More exceptional 'Melodic Metal' from 'Lillian Axe' as they continue to craft songs that possess both crunch and depth. Again they manage to conjure up another understated album full of interesting and punchy cuts that overall expands their original sound and displays more consistency then their self-titled debut.

The Brilliant opening track 'All's Fair in Love and War' is a real treat, lyrically, on-a-par with anything of the time, musically, inventive and original. The guitar work is energetic and slashing, while the vocals are powerful and melodic- what more do you want?. The fun continues with 'She Likes it on Top', a lighter hearted romp, and by the title you know what its about, again the partnership of rhythm guitarist 'Jon Ster' and lead axe man 'Stevie Blaze' continues to shine with sweet melodies and choice hooks. The momentum is dropped for the slower paced 'Diana' and 'Down on You', while both are decent tracks they are overshadowed by the many other excellent cuts. The first half closes with the masterfully penned 'The World Stopped Turning', although a slow tempo track it's still very powerful, with 'Ron Taylor' singing with enormous conviction while the rhythm department trades biting with melodic- very accomplished. More harmonious delights take the form of 'Ghost of Winter' another slower number, but again a splendidly written and performed track, brimming with glorious melodies and superb sound effects that really add to the songs mysterious feel. Next up is the raunchy rocker 'My Number', more mainstream than a lot of other songs on the album, but still a very good effort. 'Show a Little Love' and 'Fool's Paradise' are solid mid tempo tracks, with the latter being slighter stronger. The album finishes on a real high, 'Letters in the Rain' is a real punchy number laced with top drawer crunchy guitar work, great soaring vocals, fantastic rolling rhythm and all told, is just an excellent listen.

Its a great shame 'Lillian Axe' were so often overlooked, their quality of music was much higher than some of their fellow groups, who achieve much more success. Although I don't own their following albums, 'Poetic Justice' and 'Psychoschizophrenia' (they are as rare as rocking horse manure), I have heard tracks from them, and they are very good. So if you see any 'Lillian Axe' pick it up, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.