Left them with their 80's pop metal of "Gamble Shot", REBELLIOUS SPIRIT seem to have steered their way into the more mainstream alternative rock scene, maybe lead by larger ambitions: although some bitter in the mouth for a choice that has a vague opportunistic taste to it, we cannot say that this newly found path see these Germans at ease in this new role with this "New Horizons", out for Fastball Music, showing chameleonic skills to fit in these clothes.

Major issue in this choice is that you need almost "perfect" tracks to reach (and remain in the hearts) the alternative rock audience, wisely balancing tension and catchy melodies, noting that this wider public not always judge and decide the success of a hit based on mere technical and objective facts.

REBELLIOUS SPIRIT doesn't look to have found this secret to build a real hit and, although the good and dynamic production, skilled technics and ease on playing and managing this genre: they can just scratch the surface of the senses, without being able to deliver a deadly blow in the deep and in the mind of the listener. Given that, we can't forget to mention that the band effort is quite remarkable, especially in the dangerous path of being influenced by your forefathers without looking like a copycat: REBELLIOUS SPIRIT is able to show their clear roots in their own way throughout the album and skilfully dance between inspiration and imitation, maybe only "Fuck" has too much of its DISTURBED blood on its hands.
"The core", "Devil in me", "Wish for", "Am I right", "Enemy" and "Up!" have all in order to do well in this scene, technically well rendered and fittingly interpreted, although a bit of their initiative, which was a fine trait of their debut seems to be missing.

As seen, this leap forward for REBELLIOUS SPIRIT might not be what their potential deserves: this might obviously resolve in the best for the way they choose, and we hope so, but their still unexpressed, yet clearly visible under the surface, expressivity should be given a shot not only on well known and beaten paths.