'My Private Hell' is another one of those records that surprises you from the off. Steevi Jaimz, probably best known as the vocalist on the first Tigertailz album (and the recent legal wrangling over said band name), has released a CD that, not only does it not rely upon the past but has a matured and self assured sound that will no doubt open Jaimz up to a whole new fan base.

Written and recorded in Sweden with Chris Laney and Anders Ringman, better known as Platform, whose previous productions include Europe, Bai Bang and Candlemass. What they have produced between them is 12 tracks of hard rock with nods to late '80's Kiss, Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne - we get big guitars, big choruses and some superb harmonies.

The time is right for a new album harking back to this era as nostalgia is currently running high for many a rock fan - just look at this years Download festival line-up.

As for the highlights on the album, and they are numerous, there is opening track 'Amazing', 'Don't Say It's Over' - written with former Alice Cooper guitarist Ryan Roxie, 'Still Crazy', title track 'My Private Hell' and slower number 'I Don't Wanna Walk Away', a track reminiscent of Def Leppard's 'Foolin''.

It is hard to imagine Jaimz's former band releasing an album of this quality any time soon. Welcome back.

*****

Review by Nikk Gunns