This is album number six for Japan’s loudest musical export, and for some reason it was remixed and renamed for the North American market. The album’s original title was Shadows Of War. I think the remix was done by producer Max Norman. I have not heard the original, but end result has a very huge American radio-friendly sound.
Opener Let It Go has a huge sound with a very catchy chorus, and thankfully plenty of Akira on the fretboard. Dark Desire has a Dokken groove and feel, as does a lot of the album. My favourite tune of the rockin’ side is 1000 Eyes, especially with the Randy-style riffing from Akira. I’m glad to report that there are still some full on metal assaults with tracks like Face To Face and my favourite of the metal side is Black Star Oblivion. I’m always a sucker for a heavier tune with a nice drum groove and lots of guitar.
Was the record company trying to sanitize the band for the US market? Probably, and that’s why Dissolution and Thunder In The East are my favourite albums.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
