BEAST IN BLACK have been on the rise. Their first album was very successful, and they even landed a tour with NIGHTWISH. I rated the first BEAST IN BLACK album, "Berserk," a perfect score; I found it to be a refreshing take on Power Metal with high energy and a nice 80's music/them flair to it.  So how does their second release compare?  Do they avoid the sophomore slump?  For the most part, yes—while it is a slight step down due to a couple of ho-hum tracks, the band does retain their highly energetic, catchy, and just plain fun sound.  In essence, this album is the audio equivalent of party inside a mosh pit where everyone is on coke.  Without a doubt, this is the most fun you will get out of a record this year.  There isn't a shortage of bands that have a 80's influence to them but, honestly, no one does it BIB or sound like them.

For those unaware, BIB play Power Metal but infused with a lot of sounds and styles from 80's.  Keys dripping with cheese? Check. A lot of background vocals? Check. "From Hell With Love" cuts back on the power a small notch and throws in more 80's pop mixed with Metal.  It isn't a bad combination at all but sometimes it doesn't work-but mostly it does and so very, very well. That doesn't mean there isn't plenty of Power Metal infused tracks on the album though.  The opening track, "Cry Out For A Hero," is a stupendous opener with everything you could ever want in a PM song: kick ass riffs, soaring vocals, melodic keys and a catchy chorus.  Speaking of vocals, Yannis is a legend in the making.  This guy has a voice that can pretty much do anything within the realm of clean vocals; he rides the line between smooth, pop style vocals, epic Power Metal and adds in his own flair-no one else in the scene really sounds like him.

"From Hell With Love," does what the first album did so well: effectively combining PM with 80's hair metal and jaunty keyboards. Anton takes his keyboards a step further from their debut really showing his chops on the keys.  As far as this album goes, his keys are just as important as his guitar skills. Unfortunately, the middle of the album is dragged down to the point where the pacing is uneven.  The ballad, "Oceandeep," is rather unremarkable, at least in some aspects. Vocally, Yannis gives one of the best performances to date but musically speaking the song doesn't go anywhere or achieve any exciting moments.

"True Believer," is the second track on the album I find myself not being able to enjoy as much as the others.  It isn't a bad song per say, the verses are really nice with cheesy but lovable keys but the chorus is clunky so it gets dragged down somewhat. However, the last three tracks pick up the pace again-especially "Heart of Steel," with its drums that carry about them a sense of urgency and some kicking bass. All in all, this is another kick ass album from BEAST IN BLACK, a young band that has accomplished a lot and no doubt still has a lot left to say. The future is bright for this band and I'm happy to be along for the ride.