The album fans of 'Lillian Axe' have been waiting for!. Freshly reformed in 99' the boys have released this, a double live CD of an entire show recorded in 'Houston', in May of 2002, and as such we have an excellent modern production, that really does their superb performance credit. The lineup consists of guitarist 'Steve Blaze' vocalist 'Ron Taylor' both of which are original members, bass guitarist 'Darrin DeLatte', who featured on their last two studio albums and new members take the form of guitarist 'Sam Poitevent' and drummer 'Ken Koudelka'. Regrettable 'Jon Ster' is not present, as I thought he formed a great partnership with 'Steve Blaze', nevermind, his replacement is no slouch and 'Lillian Axe' turn in a stellar performance. 'Ron Taylor' has perhaps lost a little of his great range on the heavier tracks, but I'm splitting hairs, 'Lillian Axe' songs are always vocally challenging and there rapid range shifts, would test the very best and he still rips though twenty one tracks with abandon. 'Steve Blaze' continues to impress, his guitaring is just a joy to hear, he displays flashes of genius with solidity and his creative influence should not be overlooked. The track selection is remarkable good and will please any fan, they more or less play all their best cuts from their four studio albums and a couple from 'Fields of Yesterday' which is a nice bonus.

The first disc bursts into life with two of their best known tracks, ''Misery Loves Company' and 'All's Fair in Love + War', both are more gutsy than their album counterparts and are full of tasty hooks and thumping rhythm. 'Ron Taylor' turns in a top performance with a delectable version of 'The World Stopped Turning', his vocals drip with passion as he tears through the powerful lyrics. He then goes one step further and rips into 'Letters in the rain', I imagine this is a nightmare to perform live as he goes from 'Halford' screeches to power vocals and back again, he gets my respect for even attempting this- a great version. Other tasty cuts include the strafing groover 'Innocence', an almost album copy of 'Waiting in the Dark', the forcefully executed 'Deepfreeze' and the surprisingly tasty rocker 'Pullin' the Rats Out'. The pace is dropped for 'Ghost of Winter' and simply this is beautiful rendition, the intro and closing sound effects have been replaced with subtle guitaring pieces and this works oh so well, 'Steve Blaze' also shreds throughout- Wonderful. The first half closes with 'Fools Paradise' a more up tempo version than the original, and in my opinion better.

Disc two covers mostly tracks from 'Poetic Justice', and 'Psychoschizophrenia' and although probably not as strong as the first disc is still full of choice cuts. Non more so than the tough rocker 'Crucify', which features some crunching guitar work and top soloing. The pace drops for a great version of 'Nobody Knows', which is enhanced by the strong audience participation. Other noteworthy tracks include a driving rendition of 'Sign of the Times', the strafing gem 'Mercy', the crisply sung 'Show a Little Love' and an energetic version of 'Dream of a Lifetime'. Another jewel takes the shape of 'Voices in my Walls', a slightly darker number for 'Lillian Axe', but a beautifully sung and performed piece, full of driving rhythm and an almost 'Malmsteen' style blazing guitar solo. Less potent is 'The day I Met you' although a nice ballad, it's a bit too slow for my liking. 'Those who Pray' continues in similar form, but quickly picks up to an admirable rocker. 'Become a Monster' is an enjoyable heavy belter, but lyrically is a bit disappointing and I can see why it never made album status. This cracking live album closes with 'True Believer' one of 'Lillian Axe's' better known tracks and they don't deceive, with this enthusiastic version.

Sorry this review is long-winded but I have nothing but praise for 'Live 2002' and I hope 'Lillian Axe' go on to cut some more cracking albums and achieve the success they deserved first time around.