Eventually, the persistence would pay off and promoter Dorn Repport would secure them a spot opening for the acclaimed Daniel Band in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

[3] The official lineup for Matrix would include Dale and his brother, Troy Thompson, joined by guitarist Billy Sutherland and drummer Steve Gilbert.

One challenge being that the group believed they needed to meet an imminent release date, resulting in an album that, while showcasing their raw talent, suffered from a rushed production and a thin, muddy sound.

[6] This release marked a significant evolution in the band’s sound, as they began incorporating elements of speed and thrash metal into their compositions, showcasing a more mature and refined musical direction.

The album featured several notable tracks, including “Hell No,” “Whiskey Seed,” and “Heroes,” which quickly became iconic anthems within the Christian metal scene.

Thompson’s vocal performance continued to highlight his impressive lyrical tenor range, adding depth and intensity to the album’s themes.

Additionally, Live to Die demonstrated a marked improvement in production quality, further solidifying Bride’s reputation as one of the most innovative bands in Christian metal at the time.

This decision led him to Los Angeles, California where he would join a band called Thunder Ball, featuring Rik Fox, formerly of the group W.A.S.P.

For two weeks, Thompson would perform with Thunder Ball and spend time in the studio, gaining invaluable exposure to the California rock scene.

Thompson would work with his brother, bassist Frankie Partipilo and drummer Stephan Rolland, and in 1989 the group would record Silence is Madness.

[10] Between 1992 and 2000, Bride would tour throughout the United States, Europe, and South America in support of Kinetic Faith (1991), Snakes in the Playground (1992), Scarecrow Messiah (1994), Drop, The Jesus Experience (1995), and their ninth album, Oddities (1998).

[11] Outside of his musical career, Thompson has completed the Kentucky State EMT exam and has passed his National Registry test to become a certified Emergency medical technician and holds a CCSO certification.

[16] Despite criticism from fundamentalist groups and accusations of heresy,[17] Thompson remains steadfast in his faith, emphasizing the teachings of Christ as the core of Christianity while rejecting rigid denominational doctrines.

[18] With Bride Studio albums Compilations and other releases Solo albums With the World Will Burn With Perpetual Paranoia With Dabster Gentlemen With Swingle and Thompson Ordained With No Other God With Haunted No More With The Thomas Thompson Earth Project With Dominus Meus With Iron 501 With We Are Resolute With The Reconciled With Sovereign Cross With Not Of This World With Digital KLL