The third outing for 'Axel Rudi Pell' and as with the previous releases a new vocalist is brought in, fortunately the new face takes the shape of 'Jeff Scott Soto', who in my estimation is one of the finest journeymen vocalists. With the new frontman also comes a slightly different sound as 'Axel' and the band take a more in-depth melodic approach as opposite to the brisk simplistic rockers of the first two albums and overall is fairly comparable to the current 'Axel Rudi Pell'. 'Jeff Scott Soto's' vocals combine well with the music and this is the first of a string of successful 'Pell / Soto' albums, I do however feel 'Eternal Prisoner' lacks a couple of standout tracks which the previous releases definitely had.

Explosive guitaring announces the rip-roaring 'Streets of Fire' a very brisk almost speed metal track driven by blazing riffs and laced with dazzling fret work, the clean but powerful vocals of 'Jeff Scott Soto' are complimentary and combine to create a great opener. Hot on the heels is the lively rocker 'Long Time', a pretty simplistically structured track but ultimately superb, fuelled with great pulsating rhythm, sharp cutting vocals especially on the cracking chorus and more sensational guitar licks. The pace drops for the semi epic title track, a mid tempo number that's pretty much a mixed bag, the mid track instrumentation seems to labour away for too long, but thankfully it all picks up for a lively conclusion. The momentum decreases further for the balladsy 'Your Life' and while a fairly strong effort it's a far-cry from the two blistering openers and leaves me wishing for the faster paced material. Next up is 'Wheels Rolling' and with a title like that along with the simplistic intro you would think this was 'Saxon', the song builds into a basic mid tempo effort and as with the previous cut is decent but doesn't really scream 'Axel Rudi Pell' with the somewhat restrained guitaring. Back on track is the raunchy rocker 'Sweet Lil' Suzie' a sort of remake of 'Call her Princess' and while its doesn't outdo that gem, this is a solid effort complete with strong chorus and a slightly bluesy approach which 'Soto's' vocals lend themselves to splendidly. The pace drops once again for the subtle instrumental 'Dreams of Passion', a well executed piece but overall a little uninteresting with it's lack of tempo change. The tempo picks up again for 'Shoot Her to the Moon', a brisk number that overall is pretty catchy despite the relatively poor lyrics, 'Axel' once again shines with superb axe work throughout. Continuing in similar fashion is the lively 'Ride the Bullet' and as with the previous track the lyrics are hardly mind-blowing (with such gems as rhyming "direction" with "erection") the instrumentation is very strong and carries the track.

Very consistent but as a whole not 'Axel's' most memorable release, however still a must for fans of the German guitar Whiz who notches up another accomplished album.