Confession time: I grew up as a child of the 1980's. Yes, during the thriving Heavy Metal scene in North America from about 1983-1989 (I'll go as far as 1991 before Grunge/ Alternative music ruled the airwaves), I was all about scouring the earth for every bands I could get into my ears. So it's nice to hear a US Melodic Heavy Metal band like FIREWOLFE who remind me of those times on this second album "We Rule the Night".

Originally starting in 2010, guitarist Nick Layton assembled quite a roster of professional players for this band. Drummer Jay Schellen has ties to HURRICANE, ASIA, and UNRULY CHILD; bassist Bobby Ferkovich worked with HEIR APPARENT and PRESTO BALLET, while vocalist David Fefolt sang for MASI, HAWK, and FIFTH ANGEL. The music on display for these 10 songs is very much a continuation of the legendary 80's sound - most of the tracks very lean, featuring natural guitar hooks and vocal melodies/ harmonies that submerge very quickly into the recess of your brain. Lyrically touching on the love for the genre ("The Devil's Music" and the title track), plus love and inner turmoil/ struggles, the musical style has a lot of early DIO, FIFTH ANGEL, and others who seemed to straddle that line between great, catchy hard rock and traditional heavy metal - very anthem-oriented and nothing too fancy.

Turning on the genie/ exotic charm for "Betrayal's Kiss", a lot of Nick's steamy lead breaks remind me of some of George Lynch's best work during the 80's DOKKEN years. David possesses the ideal multi-octave voice that traditional Heavy Metal listeners' desire - soaring when necessary, but very heart-felt and endearing to the average fan. "Long Road Home" and "Luck of the Draw" two of his more memorable performances; imagine a smoother Marq Torien from BULLETBOYS if given a RIOT / FIFTH ANGEL makeover. FIREWOLFE know how to mix up the tempos and dynamics to keep the album pulsating - a more commercially acceptable "Late Last Night" gives way to a more emotional ballad like "A Senator's Gun" that gives off a SAVATAGE-vibe.

You don't hear many bands like FIREWOLFE these days - so this is a welcome sight. Pick this up if you love US Traditional Metal that has teeth and a boatload of melody.<