A big improvement over W.A.S.P.'s last album 'Helldorado' where they tried fairly unsuccessfully to recreate the early 'shock rock' rawness of the band. Here we see the exact opposite as this is a well crafted, intellectual release, that is reminiscent of 'The Crimson idol' and 'Headless Children'. Heavily influenced by 'Blackie Lawless's' religious upbringings and later disillusionment of the church, his thoughts and tribulations are well scripted in the accompanying booklet.

Most of the songs on the album are all in a similar vein, enthralling, guitar heavy and well produced, but the album does feature some balladsy material. 'Euphoria' being an atmospheric instrumental and the emotionally performed 'Evermore' which was originally thought up, to act as a reprise for 'Forever Free' from 'Headless Children'. The jubilant sounding 'Let it Roar' is the album's opener, and a solid effort it is to, with crashing rhythm, galloping guitars and gutsy vocals. 'Hate to Love Me' commences in similar fashion, the rhythm is strong and punchy and again 'Chris Holmes' shines through in the instrumental break. Top song writing lays down the superb, aggressive yet passionate head-banger 'Loco-Motive Man' a tale of a mans life spiralling out of control. The 'Unholy Terror' / 'Charisma' piece builds from a dark and emotional spoken intro into a pulsing, mesmerising rocker. The verses of which are explained in the booklet, as actions in history and this gives the listener a real insight in to 'Blackie's' conceptions. Golden fingered 'Roy Z' guests as lead guitarist on the aggressive groover 'Who Slayed Mary' Jane?', and a right shred fest it is to. 'Raven Heart' is a superbly executed, full blooded rocker, with frenetic axe work and like most tracks present, lyrically very strong. My pick of the album has to go to the closing number, 'Wasted White Boys', a raw pulsing groover of the highest order with a closing instrumental break that absolutely obliterates. Again present is guest 'Roy Z' along with stalwart 'Chris Holmes' on guitars, and I'll guarantee you'll be 'air guitaring' to this one.

Easily the best release since the concept based 'The Crimson Idol' and fans of 'W.A.S.P.' and guitar heavy albums should snap this up.