Bit of an unusual album in the band’s catalogue as it was the first without original singer Udo , nd was the first with his first replacement David Reece – then they split up for the first time a few months later. Even though there are 5 members pictured on the cover, rhythm guitarist Jim Stacey doesn’t actually play on the album as Wolf “the riff” Hoffman plays all guitars. This is sort of a forgotten album in the bands history but I really like it. It’s got more of a hard rock feel than a metal album (which is what probably upset the diehards), and the material suits Reece’s vocal style.
XTC opens the album with a trademark Hoffman fat huge muted riff – a great opening track. Generation Clash follows, and weirdly enough, UDO has recorded a version of this track on his tribute album. Chain Reaction sounds like a typical hair metal track of the period and even has a sing-a-long chorus. Next Up is Love Sensation, and I really love the heavied up AC/DC groove and vibe. Turn The Wheel closes out Side 1 and it’s a big stomper sing-a-long monster of a tune.
Prisoner opens up Side 2 and has to be the most commercial song the band ever did – it doesn’t even sound like Accept. Not a big fan of the ballad Mistreated, and Stand 4 What U R is just an average attempt at making American radio. Hellhammer on the other hand is going in the right direction and actually sounds like WASP. D Train closes out the album and is the best track with a great riff and the double kicks are on point.
I get why the fans did not like this album, but if a couple of the slower songs had been dropped and replaced with rockers, the album would have flowed a lot better.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
