There are releases that have nothing new at all in terms of musical creativity, but that some can't stop of hearing. This feature appears primarily when a band is honest with itself and with the fans, and it fills their music with life. That's what happens when "All or Nothing", the second EP of the Irish quintet ELEMENT X. They're a traditional Heavy Metal band with influences from Hard Rock, but bearing and amazing energy, able to make their musical work to sound modern and full of life. Their songs are filled with excellent melodies, good choruses, and fine (but simple) musical arrangements. Yes, everything that a good Metalhead would love to hear, but the energy and life that arises from their songs if really amazing.

Gavin Doyle mixed and mastered the songs of "All or Nothing", and his work fits on what the band needed: a powerful, clean and heavy sound quality that gives life to the songs, always with a modern vibe. But of course it allows their melodies to be understood as well. It's not perfect, but it's a very good work. There are six songs on this release, and all of them are really excellent. But the modern and melodic impact of "The Angel or the Demon" (that can remind some elements used on NWOBHM, but with an updated feeling, and the vocals and backing vocals are doing a very good work), the hooking aggressiveness of "Temptations" (the guitars are really excellent, and great melodic chorus as well) and of "The End", and the powerful energy that seduces the listeners presented on "Heart of Fire" are their finest shots.

"All or Nothing" is the kind of release that makes the listener asks why in the blazes the recording companies don't give ELEMENT X the attention the band deserves!