This is the fourth full length of the Italian band MANTRA, already tell you right away, I recommend the album to any Hard Rock fan with that influence 70s, who drank from the fountain of bands like WHISTESNAKE and ZEPPELIN, and a very good reference is a band 90s who was also very well this kind of music, the great Badlands. We can also hear influences of '80s bands, especially those who practiced a Hard rawer and with punch, as MÖTLEY CRÜE's first album. Did you like the references? You have to hear this album.

MANTRA present their Classic Hard Rock 70s' influences, loaded with energy and punch, flirting with Heavy Metal at various times. The singer Jacopo (who also lends his voice to TYGERS OF PAN TANG) follow that classic school, and since I mentioned the BADLANDS, closely resembles the great Ray Gillen. The guitars led by Gianlucca Galli bring heavy and creative riffs, never forgetting the dose of malice and melody that the style needs, plus the clever use of classic effects like Wha Wha (again comes me the BADLANDS to mind again, specially the riffs that recall Jake Lee), and the rhythmic section (or kitchen, as we say here in Brazil) is energic and pulsating.

The heavy and slow tempo "Instructions 4 Destruction" opens the album with guitars full of harmonics and with the use of Wha Wha (Badlands and something of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY comes to mind); "Bound For Glory" brings a fast and energetic pace while "30 Minutes of Fame" (cool title!), It's a mid tempo song, with that necessary groove and malice of 70's Hard Rock, highlighting once again the excellent use of Wha Whas.

Lots of energy, groove and riffs and catchy choruses, and are 10 exciting tracks, and the album only gets better. Then we have the energy of "Mr Shameless", a 70's "metalized" Hard! Check the weight of the riffs in the middle of the song! Highlights also include the catchy chorus! The next song, "In the Name of Our Fathers" is even more "Metal" with riffs in the style of Iron Maiden, including one that closely resembles the "Two Minutes to Midnight" riff.

"The Grinder" has a mid-tempo Heavy/Blues, heavy guitar, and maybe brings one of the most cool chorus of the album, with a catchy guitar lick accompanying it, also emphasizing the pulsing bass lines.

"John Roskow" has a catchy balance on guitar base and melodious riffs, and another cool chorus; "Endless Night" great ballad with acoustic and orchestral arrangements in the style of the masters LED ZEPPELIN, one of my favorites songs; "Wicked Desire", keeps intact the high level of the album, also bringing the influences of the Classic Hard Rock, and "Rush for Road" closes the album very well, full of punch and powerful riffs.

A very well-balanced album, well executed and recommended for any lover of a Hard Rock full of energy, done with malice and melody, and anyone looking for good bands who honor the best that the Hard Rock Classic provides us.