I think it was way back in 2002, that 'Lillian Axe' were talking about making a new album and despite a number of setbacks have finally released their excellent comeback album 'Waters Rising'. Sadly fret master 'Steve Blaze' is the only original member remaining, with vocalist 'Ron Taylor' leaving to pursue a solo career, thankfully his replacement 'Derrick LeFevre' fits in seamlessly with the 'Lillian Axe' sound and is ultimately a superb acquisition. The band also welcomes bass player 'Eric Morris' following the departure of the longstanding 'Darrin DeLatte'. Musically this is classic 'Lillian Axe', with no shortage of styles being exhibited, the penmanship is as always high class, as is the production which the band have always seemed to get spot on.

The album gets underway with the classy title track, your usual high quality 'Lillian Axe' song that makes you forget how longs its been since 'Psychoschizoprenia', 'Derrick LeFevre' immediately impresses, while 'Steve Blaze's' guitar genius is as always prevalent- perfect opener. The slightly heavier, but no less melodic 'Antarctica' follows, a song originally penned by former members 'Ron Taylor' and 'Darrin DeLatte', despite this it's a top track, a little more edgy than the opener, but another very strong cut. Not quite so impressive is 'Become a Monster', this song was featured on 'Fields of Yesterday' and their later 2002 live album and although this is possibly the best version I have heard, it's still a rowdy and slightly crude affair for a band of 'Lillian Axe's' stature- If they wanted to re-record an earlier song why not the sublime 'Calm Before the Storm'? Improvements are soon made with the melodic churning of 'Quarantine' which sees 'Derrick LeFevre' sounding so alike 'Ron Taylor' it's uncanny, 'Stevie Blaze' also continues to impress with more fine guitar licks. The tempo falls for the balladsy 'I Have to Die, Goodbye', a beautifully penned forlorn tale, that at times has a certain 'Led Zeppelin' vibe, the execution is as you would expect flawless and even if a tad longwinded another splendid piece. The superb lyrics are maintained with the pulsating 'Fear of Time' a more edgy affair, unlined by a stalking / plodding rhythm, while the more subtle and harmonious 'Until the End of the World' harks back to earlier 'Lillian Axe' and unexpectedly delivers the goods. The harmonious epic 'Fields of Yesterday' ensues in laid back fashion, utilising string arrangements nicely, especially on the intro, overall perhaps a little longwinded in places but ultimately a beautiful piece. The following track 'Thirst' was originally released as a bonus track on the Japanese version of 'Fields of Yesterday', this reworked rendition is a solid mid-tempo rocker that balances slightly gritty sections with sublime melodic passages. Even more melodic but with darker undercurrents is 'The 2nd of May' another winner, blessed with more sweet fret work, while 'Deep in the Black' is a morose song and while far from poor, the slightly different vocal approach can make for a difficult listen and at 8 minutes is too longwinded. 'Waters Rising' bows out with a 'Stevie Blaze' instrumental simply titled '5' a sublime pseudo neo-classic guitar driven jewel, which just illustrate the guitarists skill.

Despite the numerous line-up changes its business as usual for 'Lillian Axe' with another album chocked full of some of the finest melodic metal- lets not have to wait another 14 years for the follow-up!