Finally figured out the difference between White Wizzard and their Holy Grail offshoot. While both were raised on traditional/NWOBHM rhythms, with an affinity for neo-classical guitar flourishes, the Wizzards opt for a smoother, Americanized production/influences (including a downbeat Dokken inspired dual voiced ‘Steal Your Mind’ and ‘Storm Chaser’, an organ tinged, Sunset Strip romp, with impressive dual guitar break), whereas the Grails keep it more European sounding, Dio (circa Rainbow “Rising” and/or “Holy Diver”) mixed with Accept. There’s definitely room for both. Following a short, bouncy instrumental (2:02 ‘Forging The Steel’), the Wizzards tear into ‘Strike The Iron’.

Similar to their aptly entitled “Over The Top” debut (which they’ve yet to better), this fleet-fingered kickoff is easily the fastest tune of these eight proper inclusions. That’s not to say the catchy ‘Kings Of The Highway’ and blistering twin leads of ‘Lightning In My Hands’ won’t get noggens a nodding. ‘Torpedo Of Truth’ maximizes the guitar sweeps, with minimal lyrics, from yelping, high-pitched singer Joseph Michael. ‘The Sun Also Rises’ closes the album, initially just a lone acoustic and Michael, becoming a mid-tempo stadium rocker, ala Zak Stevens era Savatage. Probably not the parting shot that leaves the listener with a strong lasting impression.