After the break-up of the original Vengeance Rising, four of the five members went on to form Die Happy, along with singer Robyn "Kyle" Basauri (Red Sea, Joshua). After their first album, former Badlands bassist Greg Chaisson (Red Sea) joined the band for their second CD and follow-up live EP. Most of the members are now in Once Dead.

DIE HAPPY (1992) INTENSE

Die Happy is by no means a continuation of Vengeance Rising, even though 4 of the 5 members came from mentioned band. 'Die Happy' is a completely different sounding effort. The music is mid-paced and quite blues-tinged, and that's not only due to Mr. Basauri's voice. Originally meant to be only a guest, he did bring a Led Zeppelin vibe to the bands heavy music. Most of the songs on this debut album sounds s bit too much alike, and it might take a little effort to really get under the skin on this CD. But when you do, I'll promise you a good time, with some quality metal. It' cool to hear Larry Farkas signature solos in a different setting. The song "Cage" was originally written for the 3rd Vengeance Rising album, and the band did do the number live on the 'Once Dead'-tour, then calling it "The Wailing". The humor from songs like "Mulligan's Stew" has been handed down in the funny "Bone Doctor".

Killer tracks: Bone Doctor, Cage, Slide Rule, Celebration, Silver Cloud

VOLUME II (1993) INTENSE

On 'Volume II" Die Happy developed their own brand of blues metal even further. This is groove and funk all the way, and the thrash metal influences are all gone. New bass-player, Greg Chaisson, brings with him his experiences from Badlands. And that is definitely a band to compare Die Happy too. This is a much more "together" album, and the production is great here. Now, I am the first one to admit that blues tinged metal is not really my thing, still I find that I enjoy most of this CD too. This is not a frequent player, but something to put on if in the mood.

Killer tracks: Sticks And Stones, Tear Gallery, Blue, Eden