A much more refined effort than the first album, 'Breaking the Chains', with vastly improved song writing and all round stellar performances. Vocalist 'Don Dokken' and guitarist 'George Lynch' really come to the foreground on this release, the combination of melodic soaring vocals and pure blissful fret work makes for one of the most memorable moments of the 80's 'Hair Metal' scene. Although 'Dokken' were well known for their more chart friendly material such as 'Alone Again' and 'Just got Lucky' from 'Tooth and Nail' they are overlooked for their heavier material. Featured here are a couple of absolute belters that highlight the technical genius of 'George Lynch' as he exhibits more hooks than a fisherman's tackle box.

The foreboding instrumental intro 'Without Warning' creates a light brooding backdrop that leaves you off balance as the rip-roaring title track bludgeons you. 'Tooth and Nail' shreds plain and simple, with dazzling guitar work, an unrelenting, driving beat and 'Don Dokken's' vocals really letting loose, 'George Lynch' single handily proves he's one of the best guitarists around with a breathtaking solo performance. More commercial sounding is the mid tempo 'Just got Lucky', but this upbeat rocker is still a winner with 'Don's' crystal clear vocals, catchy feel-good chorus and a great light-hearted approach. Continuing in the carefree manner is 'Heartless Heart', not one of the albums best, but it does hold an immensely catchy chorus and fine plod, so it gets my seal of approval. Even better though is the disregarded gem 'Don't Close your Eyes', which erupts with a crunching guitar intro and follows as a glorious fast blazer, brimming with vocals of melodic bliss, thundering rhythm and some of the sweetest hooks you're likely to hear- Overlooked but Brilliant. Following in fine form is 'When Heaven comes Down' a powerful plodder, which displays great drum and bass support and a splendid harmonised chorus. Next up is the live favourite 'Into the Fire' a melodic jewel teeming with choice hooks, crisp as a morning frost vocals and great lyrics with punchy harmonised choruses. Slightly less poignant is the catchy but slightly repetitive 'Bullets to Spare', this brings back memories of some of the weaker material from 'Breaking the Chains', despite this it's still a fair rocker. Back on track is the moving ballad 'Alone Again', 'Don' really gives the lyrics the respect they deserve as he turns in a heartfelt performance, he is well supported with excellent backing courtesy of 'Jeff Pilson' and 'Mick Brown'. The album closes with the fast pace cracker 'Turn on the Action' a riff driven treat, that is upheld by a furious rhythm, glorious fret work, and sweet soloing from 'George Lynch'.

A 'Hair Metal' jewel that any fan of the genre should adore, this album finds an excellent balance between the harder material and the softer more commercial stuff, the good news is there's plenty more killer cuts to come from future albums.