'Lillian Axe's' first release of the 90's and it's business as usual as this vastly underrated band continue with their unique blend of Melodic Hard Rock. 'Poetic Justice' picks up where 'Love + War' left off, and while a touch of the alternative early 90's sound can just be heard, this is business as usual as 'Lillian Axe' concoct their usual platter of Melodic Metal. This also marks the first outing for bassist 'Darrin DeLatte' while drummer 'Gene Barnett' makes his only appearance on drums.

First off is the short title track 'Poetic Justice', a haunting, melancholy instrumental which is sweetly executed but not really an ideal opening piece. This leads on nicely to the lively rocker 'Innocence' a pulsating number laced with the usual inventive guitar work of 'Stevie Blaze' and 'Jon Ster', while 'Ron Taylor' turns in a faultless performance for a great track. Well in the mould of the 80's 'Lillian Axe' sound is 'True Believer' a well penned mid tempo effort, driven by carefree rhythm work, a strong sing-a-long chorus and delicate but effective guitar licks and solos. Next up is 'Body Double' another lively rocker which highlights a superb solo from 'Stevie Blaze' and another memorable chorus that makes for an excellent cut. The tempo drops for the balladsy 'See you Someday' another well performed number with 'Ron Taylor' really on top form, some of the guitaring is lifted straight from 'Zeppelin' and despite dragging on a bit towards the end, solid work. The tempo is lifted for the excellent rocker 'Living in the Grey' a pulsating 'Axe' classic, featuring some instrumentation of pure class, lyrically it's enjoyable and combines the harder, faster guitar lead pieces with the more melodic mid tempo sections superbly. 'Digital Dreams' is a short subtle instrumental which leads on nicely to 'Dyin' to Live' a balladsy number with a kind of gothic romance feel, it all comes together pretty well and includes more divine touches from 'Stevie Blaze' and 'Jon Ster'. Better still is the magnificently crafted 'Mercy' a melodic gem graced with crisp lyrics and vocals, while the lullaby sounding 'The promised Land' is excellently performed abate a little too subtle for my usual listening. The tempo is restored with a carefree cover of 'No Matter What', a decent effort but ultimately boarders on the lighter side of Pop Metal. Back on track is the crunchy 'She's my Salvation' a typical 'Lillian Axe' style song, full of sharp vocals, intricate guitaring and catchy lyrics. 'Poetic Justice' closes as it started with a mournful instrumental, and as with the opener superbly played but a tad depressing.

When you look at the quality of material 'Lillian Axe' came up, I just can't believe they didn't achieve more recognition. 'Poetic Justice' is like their other albums, a hidden gem, and anyone who appreciates quality Melodic Metal should be looking into their back catalogue.