Band : Messiah
Album title : “Final Warning” (Collector’s Edition)
Label : Retroactive Records
Distributor : Plastic Head - Bertus
Release Date : 12/01/2011
Release : CD

This is a re-issue of an original 1984 release, which was the debut – and vinyl-only release by Messiah.  Actually ‘Final Warning’ was one of the very first Christian metal albums to be released, but this album did not get a wide distribution, and as a result became a highly sought after collector’s item – that’s if you’re into Christian heavy metal of course.

Messiah only released this album, and a 5 song EP “Going Insane”, after that they broke from their management company, and disbanded soon after that. Musically it’s all very seventies, and production cannot be compared to modern day standards.  You might compare it a bit to the production standards from the earliest Venom or Raven albums, but Messiah’s style relies on other musical influences.  I personally hear a bit of Uriah Heep in them.

Is it a good thing that Retroactive Records have picked this album for a reissue.  If you’re into classical Christian heavy metal like Saint or Emerald, you might buy this.  I on the other hand have enjoyed listening to this album, but if I have to listen to Christian metal my preferences go more towards  bands like Stryper.

70/100

Erik Morren.