On The Rise made a big impression amongst melodic rock/AOR fans with their 2003 debut album and they are back with their new album, well Terje Eide as it his band really. Joining him are Christian Wolff on keys/bass/guitar, drummer Erik Engebretsen and keyboard player to the stars Eric Rango also features on the album.

There is a good mix of up tempo AOR tunes like 'Lost Your Track' and the superb 'No Time To Lose' which features some great guitar riffs coupled with slower numbers, of which 'Edellyn' is the pick of the bunch. 'Lifeline' mixes the hard rock of say Pretty Maids with a classic 80's AOR sound of a band like Survivor – great stuff! The playing and production really are top draw and the fact that Terje is the sole lead vocalist now hasn't seen the sound of the band alter that much. Compared to the debut album this new one is a little rockier.

Like the debut album this one will sail effortlessly into my year end 'Best Of' list and hopefully we won't have to wait too long for album number three. Like the recent 101 South this is an essential buy for fans of AOR.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie