This album marks a collaboration with German theatre director Pierre Walter Politz and the adaption of Friedrich Schiller's 'Die Rauber' to fashion that hoary old chestnut of rock - the rock opera.

The result can be best considered a loose interpretation of Schiller's story and the themes of rebellion and good and evil.

Although there is some German dialogue/lyrics, for the most part it seems to be business as usual for Bonfire, and as a whole this should appeal to those who like Helloween and Kamelot - in short, theatrical heavy rock with a bit of welcome bombast.

One of German's most enduring melodic rock bands, Bonfire now feature Chris Limburg alongside founder member Hans Ziller together with long-standing vocalist Claus Lessmann.

There are some standouts, too, 'Bells Of Freedom', 'Refugee of Fate' and 'Black Night' rattle along well, whilst the acoustic ballad 'Love Don't Lie' gets a reprise as a bonus track. The latter brings to mind prime-time Scorpions. And there's the lighter-in-the-air, affirmatory, 'Let Me Be Your Water' and the out-and-out rocker 'The Good Die Young'.

Worth investigating. And that rare item: a theatrical album that works off stage as well.

****

Review by David Randall