The fourth instalment from 'Jeff Pilson's' 'War & Peace' and he continues to impress with his own brand of well written melody Metal / Hard Rock. In essence this is a solo album, as 'Jeff' handles guitars, bass and vocals along with co production, drumming is split between 'Michael Frowein' (Lynch Mob / Lynch Pilson) and 'Bartholamew Toff', while two tracks feature guest guitarists. Musically this is pretty similar to 'Lynch Pilson's' 'Wicked Underground', very melody which you would expect from 'Jeff's' vocals, but with an edge that still keeps the music vibrant and fresh. If I had one criticism about 'The Walls have Eyes' is maybe 'Jeff' handles too much on the album, by this I mean another co-writer or full time guitarist would add their blend of characteristics. All said this is a very strong piece of work which 'Jeff' executes superbly and further enhance my opinion of this overlooked yet superb musician.

A short building intro in the 'Dokken' mould opens proceedings and leads nicely onto the first full track 'Reflections', one of the heaviest and best tracks present that blends a lively pulsating rhythm with catchy lyrics that are well delivered and graced with some very respectable guitar work. The pace drops for 'City in Flames' a heavy plodding number with powerful chorus and although a tad repetitive, the balance between the hard hitting rhythm and 'Jeff's' soulful vocals makes for an interesting and pleasurable contrast. The seriously penned title track follows and comes together as another winner with clever layered vocals and some more fine guitaring. Even better is hard rocking 'Stranger in my Own Land' a song graced with the choice guitar work of 'Alex Masi', despite his excellent display, the superb lyrics and sharp vocals steal the show for me. A change of direction is felt for 'Rock and Roll Breakdown' a kind of 'Alice Cooper' meets Punk, personally it doesn't come off as well as the other tracks present, but still a solid effort with 'Jeff' really rocking out on guitar. 'No one is Listening' is next, and proceeds as a sort of intense rocker meet melodic number, in my opinion doesn't quite work as well as it might, this track features guest guitaring by the young 'Daniel Irmas'. Following on seamlessly is 'You Haunt Me' a balladsy number graced with haunting vocals and an overall ethereal feel, a slight 'Beatles' influence is also present but still pretty decent stuff. The tempo is lifted for 'The Shell' an 80's style groover with a modern twist, highlighting some sweet free flowing fret work, while 'Black in the Mirror' is a bluesy mid tempo affair graced with a great plodding rhythm and more fine instrumentation. The pace drops for the balladsy 'Desperate Hearts', a well penned song complete with a very strong all round performance from 'Jeff' as his melodic vocals really hit the spot. Flowing on effortlessly is 'The Line in the Sand' which commences as a ballad, but soon picks up pace and matures into an intense rocker, complete with a cracking chorus that blends more harmonious sections- Quality effort. Last but not least is 'Finale' a track which builds from a melodic outset into a riff driven intense instrumental affair only to regress back to it's subtle beginnings.

The European release features 'Jeff Pilson's' version of 'Dokken's' 'Walk Away' complete with string quartet, a very nice rendition it is too, ultra melodic and serene, not my usual listening but decent stuff.

There's plenty of quality material here, maybe not quite as many standout tracks as 'Wicked Underground' but still a very consistent and enjoyable release.