This is the second album from the band, following on from their very enjoyable debut 'Caught In The Act'. For this album they have a new label and legendary NWOBHM DJ Neal Kay handling production. As a result gone is the melodic hard rock of the debut and in comes a more classic metal approach. Continuing the NWOBHM connection the bands manager is Jess Cox of Tygers of Pan Tang fame.

Vocalist John 'Harv' Harbinson (ex-Fastway/Sweet Savage) still leads the metal charge with his strong vocals, none more so on the opener and title track. Some very heavy duelling guitar featured on this one courtesy of Keith Harris and new kid on the block, Chris Polin who fits well into the band's sound. Another change in line-up sees Sweet Savage drummer Davy Bates replaced Glen Gray. Bates makes his mark on a couple of intros including 'World Of Sorrow', a rousing metal anthem.

Saxon come to mind on the slow build-up on '(Destiny Of Legends) The Legend Carries On', whilst a bit of Maiden creeps into 'Wasted Lives' one of the album highlights. It does take a few spins to gell on some songs like 'Final Journey' but it is well worth the effort.

Don't go expecting an album like the debut but do expect a highly polished slice of classic metal. Stormzone are likely to gain more recognition and success playing this style of music than their previous melodic rock/AOR incarnation due to a bigger audience especially in mainland Europe.

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Review by Jason Ritchie