This is album number three from these Swedish metal legends, who originally appeared in ’79. They had a slight change in style with this release, moving to a more hard rock sound.
Saying that, opening track The Tower has double kicks pounding all the way through with max riffage to match. In The End has a cool riff that reminds me a bit of late seventies Scorpions. Electric Messengers has the tempo up high with a classic NWOBHM style riff and superb twin guitars. Power Games is trademark Judas Priest style riffing and that echo on the voice is a giveaway. Blessed By The Night is more of the same but the hook and chorus are huge. Secret Dance has a different groove and feel to the rest of the album and gets my vote for favourite song. It reminds of another Priest song, especially that opening riff. Great solo as well.
It’s Nice To Be A King opens up Side 2 and I’m getting heavy Deep Purple vibes especially from the main riff. A cool uptempo rocker with a great guitar sound. The title track is next and it‘s anthem time. A slow plodding hands in the air stomper with the big gang chorus. Whiter Than White is next up and I would say this is my least favourite song. The riff is okay, but the song doesn’t go anywhere. Touch Of Fire is dipping into the NWOBHM riff library again. Great hook and chorus. Halloween is the penultimate track. The hook and chorus are the standout here. The album closes out with Pavement Song. A dirty fat riffing blues groover.
Not a bad album at all.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
