'The End of Sanctuary' was a little bit disappointing after the impressive double shot of 'Judgement Day' and 'Nature of Evil', thankfully the boys come right back at us with a punishing measure of Metal 'Sinner' style. The dials are really cranked for this one, easily being the heaviest and nastiest album from the band to date, at times perhaps the material is a little too reminiscent of 'Primal Fear' but ultimately of very high quality. Personnel changes see 'Tom Naumann' and 'Fritz Randow' returning to the fold, which in my opinion makes this the strongest of 'Sinner's' line-ups.

The album starts as it means to go on with the slashing 'Higher Level of Violence', a quality dose of uncompromising Power Metal, the fret pairing of 'Tom Naumann' and 'Henny Wolter' rip it up with a purpose, while 'Mat Sinner's' distinctive vocals work the lyrics particularly well. The title track ensues with a more characteristic 'Sinner' sound but as with the opener heavier than expected, although here a little more melody is introduced, whilst the duelling fret work is again just top drawer. Brisker still is the blazing 'Requiem for a Sinner' another top cut that blazes away with conviction, musically it's short and simplistic, but is ultimately catchy and goes straight for the throat. More quality is brought about by the churning 'Die on Command' a nasty grooving ripper and a neck-wrenching treat, the lyrics are made to measure for 'Mat Sinner's' vocals and ultimately comes off very impressively. The tempo is picked up for the 'Primal Fear' reminiscent 'Finalizer', which again works especially well, while 'Locked and Loaded' is a slow burner graced with shredding fret work. The momentum is lifted with 'God Raises the Dead', which is more reminiscent of brisker material from 'Nature of Evil', this gives way to the gritty ballad 'The River', which despite promise is a slightly tedious listen. Improvements are quickly made with the slow burner 'Liberty of Death', which balances some darker sluggish choruses with more up-tempo verses, instrumentally top notch but perhaps at times needed more work. The sublime crunch of 'Black Monday' ensues and is yet another highlight, that combines catchy melody and chorus with hard edged Metal- more fabulous guitaring is again featured. 'There will be Execution' closes with the short acoustic ballad 'Crown of Thorns' an interesting song, that's passionately performed and comes complete with a well sung chorus.

One of 'Sinner's' best, perhaps not totally typical of their style but still a damn fine release.