The second release from 'Westworld', and my first taste of the band, as their self titled debut seems as rare as rocking-horse manure in the UK. A pleasant surprise it is anyway, but it's hardly unexpected as it features one of the best melodic vocalist in the trade 'Tony Harnell' and one of my favourite guitarists / song writers, the chronically underrated 'Mark Reale'. While I probably would have liked a few more heavier moments, it's an excellent album full of beautifully executed tracks, that are both intelligently penned and shrewdly constructed, the production is also exemplary.

The storming title track 'Skin', opens the account, a hard hitting rocker, that balances brilliant emotional vocals with some energetic, yet dark and plodding melodies, an unusual but very effect track and makes for a great opener. Following is the masterfully written and performed 'Black Shadow Symphony' a diverse and winding journey filled with exquisite sweeping compositions, rich vocals, splendid guitaring and just makes for a magnificent melodious treat. The pace drops for the mid-tempo 'Uneasy' a slightly more commercial sounding number and while not one of my favourites, it's still an accomplished endeavour. Ensuing is the albums first true ballad 'Limbo', a gracefully crafted piece, which displays the softer edge to 'Westworld', the emotion portrayed by all those concerned is very powerful. The pace is upped again for the carefree rocker 'Elastic', which I think was originally released as a Japanese bonus track, here they blend catchy lyrics with a strong chorus for an enjoyable romp- also checkout some of 'Mark Reale's' choice guitar licks, great. Another cracker takes the shape of the symphonic gem 'Ice Queen' a track which incorporates heavy mystical / Eastern influences and supports some exquisite haunting melodies. Continuing in solid form is the driving rocker 'Out There' a pulsating track that regrettable softens a little towards the end and loses some of its edge. The only track I don't take to, is the Bluesy come Country sounding ballad 'Heart is a Heavy Load', the addition of the female vocalist 'Laura Kaye' is a nice touch and she compliments 'Tony Harnell's' vocals very well. Next up is the 'Tesla' sounding 'Tomorrow's Yesterday', yet another highlight, with 'Bruno Ravel' and 'John O' Reilly' laying down some sweet grooving rhythm work, which meets with challenging fret work and crisp vocals for another top rocker. Equally on-a-par is 'Get a Life', a chorus heavy thumper, full of great driving melody and as you should expect from this album, strong powerful lyrics. Lastly is the cover of 'Alanis Morissette's' 'Uninvited', not really an artist I would look for inspiration from, but 'Westworld' take this Eastern sounding haunting melody a step further. 'Tony Harnell's' vocals really suit this subtle number, and again the addition of electric violin from 'Mark Wood' gives this cracker another dimension.

It's criminal that 'Westworld' aren't more highly regarded, the music they play has a certain freshness that should put them at the forefront of their genre. You just know they won't get the publicity they deserve with the current, bias music industry- Maybe they should all grow goatees, get their foreheads tattooed and start playing 'Death Metal', they'd probably get a six record deal!