Correct me if I'm wrong but this album was released in 2000 right, well that's what it says on my copy anyway, unfortunately the production sounds like it was done in the 50s, It really is bad. I don't know what the deal is here, but the production was done by 'Mr. Malmsteen' himself, known for shredding, yes, producing, no. Notable glaringly poor workmanship show up on the song 'Crucify' that has some strange distortion going on in the background, that sounds something like a worn record. Other than that, its work as normal for 'Yngwie Malmsteen', see review for 'Alchemy' as this disc has moved on little and follows firmly in its footsteps. For a change the line-up is almost the same as the previous album, unfortunately on this release 'Mark Boals' monotonous high pitched vocals, starts getting tiresome and after a while, you start looking forward to the next instrumental.

'Prophet of Doom' is a fair opener, with superb speed guitar work, and a great instrumental break in the classical style, what unhinges the song is the vocals which sound like Boals was recorded in a cupboard not a studio. 'Crucify' is a good number but is wreaked by the abysmal production. 'Bad Reputation' is disjointed and not an easy listen. 'Catch 22' is better, with a darker feel and a catchy chorus. 'Molto Arpeggiosa' and 'Instrumental Institution' are the long awaited instrumentals and Yngwie doesn't disappoint, how his fingers remain intact is a mystery to me. 'Miracle of Life' is a pretty sickly ballad, with Boals's helium inspired vocals at full irritation level. 'The Wizard' is my pick of the album, the riff work is hypnotic and memorable, the guitaring frenzied and the vocals some of the best on the album. 'Wild One' is another strong fast moving number, with a steady plod, but the pretty feeble lyrics let it down. 'Tarot' is more of a mystical number, with hauntingly sung lyrics and dynamic guitaring. The title track features shredding like theirs no tomorrow, but this doesn't make up for the awkward poorly written lyrics. 'Black Sheep of the Family' is surprisingly a short reggae piece, and not a cover of the 'Rainbow' song, it isn't that bad either- wouldn't like to see him follow this path in the future though.

'Alchemy' and this release are so similar that the format is starting to look a little tired. Its going to be very interesting to see what Yngwie Malmsteen comes up with next and what vocalist he will be hiring as 'Mark Boals' quit after this release.