'Strike Back' is the third album in for 'Steeler' and just to clear up any confusion this is the German band that features 'Axel Rudi Pell' within it's ranks, not the US 'Steeler' with 'Yngwie Malmsteen' and 'Ron Keel'. Now that's out the way, what's the music like, well it's not as refined or melodic as 'Axel's' solo work and vocalist 'Peter Burtz' isn't as classy as say 'Soto' or 'Gioeli', however it's good solid European Metal. Their nearest contemporaries would have to be early 'Sinner', while there's a touch of Accept' thrown in on the heavier tracks and occasional shades of the 'Scorpions'. Production wise this suffers from the usual flatness and low recording levels associated with early to mid 80's European Metal and as such does take the edge of this respectable release.

First up is the pulsating opener 'Rockin' the City' and it's immediately evident 'Peter Burtz's' thick German accent is going to deter some listeners, but by the same token he gives it plenty and is backed up some solid axe and rhythm work, which help make this an excellent start. Not quite so impressive is 'Money Doesn't Count', the spoken intro is shoddy and when the track does get going is spoilt by substandard lyrics, a ropy chorus and is only saved by a sweet solo. The tempo is lifted for the energetic 'Chain Gang', a simple but effective rocker, that is graced by some punchy lyrics, the execution is typically exacting and overall an impressive cut. The momentum is maintained with 'Messing Around' another straightforward rocker, however this one relies on a big chorus, but is bolstered throughout by some deft rhythm work. Not quite on target is 'Icecold', there's a nice rhythmical chug present but lyrically this is light-weight, the tasty soloing is a highlight but all told not one of the high points. The tempo is lifted for the Speed Metal of 'Strike Back' which sees 'Steeler' firmly into 'Accept' territory, the big chorus is a real fist-raiser, while the instrumental break rips- good work. After a gothic style intro 'Danger Comeback' assaults your speakers 'Accept' style, in fact at times 'Peter Burtz' even sounds like 'Udo', overlooking the dodgy lyrics this is still a good energetic rocker, complete with some 'Axel Rudi Pell' sounding instrumental work. Into more commercial territory is the mid tempo 'Night After Night', despite the nice ebbing and flowing of the rhythm, it's all a bit predictable and falls a little short of the mark. Regrettable the album fizzles out with the unimpressive ballad 'Waiting for a Star', this is more reminiscent of the 'Scorpions' but sadly not up to their best, 'Peter Burtz' gives it plenty of effort on vocals, but ultimately this is uninspiring stuff and lets a good album down.

If it hadn't have been for the average production and some sub-standard lyrics, I would have rated this higher, as it stands it's still a good 80's Metal release. Note if you have this album on CD (SPV 85-1861) the track listing on the case and disc are incorrect, the running order should be as below.