Eden's Curse are back with the follow-up to last year's very strong and enjoyable debut album. The line-up remains the same namely bassist Paul Logue (CRY HAVOC), drummer Pete Newdeck (STEVE GRIMMET BAND/KILLERS), guitarist Thorsten Koehne (DEMON DRIVE), keyboards player Ferdy Doernberg (ROUGH SILK/AXEL RUDI PELL) and vocalist Michael Eden.

Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69) is back handling the production and the other key element to the band, the 'Curse Choir' of backing vocalist not only features Doogie White and Carsten Schulz as per the debut album but TNT/STARBREAKER vocalist Tony Harnell has been added as well. One thing Denis Ward does so well on albums he produces are the harmony/backing vocals which at times give Queen a run for their money!

Overall the songs are a mix of hard rockers and ballads with plenty of guitar solos to keep the listener happy. But also this time around the keys get more of a look in and can often be heard battling away on the solo spots with the guitars to great effect.

'Angels & Demons' is a definite stand out as it features a duet between Michael Eden and Pamela Moore (Operation Mindchrime by Queensryche). Both try to out sing each other making for a great duet. 'Man Against The World' is a great ballad and again the keys, with this time some classy bass lines add to the song greatly.

For straight ahead hard rock a la Pink Cream 69/Evidence One/Pretty Maids look no further than 'Masquerade Ball' or 'Just Like Judas'.

Overall I would say this second album just shades the debut mainly due to more keys adding greatly to the sound and the songs themselves, which are much more instant and stand up to repeated plays. Now all we need next are some live shows although how they will replicate the 'Curse Choir' on stage will be a challenge!

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie