For almost a decade, the short-lived Christian metal band X-Sinner has been hiding under a rock until now. A small number of devout fans might remember their Pakaderm/A&M Records releases Get It and Peace Treaty, which are currently out of print. The band was never satisfied with the finished products while record sales barely paid the bills for their studio time with Pakaderm. In 1992, X-Sinner decided to call it quits and leave the record label without intentions of making a third album. In 2005, band members Rex Scott, Greg Bishop, and Rob Kniep came together to re-record their second album Peace Treaty under the new title Fire It Up for Retroactive Records. The album was praised for its raw sound and good mix, while at the same time the album gave fans a taste of what to expect from their future album of new original material, called World Covered In Blood.

As a fan of the group, I have to say this is by far the best album I have ever heard from both a Christian perspective and a musical perspective. World Covered In Blood is being released through Image Records and, much like their previous album Fire It Up, these songs are much more fleshed out and the band was able to capture the raw energy of AC/DC that several die-hard fans have been waiting for. Greg Bishop's guitar riffs and solos are very reminiscent of guitarist Angus Young, and he is perfect on every track while trying to be as original as possible with the material. Rex Scott's voice can be scratchy and annoying at certain times, but it's obvious he attempted to sound like both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson on this release. The overall message of the album is short and simple: the blood of Jesus Christ is what covers our sins.

Some of the lyrics are short and not as well written as they should have been, while other times the lyrics are beautiful and amazing. In the lyrics to the title track, Rex Scott does an excellent job of being poetic while writing about Christ's death for the sins of the world, "Why did we kill the man of peace? Now his death falls at our feet, Our hands are stained and we cop a plea, We justify our every deed, But still it flows unrestrained, Like a flood in the pouring rain." In the catchy rock anthem "Forgive Them," the testament of Jesus' love for those who crucified Him appears throughout the track, "They mock and taunt and punch your face. Tell us where's your saving grace? Feel their spit run down your face mixed with blood, You take your place, Among the thieves and liars too, Now the whip is waiting for you, While they take your life away you say, Forgive them." Other noteworthy rock anthems on this release include "Back In Red," "Holy Ghost & Fire," and "Ready To Go." The album closes with the rock ballad "That Ain't Me," which tells the story of a practicing Christian realizing he or she did not make a full commitment to the Lord.

If Bon Scott ever made it to heaven, I'm sure he would be shouting out praises and rocking out to this album, knowing that his legacy with AC/DC has influenced a group of believers to rock out in the name of Christ. Anyone who might have said anything negative towards X-Sinner in the past will more than likely take it back after hearing these new tunes. World Covered In Blood is a breathe of fresh air that will appeal the most to fans of AC/DC as well as other forms of classic rock n' roll. If you love 1980's hard rock, do yourself a favor and add this record to your collection.

- Review date: 1/23/09, written by Fred Keel of Jesusfreakhideout.com