, Trial of Fire-Live in North America should be the one. The band are as tight as ever and obviously having a blast playing these old & new classics. Welcome back guys, and I hope you stay around for years to come.
Track Listing
1) Intro / Trial By Fire
2) Blades Of Steel
3) Time To Die
4) Twenty Twenty-Five
5) Break Free
6) No Turning Back
7) The Ritual
8) Siege Mentality
9) Oppression
10) Incantation
11) Testimony
12) Alone In The Dark
13) Heads Will Roll
14) Cenotaph
15) Kiss Of Death
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