Straight to hell and back on the wings of dragons leading another invasion with a "Mighty Metal Axe", the beast that is Germany's own BLACK HAWK are back to bite. These heroes take their time between releases, but seldom disappoint. This time ex-PARAGON's own Günter Kruse has joined the ranks, as well as Dan Schamschor on drums.

If you are not familiar with the skills of these steel fighters think DRAGONSFIRE, MAJESTY, CRYSTAL SHARK, METAL INQUISITOR, SOLEMNITY, BOOMERANG, and yes even PARAGON or SACRED STEEL minus staccato screams, etc. The sound is that Classic Teutonic Steel with just a hint of speed and aggression, but mostly straightforward epic cuts which gets your fists pumping. Songs like "The Fighter", the title track, "Heroes", "Nightrider" do just this, echoing that precedent that SAXON, ACCEPT, REGICIDE, INSANIA, GRAVE DIGGER, GRAVESTONE, BRAINFEVER, NOT FRAGILE, and RAGE postulated.

Most tracks are cut from the same cloth, but "FashionVictim" has a more commercial appeal like WOLFPAKK or MADMAX, and it is quite infectious just like the bad pussy to which it alludes. They are commercially exploring their options, and opening themselves up like GUN BARRELL did on their last album. The new version of "Burning Angels" is an improvement as well, as the original can be heard on the 2007 album "Dragonride".

These guardians of the night have nothing to lose, and for the most part play it safe, but the music is still strong and potent and worth indulging in just for fun. Having been in existence in one form or another since the early '80s to the mid '90s, BLACK HAWK have never lost their killer touch. I will always lose my mind just to hear what this mighty metal act manifest at the point of the sword.