Die Happy's debut featured four members of Vengeance Rising and vocalist Robin "Kyle" Basauri, who was suppose to just be a guest vocalist. The music is still heavy and retains some of the Vengeance sound, but adds a bit more groove. The fast thrash riffs are still present in songs like "Cage". ("Cage" was originally written for the third Vengeance Rising CD and was originally titled "The Wailing" and was played this way on the "Once Dead" tour.) However, for the most part this CD sports a more mid-paced heavy metal approach. Of course Robin's vocals are what really separated this disc from the Vengeance sound. Where Roger Martinez was a rough, aggressive thrash growler, Robin has a powerhouse singing voice with a wide range that reminds me slightly of Ray Gillen (Badlands) or even Rob Rock. The lyrical themes are less serious than on the first two Vengeance discs as well. Songs like "Bone Doctor" show the band's sense of humor. Others, however, echo the more evangelistic and serious side of the band. This is probably one of the best discs most people have never heard. My copy is autographed by Glenn Mancaruso (drums), Doug Thieme (guitars) Larry Farkas (guitars) and Roger Dale Martin (bass).
