'Between the Walls' uses a similar format to that exhibited on 'Eternal Prisoner', but there is thankfully plenty of development shown, which helps make this a superior release. 'Jeff Scott Soto' makes his second appearance for 'Axel Rudi Pell' and as with the previous release fails to disappoint, as his melodic yet powerful vocals blend well with 'Axel's' guitar work. Two songs 'Warrior' and the epic 'Casbah' are still live regulars today and while 'Between the Walls' isn't dissimilar from the format used on current releases, still stands as one of 'Axel's stronger releases.

As with most 'ARP' albums a short instrumental kicks things off, 'The Curse' is a fairly ordinary introduction albeit sweetly played, but does however act as a strong contrast to the ripping first track. 'Talk of the Gun' is one of 'Axel's briskest rockers, the rhythm work is thunderous, especially that of 'Jörg Michael's' drumming, 'Soto' delivers the lyrics with gusto and is supported as usual by some great fret work, in particular that of the shredding solo. Following in fine form is possibly the best track present, the anthemic 'Warrior', lyrically I find it very enjoyable in the fist raising sense, while musically it's spot on, 'Soto's' vocals really suit this track while the melody is just superb. Next up is 'Cry of the Gypsy', in my opinion one of 'Axel's' most overlooked songs, although it's very much in their usual mould, it's a very enjoyable track, the chorus is especially strong and further braced by a lively pulsating rhythm and tasty riffs. The pace drops for the intro to the epic 'Casbah', personally I'm not that impressed with the opening, but when the song gets going proper it's a jewel. Very much in the classic 'Rainbow' mould (think 'Stargazer'), with a strong pulsating flow that's complimented by sharp vocals and some excellent instrumentation- I prefer this original rendition to the live working on 'Knight Live'. Continuing strongly is the lively rocker 'Outlaw', overall pretty simplistic, but excellently executed with solid driving rhythm, splendid sing-a-long chorus and a great 'Axel' instrumental break. The tempo drops for an unexpected cover of 'Free's' 'Wishing Well', a decent enough take of a solid song, but personally it doesn't really scream 'Axel Rudi Pell' to me, despite the trademark guitar work. The pace declines further for the plodding ballad come rocker 'Innocent Child' a solid effort and while a little long and laboured for my liking, displays some excellent 'Soto' vocals and a passionately performed chorus. After a brief introduction the title track jumps into life as a lively rocker, personally I don't think it's one of their best, a little repetitive at times and most disappointing of all is the abrupt end to the track- almost as if the couldn't be bother to pen an ending. The album closes with the jazzy instrumental 'Desert Fire', a very respectably piece lead by the fantastic guitar work of 'Axel', but also incorporates the excellent keyboard skills of 'Julie Greaux'.

The partnership of 'Pell and 'Soto' always worked very well in my opinion and here they rarely disappoint on this very respectable album.