Only two albums after the awesome metal-ness of their killer second album, Knights Of The New Thunder, this, their fourth album is a completely different beast. Whether that was record company interference, or the band taking advantage of Harnell’s voice for a more softer radio friendly sound – I guess we will never know. One things for sure, this album raised their profile in the US thanks to the singles, Tonight I’m Falling, Intuition, and Take Me Down (Fallen Angel).
Now if you’re like me and love all things guitar, then Ronnie Le Tekro was something slightly different to the usual LA copycat crowd – his style and sound were like a breath of fresh air. He doesn’t get to shine so much on this record as the emphasis is more on the songs, but when he does it’s a joy to hear like on tracks like Caught Between The Tigers, which is trademark old school TNT with a killer riff and superb playing from Ronnie. Forever Shine On, a throwback to the older sound with a superb riff, killer playing, and Harnell’s voice and range is just insane. Even on tracks like End Of The Line, which is a very syrupy ballad but Ronnie’s solo is superb.
Still the same band, but changes a plenty. It’s hard to beat Knights as that was such a killer album, but I really like this album a lot and it’s still an enjoyable listen.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
