Bride's newest release, The Jesus Experience, has set the band on new higher ground. Since the style change of their 1995 release Drop, which turned off some longtime Bride fans, Bride has decided to return home to the style the band is best known for - metal. This time around, they fuse the metal elements with a modern flavor that breathes fresh new life into this classic rock band.

Dale Thompson pumps out the lead vocals in a new creative way on some songs. A personal favorite is "The Worm," based on King David's Psalm 22 (see Psalm 22:6, specifically). The album is driven by Troy Thompson's crunchy, groove-laced guitars and Dale's powerful vocal projection, along with Steve Curtsinger (bass) and Jerry McBroom's (drums) impressive rhythm section. The subjects of the songs vary from morality and leaving your past behind you, to following Christ and living and dying for Him. The album isn't as dark as some of the past Bride albums have been, which is also a highlight.

The Jesus Experience should please the ears of any Bride fan. Even those who didn't like any of their past work but love harder music may find something to like about The Jesus Experience. This disc also includes a Quicktime version of the video, "The Worm," which was shot earlier in the year. Experience Bride's new sound now!

- Written by John DiBiase, 1997