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There’s big line up changes from the first record here with the addition of a second guitarist in Bruce Bouillet ,and Scott Travis on drums. To say the guitar playing is incredible on this record would be an understatement. It’s everywhere and fills every spare space, and this time there is the addition of two part harmonies. It’s the addition of Travis for me that makes the biggest difference. His double kick playing is outstanding.

It all comes together on Scarified, with that lead off drum groove, and the killer playing from everyone. This has to be one of the best virtuoso instrumental pieces put to wax – all band members are shredding. Incredible track! Hammer Away is one of the finest melodic metal tracks you will hear. As well as the incredible playing, the melody and the hook were important in this track. There are two covers on the album, a great rendition of Bowie’s Moonage Daydream, and a Judas Priest song that never was in Heart Of A Lion, which was given to the band by Rob Halford (it was supposed to be on the Turbo album but never made it).

It’s astounding that the band could not get any major label backing at the time. They would only record a live album and then Paul Gilbert was approached to join Mr. Big – and that was it. They would reform to play a few shows and record a couple of more albums, but it would just be for fun and was now a side project for all concerned. Love this record and everything they have done.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

This album is all about Paul Gilbert. Yes I know this album rocks hard, but right from the opening solo of Frenzy, its widdly-see-widdly-da all the way through. Formed in LA in ’85, this is the band’s first album released one year later. Gilbert has since toned the histrionics down somewhat, and has become a really tasteful player who has released a whole whack of solo albums.

Opening full length track, Street Lethal, is a speed metal masterpiece. Full on double kicks all the way through, unreal guitar playing, and wailing vocals. Into The Night is more restrained with a realistic groove and a great riff, and yes, lots of guitar. Blowin’ Up The Radio is back to speed territory, and again, killer riff, over the top vocals, and yes…GUITAR!!! Hotter Than Fire is a pretty standard track and is the weakest track on Side 1. Side closer, On The Loose, is a hard rock monster of a track that you can head bang to without serious injury.

Over to 2 we go with the awesome pounding Loud And Clear. Fast chugga riff and more over the top everything. Y.R.O is next and stands for Yngwie Rip Off as the riff is VERY similar to Black Star by the mad Sweed himself. Dangerous Love is up next with more chuggas, and again, lots of everything to the max. Getaway is a change of pace and is an anthem type rocker with the sing-a-long chorus. Album closer, Rock It, is a Hot For Teacher fast shuffle type of track, and again, has more of everything – especially Paul Gilbert. It’s no coincidence that is a Shrapnel release, as Varney wanted a band that could showcase Gilbert’s unreal talents. This one is for guitar aficionados and old school metal heads.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.