'Jaws of Death' is the all important sophomore album for 'Primal Fear' and thankfully there's no slacking, as 'Ralf Scheepers', 'Mat Sinner' and Co. unleash another instalment of 'Priest' tinged ripping Power Metal. That said I wouldn't go as far as to say this betters the debut, consistency wise 'Jaws of Death' can't be faulted, but perhaps there aren't quite as many standout tracks. The line-up for this album is further bolstered by the addition of guitarist 'Stefan Leibing', but that said 'Kai Hansen' who guested on the debut is no longer present.

After the menacing intro 'Jaws of Death' we are catapulted into the rip-roaring opener 'Final Embrace' a top class riff driven gem, highlighting 'Ralf Scheepers' imposing vocals, clever atmospheric sound effects and the usual tight fret work we have now come to expect. The quality continues with 'Save a Prayer' and checkout the guitaring on the intro- wow, the rest of the track fails to disappoint with fine solos and an abrasive chorus. Nastier still is the thundering 'Church of Blood', a full throttle Power Metal ripper and while the chorus is perhaps a tad light, musically it's just brimming with shredding guitars and bristling rhythm work- great track. Following in fine form is the high octant 'Into the Future' and this time around 'Ralf Scheepers' steals the show with a stunning vocal performance, at times you would swear that it's 'Halford' singing. Less hell-bent is the keyboard fuelled mid tempo rocker 'Under your Spell', lyrically it's nicely done and the instrumental work is top notch, that said a couple of the pace changes don't quite come off as well as they might. The tempo is lifted once again for the pulsating 'Play to Kill', a pretty standard affair for 'Primal Fear', brisk, uncompromising and ultimately convincing. Along the same lines but slightly more simplistic is 'Nation of Fear', not my favourite track from the album, as the chorus gets a little boring after a while, overlooking this still a decent track complete with some fine work from 'Tom Naumann' and 'Stefan Leibing'. 'When the Night Comes' ensues and if 'Dokken' did Power Metal this is what it might sound like, melodic, full of fine guitar licks and to the backdrop of a sublime grooving rhythm. The momentum is lifted with the pulsating 'Fight to Survive' and while not one of the best tracks present, still a pleasant journey with a fine chugging rhythm and sharp work from 'Scheepers'. Last up is the hard hitting, 'Priest' reminiscent 'Hatred in my Soul', a nasty ripper, exhibiting superb vocals, choice guitar laden instrumental break and a fine chorus.

Perhaps not quite as cutting as the debut, but still another masterclass in Power Metal from 'Primal Fear'.