This album has already proved a smash hit in Sweden and Finland where it was released last year and now it gets a full European release. The line-up features former members of Great King Rat, the Zan Clan and Talisman including guitar whiz Pontus Norgren (who has been involved in many melodic hard rock albums through the years).

Like Lordi, Big Cock and Gotthard this band take the classic 80's hard rock sound and give it an update. I defy anyone not to enjoy the title track, a real metal anthem that puts bands like Edguy to shame. Great guitar solo and a catchy as f**k chorus.

The album is chock full of anthems like ‘Song For You' where vocalist Jakob Samuel really lets rip (he has hints of Mark Slaughter and Michael Flexig of Zeno fame in his vocals). For something with a faster pace try ‘Number One', whilst the power ballad ‘Crying' is one a certain Mr Coverdale would love to have written I am sure! A cover of Ultravox's ‘Dancing With Tears In My Eyes' seems out of place with the rest of the album but bar that it is pure enjoyment from start to finish.

The Poodles rock and then some! Big choruses, nifty guitar solos and tunes that just won't leave your head. An upcoming tour with Hammerfall and Krokus should see the band swell their fan base nicely and if you can't see them live get this album as it is one to delight all fans of hard rock meets metal.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie