'Sinner' seems to have faded from peoples memories somewhat since the escalation of 'Primal Fear' and it feels a long time since their last release in 2003, but 'Mat Sinner' and Co. return here with another strong platter of Teutonic tunes. 'Mask of Sanity' takes a more back to basics approach and I for one think this is a smart move, 'There will be Execution' was an excellent release, but the material was too near that of 'Primal Fear'. Overall the sound exhibited here has a less frenetic, more melodic approach, further inline with their 90's releases but still maintaining the edge of the last couple of albums. Line-up changes see guitarist 'Christof Leim' replacing 'Henry Wolter', while drumming duties fall to former 'Primal Fear' man 'Klaus Sperling' who takes the place of 'Fritz Randow'.

The first track 'The Other Side' seems a strange choice for an opener, as it has no introduction, it's just straight in no messing, despite this it's a decent cut, no thrills just trademark 'Sinner', solid vocals, nice guitar licks and solos and the usual strong bass heavy rhythm. Slightly brisker and more melodic is the ebbing and flowing of 'Diary of Evil', 'Mat Sinner' is admittedly a fan of 'Thin Lizzy' and some influence does creep in here, that's not a problem in this instance, as this is a good catchy song that comes complete with a nice instrumental break and effective crooning from 'Mat'. The tempo softens for the harmonious intro to 'Badlands' before building quickly into a head-swaying rocker, 'Tom Naumann' and 'Christof Leim's' fret work is the main highlight here as they contribute splendid licks and solos throughout. Ensuing strongly and propelled by a fine melody is the simply titled 'Black', lyrically 'Mat' comes up trumps here and is very well supported with more gorgeous axe work and all told another catchy, well crafted song. Sinner' mix the sound up a little here with 'Thunder Roar', which features some interesting organ / keyboard work from 'Frank Rössler', while vocals are split between 'Mat Sinner' and I think 'Andy B. Franck', it doesn't come off totally, the chorus sounds a bit rough but overall it's still a likeable driving rocker. The tempo falls for the power ballad 'The Sign' and where 'Frank Rössler' enhanced the previous song, he totally detracts here, thankfully 'Tom Naumann' puts us back on track with some glorious guitar skills. The more generic 'Revenge' follows and although far from a poor song, does feels a bit like their going through the motions, while the well worn song title of 'Under the Gun' is brisker and features an unusual but excellent almost 'Gillan' style instrumental break. More of a throwback to 80's 'Sinner' is 'Can't Stand the Heat' a carefree mid tempo affair that in all honesty sounds slightly dated despite the best efforts of 'Tom Naumann' and 'Christof Leim'. The momentum falls further for the balladsy 'No Return' a relatively standard slower tempo effort that borders on the repetitive, while 'Mask of Sanity' closes with possibly the best track present the punchy rocker 'Last Man Standing' which ebbs and flows to a refined rhythm and is reminiscent of earlier glories.

The so-called limited edition comes complete with a cover of 'Thin Lizzy's' 'Baby Please Don't Go' and it's definitely worth a listen, as 'Sinner' make a very good job of it, 'Tom's' shredding fret work is a highlight, while 'Mat' and the backing vocalists do excellently with the lyrics.

This is enjoyable and consistent work, but as a 'Sinner' fan feel they've played it a bit too safe here, in my opinion this album is crying out for one blistering rocker and a nasty head-wrenching epic just to mix it up a bit- Oh and what happened to the title track?