The second and unfortunately final release from the 'Vinnie Vincent Invasion'. 'Mark Slaughter' takes over vocals duties from 'Robert Fleischman' but other than that the lineup is the same, vocally 'Mark Slaughter' is very similar to his previous counterpart and fits in seamlessly. Overall less intense than the debut with a slightly more polished feel, but don't let that put you off, this is just as good as the first offering with more fantastic fret work, more hooks than a fisherman's basket and the usual brilliant soaring vocals. Although the shredding guitar work is deeper in the mix, which was probably due to the record company leaning on them, all the songs are catchy and brilliantly executed.

This rollercoaster rides opens with the crunchy rocker 'Ashes to Ashes', and despite the 'Robert Plant' style vocals midway through this is a gem, the rhythm work is hard and driving, the vocals show 'Mark Slaughter' is more than up to the job and it wouldn't be the same without the glorious guitar solo courtesy of the man himself. More cracking stuff follows in the form of 'Dirty Love', lyrically not one of the best they've written but the pulsing beat is just a delight, this fuses with fine hooks and solid choruses for a very catchy number. The momentum is slowed down a little for the power balladsy 'Love Kills', here 'Mark Slaughter' shines as his melodic voice embraces the lyrics and delivers them with real zeal, the more subtle guitar work is also a pleasant surprise. The pace is upped again for the carefree ride 'Naughty Naughty', lyrically it's pretty poor and the chorus is a tad repetitive, but it's still a winner with more fine fret work and a great light-hearted approach. The album really steps up a gear with the next two classics. 'Burn' although not a 'Deep Purple' cover is an absolute belter and my favourite track, this could be straight of their debut album as it's pretty over the top, the guitar solos, riffs and hooks are just a joy to hear while the superbly sung lyrics are commanding- Brilliant. 'Let Freedom Rock' starts off slowly with a 'Vinnie Vincent' rendition of the 'Star Spangled Banner' but this picks up into another gem. Carried by a glorious heavy chugging rhythm, it all comes together magnificently, the lyrics are fist raising beauties that are delivered gloriously and the axe work is just dazzling. The pace is dropped again for one of my favourite ballads 'That Time of Year', an emotionally performed jewel that is just perfectly executed, although it sounds pretty indicative of the late 80's it gets my vote every time. I'm less inspired by the next two, 'Heavy Pettin'' is a bit directionless and repetitive while 'Ecstasy' is too slow and soppy for a 'Vinnie Vincent' song. Back on track is the light-weight rocker 'Deeper and Deeper' and while the lyrics are a bit trite, the axe man's shredding is back on song. The album and for that fact the band go out with a bang on the closing number 'Breakout'. From the superb intro you know this is going to be great and it doesn't disappoint, this is one of their fastest songs and they really go for it, 'Mark Slaughter' is his screeching best while the rhythm section deliver the good in blazing fashion and not forgetting 'Vinnie Vincent' he is his jaw dropping best.

Every bit the ideal follow up to the debut and another cracking album. The band broke up following this release, 'Mark Slaughter' and 'Dana Strum' went on to form the successful 'Slaughter', but 'Vinnie Vincent' seemed to go into obscurity, which is crying shame, If it was up to me, a man of his talents would still be cutting brilliance like this!