The 'Mad' E.P released after the disappointing 'The Pack is Back' showed a return to the true 'Raven' sound and thankfully 'Life's a Bitch' follows well and truly in same fashion. Don't let the fact that this was released under the Atlantic label fool you into thinking this is in the vein of the previous two outings. This is an excellent comeback that features the classic sound of the first three albums, fast aggressive and well within the NWOBHM spirit. Regrettably the damage had already been done by '87 and this failed to sell as well as it should and they were dropped from the record label. 'Life's a Bitch' also marks the last outing for iconic drummer 'Rob "Wacko" Hunter'.

The opening track 'The Savage and the Hungry' soon erases memories of 'The Pack is Back', this energetic rocker is graced with potent rhythm work and a hearty chorus, while 'John Gallagher' gets in plenty of trademark screams on some gutsy lyrics. Following solidly is 'Pick your Window', an even brisker cut that is regrettably let down by some average lyrics, despite this it's still full of excellent guitaring. The title track ensues and fails to disappoint, the chorus is fist raising and nicely executed, while the instrumental break is timely and impressive, helping make this another top cut. The pace is maintained for the typical 'Raven' rocker 'Never Forgive' which includes a blazing instrumental break, while the more mainstream sounding 'Iron League' is catchy but hardly groundbreaking. More thoughtfully crafted is the semi epic 'On the Wings of an Eagle' which dues to the lyrics has a slight 'Iron Maiden' feel, musically it's bang on the money, rapid, driving and totally has that classic 'Raven' sound. Harking back to the uncompromising sound of 'Wiped Out' is the fast and furious 'Overload', a good brisk ripper that helps make up for the last two releases. Even better albeit simpler is 'You're a Liar' (reminds me of my old boss), the chorus is a superb sing-a-long while the music is energetic and sports some deft guitar licks. The tempo is sustained with 'Fuel to the Fire' a pretty standard 'Raven' affair, but made all the better by a great vocal display from 'John Gallagher', who gets in some belting screams. Better still is the pulsating 'Only the Strong Survive', where more excellent rhythm work is complimented by gutsy lyrics and 'Mark Gallagher's' usual steadfast guitar work. Slightly darker is 'Juggernaut', a little sluggish and uneven in places but far from poor, while 'Playing with Fire' closes in superb fashion, nicely penned, gutsy and features yet another cracking chorus.

The two bonus tracks with the Mayhem re-released version include the semi decent rocker 'Trigger', that while lyrically repetitive, is worth the inclusion thanks to it's sharp instrumentation. The second 'Speed of the Reflex' originally featured on the 'Mad' E.P and fails to disappoint, in fact is often regarded as one of 'Raven's' best, musically brisk yet catchy while incorporating a raw mid track slow-down, before closing at intense speed- great stuff.

There's not a duff song on the whole album and should not be overlooked by any 'Raven' fans, ultimately perhaps lacking a little variation to compete with 'Rock Until You Drop' or 'All for One' but still one damn fine album.