Reviewed by Ian Webber

With over 20 albums under their belt and over 30 years of experience, the Thompson brothers have outlasted many of their contemporaries and are still producing new music with this, the latest from their classic creation Bride. Known for being experimental at times and having the ability to blend a variety of sounds, this recording is no different. Encompassing heavy metal, groove metal and rapcore, we are transported to an earlier time with more than a nod towards the era of 'Snakes In The Playground' and 'Scarecrow Messiah'. The intro is in fact a mash up of excerpts from these albums, setting a nostalgic tone. This theme is carried through the opening cuts where "Fake News" leads with a grimy, hook-laden groove that carries Dale's instantly recognisable vocals. Hot on its heels is another track that bares all the hallmarks of a Bride classic. Verses are delivered at breakneck speed and are followed by a repeated chorus line that could have been lifted straight from an earlier album. There are nods towards a more progressive sound with the bass-driven psychedelic guitars of "The Real Jesus". This track has a real earworm of a chorus. Another crowd pleaser is the thumping, bass-driven groove metal of "Think I'll Build The Bomb". Long-time fans of earlier Bride recordings will be pleased to hear this and the hints towards bluesy rock and roll that reveal the influences of the likes of Led Zeppelin. In many ways this is a very enjoyable listen, but for me, the quality of the recording seemed at times overly muffled and consequently lacking in energy. The songs are of a style that Bride fans will love, full of instantly recognisable hooks. I, however, feel that the recording never really takes off, lacking the fire needed to make this a classic.

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