For me this band will never best the metal classic that is 'The Dark' album, which had the riffs, melodies and vocals to make it a 'must have' album.

This is the band's eight studio album and also the 20th anniversary of the release of 'The Dark'. You can't fault the music as it is riff heavy classic metal and tunes like the title track and 'Mirror Of Lies' hit the mark nicely.

The main drawback for me is that they really miss the vocals of David Wayne, although Ronny Munroe is no vocal lightweight. It says it all really on their tribute to the late David Wayne on the re-recording of 'Watch the Children Play' - the music is faultless but sadly Munroe just can't do justice to the tune in my ears.

Fans will enjoy but for me I hope Kurt Vanderhoof spreads his wings once more and records a follow-up to last year's excellent debut album by Presto Ballet.

***½

Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly