It's been a while since we last heard from Tabor, the former singer/guitarist/songwriter with Kings X, but this new solo album shows he's still delivering the goods. It's been four years since his last solo outing.

Unlike most guitarists' albums, the songs have structure, and feature riffs and solos in equal measure.

Uptempo melodic metal, he produces some good stuff. My main criticism would be his vocals; fine on the straight metal but on the more soulful moments he needs a more soulful vocalist. If this guy hooked up with someone like Glenn Hughes you'd get something really special.

There's some near ballad moments that keep the pace changing nicely, and others verge on heavy pop. But in this digital age what are we doing with tape hiss?

Not totally consistent but when it's good it's excellent.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

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