When US Power Metal started gaining high recognition from the worldwide scene through the mid 80s, EXXPLOER, one of numerous of American bands that loomed the local scene, released their classic debut "Symphonies Of Steel". Eight years later they had another album that attempted to create the mix of 80s music along with the 90s feel.

Soon afterwards troubles on a personal basis started shaking down their system causing the leaving of more than half of the band. With the bands reformation, the once known lineup came through and released a new album, "Vengeance Rides An Angry Horse". The band was able to clinch a deal with Pure Steel Records.

On its whole, "Vengeance Rides An Angry Horse" is EXXPLORER trying to reaffirm the strong position they maintained from their first two albums. However, judging by its music, this album is an attempt to return to the likes of "Symphonies Of Steel".

I wouldn't say that they succeeded on reaching that goal, yet I wouldn't discourage them of their efforts. This album is an ample example of cool 80s Metal music, even if it was badly produced to the level of amateurism. The album did sound like it was taken out of the 80s but how about taking a good care of the mixing and the sound's lack of depth? Maybe it will be done on the next release.

Going over the tracks made me realize that EXXPLORER has a road to cover before reaching the level of their classics. Nonetheless, they had a few good reminders of those glorious days. "As The Crow Flies", sounded like it went on a scavenger hunt over dead bodies in a battlefield, has that undying US Power Metal magic that no European band will ever be able to muster. It has impressive; easy but good, riffages and a great vocal work (Lennie Rizzo hasn't lost his touch). "Vengeance" is quite an instrumental piece. Although rather common in comparison to other instrumental that are a showcase of technical abilities, this track tried to tell a story and got the message through. "Spirits Of The Wind" has that MANOWARish aspects of epic form of Heavy Metal. It presented a tasty chorus.

I think that the album's potential misses were in the image of "Gypsy" that served as a nice epic but without reason seemed to stretch more than it should have. It has excellent rhythms and great chorus but too lengthy. "Chasing The High" is a mix of 90s and 80s Metal, it w runs quite good until reaching the near end where starts sounding hazy. Being hazy scattered its flow.

Older fans of EXXPLORER that will be thrilled of this album being released will probably see the difference between now and then. I liked this release but it could be better.