New solo album from the former Priest/Iced Earth/Malmsteen singer, and it's a heavy slab of prime metal with a guest list well worth checking out.

Think 90s trad metal with a doomy heavy edge and screaming vocals and guitars in equal amounts. The guitar on 'The Cover Up' stands out, while 'Pick Yourself Up' is more rhythmic, pounding and heavy. From Ripper's own influences from Priest and Iced Earth and you get the idea of where he's coming from.

Ripper has kept his vocal range, which is as great as Halford's, from growls to screeches, and on 'It Is Me' takes him close to his Priest days.

There is some outstanding work throughout, but when among the plethora of guitarists you have Bob and Bruce Kulick (both Kiss), Craig Goldy, Doug Aldrich, and bassists that include Marco Mendoza, Billy Sheehan, David Ellefson and Rudy Sarzo, you know there will be moments worth checking out. Drummer for most of the album is Simon AC/DC / Dio Wright.

Stand out track is 'To Live Again', fantastic riff.

The only criticism is that large parts of the album are a little samey.

Well worth checking out though.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com