'Savatage's' first release with a major record label and while it's nowhere near as commercial sounding as their next album 'Fight for the Rock', there's a couple of tracks which have a more radio friendly approach. Overall less raw and as heavy as 'Sirens' and 'Dungeons are Calling', but plenty of punch is still felt on the majority of tracks. Personally I don't rate 'Power of the Night' as one of 'Tage's' better releases, basically the song writing isn't comparable to the later material and lacks the venom of the first two cuts, all the same it's far from a poor album.

The opening title track is in my opinion easily the strongest on the album, after a brooding atmospheric intro, leaps into a riff driven gem fuelled by pulsating rhythm work, powerful enthralling lyrics and 'Jon Oliva's' usual earth shattering vocals- a superb opener. I find the next number less interesting, the title 'Unusual' about says it all, this is a disjointed track with shoddy lyrics and an awkward feel, 'Criss Oliva's' fret work however is it's only savour. Improvements are made with the more forceful sounding 'Warriors', a track similar to their earliest work, with it's simplistic yet powerful, uncompromising stance. Next up is 'Necrophilia' and this is the song which got the album a parental caution, despite the sweet guitar licks and pulsating rhythm this is another awkward sounding track, which includes shoddy pace changes for the choruses- this really spoils it for me. 'Washed Out' is a short thrash out, pretty crude but 'Jon Oliva's' screams are particularly cool, the lyrics especially that of the chorus are disappointing though. The most commercial sounding track is undoubtedly 'Hard for your Love', the record company suggested that 'Savatage' write one track for a possible single release and this is it. Due to the lyrical innuendoes it would never have made single status and overall is fairly tame and repetitive. Marginally better is the more characteristic 'Fountain of Youth' a decent slow plodder with steadfast vocals and a darker more mysterious approach. The tempo is lifted for the tongue in cheek 'Skull Sessions', another simplistic number, but this is brisker and more inline with 'Hall of the Mountain King' material. The pace is dropped for 'Stuck on You' a song where 'Jon Oliva' really shines, his occasional shrieks add a touch of menace to this chorus heavy plodder. Lastly we are presented with a balladsy offering byway of 'In the Dream' and this is a surprising piano lead piece that is more reminiscent of material from 'Gutter Ballet' onwards- a nice attempt but it sticks out like a sore thumb on this album.

The re-released version of 'Power of the Night' features two live renditions, the title track and 'Sirens', both are outstanding heavy performances and make for the best two tracks present, though these are not included in the above rating.

A lot of people give 'Tage's' third release a little more respect than I have here, but over the years they have released some cracking albums and in all honesty this is a below par effort for one of my favourite US Metallers.