Description
Scarecrow Messiah is the sixth studio album by the American hard rock band Bride, released on StarSong Records in 1994. The album was recorded by John Elefante, Dino Elefante and J.R. McNeely at Pakaderm Studios, Los Alamitos, California; with John and Dino Elefante producing for Pakaderm Productions. Mixed by Dino Elefante at Pakaderm Studios, assisted by J.R. McNeely. “Doubt” features Oz Fox of Stryper on lead guitar.
Rather than trying to top the best album of its career, Bride has drawn on the elements which made ‘Snakes in the Playground‘ so successful – terrific songwriting and high-energy performances – and added a new sound and fresh lyrical twists to the mix. To begin with, producers John and Dino Elefante shave just a few rough edges off the ‘Snake’ sound while sacrificing none of the intensity of that previous release.
The core of Bride’s sound is still blues-based rock; you’ll hear plenty of Led Zeppelin via Guns ‘N’ Roses on there, if that’s what your ears crave. But guitarist Troy Thompson, bassist Rik Foley and drummer Jerry McBroom have written several tunes which also incorporate everything from R&B shadings to vintage Neil Young guitar sound. Dale Thompson’s lyrics are practically devoid of any hard rock clichés. The perfect example is the title track, which depicts Christ as the scarecrow. The image of Jesus on the cross is evoked, while the metaphor of Him hanging alone in the field for our protection is at once chilling and comforting. Dale retains his standing as arguably the premiere vocalist in Christian rock, while his accomplished bandmates offer outstanding support. ‘Scarecrow’ might not have the immediate impact of ‘Snakes’, but it’s certainly a worthy follow-up. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, August 1994]
Girder Music Promo, 2025
If you were around in 1994, you know that music was changing fast. Grunge had taken over the airwaves and many bands either adapted – or vanished. But Bride? They doubled down. Bride gave us a masterclass in sticking to your roots. Rather than chasing what was trendy, they turned inward and pushed their own sound to the next level. The result was a ferocious, focused, and faith-charged album that delivered hit after hit – «Beast», «Murder», «Scarecrow», and more, the perfect follow-up to their amazing Snakes In the Playground. Produced by John and Dino Elefante
This Limited Run Vinyl, on Girder Records, is more than just a reissue. It’s a celebration of one of Christian metal’s finest moments. With remastered audio, an expanded booklet, and two jaw-dropping vinyl variants (yes – this is Scarecrow Messiah’s first-ever vinyl release), this is the definitive version fans have waited for.
What Doug Van Pelt (HM editor) says:
Bride’s Scarecrow Messiah is criminally overlooked in many discussions about their humongous catalog. After three initial albums with the metal of frenetic double bass drums and high-pitched wailing (Show No Mercy, Live to Die, and Silence is Madness), the band down-shifted into a groove-heavy hard rock sound that catered to their strengths.
The songwriting of Kinetic Faith broadened their appeal and suddenly everybody knew their name. Their Snakes in the Playground was arguably the pinnacle album and cornerstone of their career, with «Would You Die For Me», «Psychedelic Super Jesus», and the title track finding permanent residence in their live setlist ever since, along with the beautiful ballad, «I Miss the Rain».
Scarecrow Messiah followed up with this Elefante brothers produced gem that continued to mesmerize audiences with the deep and dark grooves of «Murder» and «Beast». It was as if Dale’s voice slowed down to that perfect comfort level that Led Zeppelin found with «When the Levee Breaks». It is this unbridled power that almost toys with us, reminding us all of the importance of the rhythm section.
This album is simply a must-have for the lover of Bride. It finds the band at the top of their game, where their mastery of the blues scale and hard rock tones oozed with power and dripped with swagger.
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/scarecrow-messiah/715481858)
CD tracklist:
01. Beast – 4:27
02. Place – 3:42
03. Murder – 4:08
04. Scarecrow – 3:52
05. Crazy – 3:44
06. Time – 4:17
07. One – 3:29
08. Doubt – 4:11
09. DadMom – 3:29
10. Thorns – 5:51
11. Questions – 1:51
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by StarSong Records. Remastered for vinyl and re-issued as a Limited Edition 12-inch vinyl LP by Girder Music in 2025 (through Limited Run Vinyl/Limited Run Music), pressed on both Shockwave Blue Vinyl and Clear Glass Vial Vinyl (limited to 250 copies for each pressing). (Officially licensed from Capitol. Band Supported. First Time On Vinyl.) Also re-issued on CD (limited to 500 copies).
Scarecrow Messiah. Remastered and pressed on Shockwave Blue Vinyl, Girder Records 2025.
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