This project features vocalist David Reece (Accept, Bangalore Choir) and guitarist Martin Kronlund (Gypsy Rose, Dogface), who also handles the bass parts.

Opener 'My Angel Wears White' is nothing other than blistering, with searing guitars and layered (and equally searing) vocals that nod back to the mid 80s hair metal at its best. 'Samurai' has that Japanese feel, and some great guitar work at the upper end. When not providing some melodic metal riffs, Kronlund does like a bit of shred.

Compare that to 'Could This Be Madness' which is much more melodic, slower and a touch bluesier, even when the heavier guitars come in. This is almost at the blues end of heavy AOR. 'Animals and Cannibals' picks things up and injects some dirty rock'n'roll.

There's some sleaze in 'Paint The Mirror Black' that rocks too. A stand out track. This is typical of the highpoints, there are no real low points but bits that do just drift by. Some excellent moments though,

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com