This sixth album from Swedish retro metal band doesn't bring any surprises and I didn't expect them to surprise me. Wolf does what they must do. They carry the banner of pure NWOBHM. They even sound more like Judas Priest than they've done in the past. Add the Maiden twin lead influences and a little piece of Mercyful Fate to it and fans know that the new Wolf record is a blessing for them.
On this album Niklas Stalvind sounds even more like Rob Halford and sometimes even more than Rob. Wolf has never forgotten how to write strong tracks and that's why they get away with it all the time. If you are a fan of this style, you will be drooling when you are listening to songs like "Vicious Companions", "Road to Hell" and "False Preacher" (with Rob Halford on vocals?, no, just kidding). One of the weakest tracks is in my opinion "Jekyll & Hyde", a slower and average track, the same can be said about "Nocturnal Rites", not a track that will be one of my favorite Wolf songs. Although the artwork is done by Thomas Holm (Mercyful Fate: Melissa), I'm not really excited by it, it looks a little cheap. Isn't there a cover-track this time? Yes, you can find "Method to Your Madness" (Metal Church) on the Ltd. edition digipack.
This is an album that you will enjoy; recalling the eighties, still being young and harmless, just drinking beers with friends and listening to British Steel and the early Maiden albums. Buy this one and experience a déjà vu.
