Another new album on the Rock Candy label and damn fine it is too. Melodic rockers Stampede who, alongside the likes of Praying Mantis and Magnum, gave a classy polished edge to the NWoBHM, recently reformed and have given us a slice of something much beefier.

Having seen the band perform some of this album live I knew it was good, and 'Send Me Down an Angel' kicks off in fine form. The first few tracks have a hard edged funk, almost soul metal feel, while 'Make A change' is a solid ballad. 'Hard Rock Hell' is more metal, a nod back to more trad NWoBHM, while 'This Road' is a solid blistering number. 'Homeward Bound' is the first to nod back to the melodic rock of old. Founder members Reuben and Lawrence still sound good.

If you're going to wait over 25 years to reform, you may as well do it right, Stampede have.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com