"This album in the first in the rereleases of a very underrated metal band, Living Sacrifice. This album was done in the style of Slayer, before they went all out death metal. If your into great thrash metal, which unfortunately nobody does it anymore, get this album! It kicks! Get this one and the next rerelease, "Nonexistant", which is possibly the heaviest album ever made. Now if only they rereleased old Believer albums..."
Living Sacrifice - Self Titled
Edward J. Ferguson | Lexington, KY | 08/05/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I have been listening to Slayer since 1986. I have been listening to Living Sacrifice since the day this disc was released back in 1991. They do not sound like Slayer! This is a good speed and thrash metal release with excellent drumming and some good aggression in the music. "Violence" and "The Prodigal" have some excellent riffs to bang your head too."
4 1/2 stars A pretty good debut by one of the best bands ev
the invader zim | Tupelo, MS USA | 04/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am finally reviewing this debut cd of Living Sacrifice. This is probably there most underated album of all time. Sure they were musically "inspired" by Slayer, Anthrax, etc., but I really don't care because a lot of the fans of LS started out with their metalcore cds and don't like there old stuff and more than likley, think that a lot of those poser metalcore bands are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Instead, since I don't own anything form Slayer, I can say definately without being biased one bit that this is a very good cd. It's a brutal/speed thrash cd with some great music throughout. DJ's vocals are different of course, but so are all LS cds. In fact, I like his different vocal styles, especially on Nonexistent. I first tryed to get this cd from Lifeway in 2004 on sale for $2.50 (or maybe in early 2005, I can't quite remember) but it had sold out or something. Finally in July of 2005, I bought it at FYE used for 6.99 or 5.99 ( can't remember that to clearly either). All in all, not a bad album at all; it's not there best but definately one worth getting."
Speed thrash supreme
El Kabong | 03/17/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A debut album of this stature is rare. Even at such a young age, Living Sacrifice laid a slab of heaviness that rivaled veteran bands of that time. This album is predominatley speed/thrash metal. The guitar riffs stay fairly fast through out the whole album with an occasional most excellent razor sharp solo. The drumming isn't quite as diverse as in later albums, but still very, very skilled. The vocals fit the album well. The well spoken positive lyrics are a clear and forceful yell. It all mixes together to form an album that will be held as a Christian Metal classic for ages to come. El Kabong gives it four head bangs."
Slayer has met their match
Jason W Childers | 12/03/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is the Christian metal band Living Sacrifice's self titled debut that came out in 1991. This was of course during a time in the history of metal when straight up old school thrash was rather passé as its fiercer sounding and subsequently inevitable progression into death metal had been reasonably established when this was released. Nonetheless, this is a great thrash album that easily holds up well against this band's satanic counterpart Slayer.
The overall sound is an exact cross section between the insane speed and sheer brutality of Slayer's Reign in Blood and the darker, mid-paced rhythms that are quite prevalent on their 4th offering South of Heaven.
The guitaring showcases incredibly fast and accurate Slayer quality riffs without even plagiarizing them one bit. The leads ranged from good to acceptable sometimes leaving desired originality and dynamics. But in my opinion they're still better than Kerry King's brand of light speed solos that lack tightness as well as being just plain sloppy.
The drumming is tight and well executed and comes close to the standard set by veteran drummer Dave Lombardo who's only advantage here is merely age and experience as Lance Garvin was just 18 when this was recorded.
The production is good but certainly not polished. I thought it could have been a little louder myself but not a bad job by any means.
In conclusion, this release encompasses nearly every legitimate quality of good old school Slayer saving for the tired satanic overtones that plague Slayer's otherwise great music. Fans of great thrash will not be disappointed."