This lot of Welsh rockers are the in thing at the moment in modern rock circles. This album has won awards and been lauded by Kerrang! and their ilk. They are the perfect home-grown band to introduce young Britons to the likes of Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica, and other classic metal bands. Like Trivium in the US they update the classic metal sound with lashings of "modern" heavy rock angst.

However at their base they are metalcore (combining metal and hardcore punk vocals) so those wishing for classy singing ala Bruce Dickinson might want to seek it elsewhere.

For me that is what lets the side down. I am not that keen on the vocalist but the quality of the musicians keeps me listening. "Cries in Vain" is quite a good tune it has to be said. I can see why people of a certain age love this album.

The band show class, dedication and talent is seeping from their every pore. Listen to "The End" for a good example of that. Some seriously fun riffing is going on there. I suspect they are cracking live.

***½ (a point higher if you weren't around the first time)

Review by Marty Dodge