This is a reissue of the band’s thirteenth album, released back in 2004. It seems to have a different running order to the CD.
Opening track Writings On The Wall is a crushing speed metal masterpiece, with Chris flying out the neo- classical runs that are so impressive. Crushing Daze owes more to modern metal with a deep, heavy, killer groove. Destruction is a more normal Impellitteri tune; a heavy Dio vibe mixed with Malmsteen style riffing, and killer solos. Dance With The Devil has an awesome, eerie, evil intro and then explodes into life with killer double kicks pounding along with some great riffing. Huge riffage opens up Hurricane, and I have to say this is my favourite. I’m a sucker for a big heavy riff with matching groove, and this one delivers. Judgement Day just slays from the off. One big classical speed metal romp. Playing is off the charts.
That’s Side 1 done and Side 2 opens up with The Iceman Cometh. Another modern metal heavy groove and riff that sounds cool. The solo also sounds killer. Punk is next up and err… I don’t mind the main riff and groove but the jury’s out on the main verse. Propaganda Mind follows and I like the melody to this one. Fat, simple riff, chunky groove, and some wild guitar… what’s not to like!? Next up is Stay Tonight, and that initial riff sounds so familiar I would say this is the most melodic tune on the album. We close out the album with The Fall Of Titus. Straight to the action with this one. Killer riff and double kicks a plenty.
One of the most underrated bands around, and Chris has been doing this since his first EP in ’87.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
