Bearing little resemblance to the band that recorded their first three albums from ’88 to ’92, this incarnation of House of Lords may just have released their strongest album since the awesome Demons Down. This album sees the introduction of one Mark Mangold of Touch fame on keys and songwriting to beef up the line up.
Jimi Bell on guitar is this band’s secret weapon, however. As a killer riffmeister and soloist, he really drives the band along and it’s the songs where he features most that are my favourites. In fact, the title track is my favourite song on the whole record. A ripping opening riff and groove drive this beast of a tune along and that main hook and chorus are just superb.
Of course, with this being a Frontiers release we have the obligatory issues with the pressing. Last track on Side 1, Cry Of The Wicked, skips like a CD when knocked so we know that this pressing is from a digital source. Plus, the surface noise on Side 4 is so loud it spoils the listening experience.
Musically it’s a 9/10 but the pressing quality is 4/10 from The Grooveman.
