One of Metal's most requested and most proficient drummer and one of the best rock singers to appear in the last decade, teamed up over songs written by one of Hard Rock/AOR's brightest composers and guitarists of this generation. This is exactly what THE FERRYMEN's sophomore offers and if you're a fan of the genre, it won't get any better than this.

The opening track "Don't Stand In My Way" starts with a nostalgic symphonic intro with syncopated riffs that immediately take you back to Karlsson's ALLEN/LANDE but, as the riffs develop, the album shows itself to be a bit heavier than his highly praised previous works. When Ronnie Romero opens his mouth we immediately understand why this singer is in the company of such great musicians. Aside the obvious comparisons to Ronnie James Dio and Jorn Lande, Romero has this brighter, wider, tone that resembles the late, great Steve Lee from GOTTHARD. A singer that we unfortunately lost too soon and that was at the prime of his craft. It feels good to listen to someone who has that same vocal quality and who's also carrying the torch of old Rock N' Roll powerhouse singers. "Bring Me Home" opens with Karlsson's already signature harmonized guitar theme, drops into the classic drum and bass verse of AOR songs to let the singer shine. And Romero does it to a great extent. When he finishes the chorus wailing the song title, you're in for a thrill! Terrana's consistent double bass work, strong ride cymbal and snare conduct the whole tune with mastery. The title track "A New Evil" is everything this genre can offer: catchy chorus, high-register ad libs, great drum fills, groovy riffs and a solo filled with alternate picking and sweeps.

"The Night People Rise" bursts open with an intro that resembles the song "Truth About Our Time" from the first ALLEN/LANDE and this serves a great deal to emphasize the nostalgia that this album brings. The whole thing feels like a natural sequel to those albums. This song also has the greatest vocal moment of the record. When Romero builds up on the words "under the starlight", either your jaw will drop or your eyes will tear up. Or maybe both. This is one of those segments that young musicians in high school will compete to see who can or cannot sing it. This is that money note that guitarists will ask you to sing in an audition for a rock band. "Save Your Prayers" bring in another great hook that will get you humming along around the house and will definitely take you back to Jorn era MASTERPLAN's highest moments. "Heartbeat" is the perfect blend of radio-friendly AOR and Hard Rock with Coverdaleesque low melodies and guitar duets. In the vocals and piano interlude, we even get some Eric Martin vibes from Ronnie. "Our Own Heroes" is probably the heaviest song on the album, despite its happy uplifting chorus. It's Phrygian and harmonic minor riffs and the octave-sung verses give the song a darker and more somber feel than previous songs in the track list. This is the only moment that Ronnie Romero doesn't sound as genuine as he could. In some of the verses he sounds like he's intentionally channeling his influences to create a heavier voice than his tone allows. But even that is unable to outshine his brilliant performance in this record. What he did in "A New Evil" greatly secures his seat among the best Rock singers of the 2010's.

Perfectly-crafted tunes that fall exactly in the intersection of AOR Hard Rock and Power Metal with three extraordinary musicians on top-top-notch performances. No wonder why this act is part of Frontiers Records' roster. In the label's quest to keep this type of music alive, Terrana and Romero are definitely among the leaders in their ranks and Magnus Karlsson is one of the generals in that army.