''Danger Zone' is the third album from German Metallers 'Sinner', succeeding 'Wild 'N' Evil' and 'Fast Decision', this however is usually regarded as their first major release. The style exhibited here is quite hard to describe, it's heavily influenced by the early US Hair Bands, 'Dokken', 'Ratt' and particularly 'Mötley Crüe' spring to mind, but there's also a large slab of Early British and European Metal in the Mix, 'Accept' and the NWOBHM are definitely drawn from. Combine this eclectic mix with a pretty average production and you'd think this would be a real duffer, well this isn't the case, somehow it all seems to come together startlingly well. 'Mat Sinner' is a lot better than the regular Teutonic vocalist for the early / mid 80's and the instrumentation is remarkably sharp and although 'Danger Zone' is nothing groundbreaking, it's an unexpected yet pleasant journey.

The title track opens proceedings and is possibly the best cut present, after a corny introduction to the album, we are presented with the brisk pulsating 'Danger Zone', 'Matt Sinner' sounds especially strong on the decent lyrics and is well supported by some lively guitar work from 'S.G. Stoner' and 'Mick Shirley' who play in a similar style to 'Tipton' and 'Downing' on this excellent opener. The pace drops a tad for 'No Place in Heaven' an 'Accept' style plodder with lyrics and undercurrents of the Hair Metal genre, decent stuff though complete with strong rhythm and solos, however the average penmanship does detract a little. Following strongly is the lively 'Scene of a Crime', another energetic number, fuelled by driving drum and bass work, while braced by some better lyrics and fine guitar licks. Next up is the riff driven 'Lupo Manaro', lyrically this werewolf inspired number falls flat, but thankfully the instrumentation is sharp throughout and carries it. Improvements are made with the early 'Mötley Crüe' style 'Fast, Hard & Loud', a simplistic rocker that while nothing revolutionary is enjoyable, despite 'Mat Sinner' not sounding quite his best on the chorus. Better still is the basic but ultimately exceptional 'The Shiver', a fast paced number which rides on a pulsating rhythm and overall sounds not too dissimilar from early 'W.A.S.P.'. Following in a similar fashion is 'Razor Blade' a decent cut let down by a weak and repetitive chorus, while 'Shadow in the Night' is a lively treat, graced with sweet fret work, sharp vocals and solid lyrics. Better still is the nicely penned 'Wild Winds' a gritty pulsating track contrasted by a lighter Hair Metal style chorus, a decent combination and another highlight. 'Rattlesnake' starts off strongly with a fine intro but unfortunately goes down hill with the appalling chorus, a shame as the melody is strong and well executed with plenty of hooks. Last up is a short instrumental titled 'Outro (Dancer II)', very 'Dokken' like but hardly worth including at 30 seconds.

A little more material wouldn't have gone a miss, 35 minutes leaves me a bit disappointed, but this is still a very enjoyable, abate short effort, that's worth checking out if you like any of the aforementioned groups.