In underground heavy metal circles the original version of 'Beyond Hell's Gate' was considered something of a cult classic when it was originally recorded in 1989. But due to unforeseen circumstances the album never got released until 2005, and even then it was limited to just 1,000 copies. Five years later and the album has undergone a major revamp. This Collector's Edition boasting not only brand new artwork but a remastered and remixed version of the music to boot.

The huge difference to the original version of this album is that the original featured a god forsaken drum machine, thankfully that retched thing has been dumped and in its place sits Robert (Stryper) Sweet who had played alongside lead vocalist Keith Miles in his other band Titanic. Taking full advantage of Robert Sweet's position (sideways on) behind the tubs, the band have also recorded three bonus tracks not featured on the original recording, including the Robert Sweet drum solo 'Area 51', his first studio recorded drum solo since the Roxx Regime demo.

Anybody upon hearing me mention the word "Stryper" who looks in abject horror at the prospect of Robert Sweet playing on a bonafide metal album as opposed to Stryper's more pop/metal back catalogue, should stop right now, put your prejudices aside and crank up the volume. I have to hold my hand up and admit to being ever so weary at the words "Christian Metal" having listened to too many operatic style vocalists singing along to overly preach-like lyrics. Thankfully I have to say Final Axe are a different experience altogether. Yes there are lyrics displaying their Christian faith, but thankfully I never felt as though I was preached to unlike the more recent offering from Christian metallers Kreyson.

I urge metal fans of all genres to give this album a listen, yes even you black metallers out there. As you may know I'm partial to the occasional black metal offering myself, yet never have I felt the urge to raid Boots make up range before entering a wooded area with a medieval torture instrument and the same can be said of Final Axe's influence on me.

There is a cross range of metal styles on display across the album from the thrash-like beast of 'Baptized In Blood' to the more traditional metal of 'Soldier Of Compromise' and 'Thrown In The Fire'. As stated on the band's press release, don't expect candy-coated glam metal here...this is proper metal like God intended!

Now if only we could get a copy to the Westboro Baptist group!

www.myspace.com/finalaxe