The first album for 'Wolfsbane', a group who are usually only known for being fronted by 'Bruce Dickinson's' replacement in 'Iron Maiden' 'Blaze Bayley'. Well this is hardly the type of album you would expect from 1989, this is a very raw and honest debut that wouldn't be out of place 8 years earlier along with the NWOBHM sound. 'Wolfsbane' were supposed to be a superb live act and the general consensus is they couldn't bring the same energy into the studio, I would have to go along with this, as 'Live Fast, Die Fast' is an uneven album with some decent cuts running along side mediocre filler.

First up is the excellent 'Man Hunt' a fast and furious 'Motörhead' style ripper, the guitaring is brisk and is supported by frenetic drumming and powerful vocals- a worthy opener. 'Shakin'' continues in strong fashion with some tasty fret work combining with plenty of quality rhythm, a little disjoined at times but still decent. Shades of 'Maiden' are felt on the galloping 'Killing Machine' and despite the suspicion of a drum machine this again is a good rocker. 'Wolfsbane' undergo a style change for 'The Cult' sounding 'Fell out of Heaven' and while there's more choice guitar work, this is an odd offering. Back on track is the blazing (no pun intended) 'Money to Burn', lyrically this is disappointing but the instrumentation is brisk and thoroughly enjoyable. Side two opens up with 'Greasy' a no nonsense gritty rocker, that displays some quality 'Blaze' vocals and more tasty guitar hooks. Less impressive is the 'Kiss' sounding 'I Like it Hot', a mid tempo affair that sticks out like a sore thumb, a kind of "lets see if we can get a hit single from this album" – Not with this boy'o!. 'All or Nothing' is an interesting track, with a strange grooving approach, but apart from decent vocal work, I'm not really impressed. The tempo is dropped for the balladsy 'Tears from a Fool' a song which has more than a similarity to 'Saxon's' 'Frozen Rainbow', despite this and more decent work from 'Blaze' this is pretty uninspiring. Unfortunately they have saved the worst for last, 'Pretty Baby' is lyrically poor, unimaginative and totally forgettable.

If you want raw Metal in the NWOMHM style you will probably like this, personally though I would go for the original thing and stick with 'Raven's' 'Rock Until you Drop' and 'All for One'.