Despite the German pedigree, have never been a big fan of Mystic Prophecy, but this album is a great combination of commercial 80s metal and latter day power metal: simple, albeit bold singable choruses, strong melodies and vocal harmonies. Following the opening title track, a mighty roar launches a proto-thrash ‘Armies Of Hell’, a double bass hammering sing-along from… well, you know where! It’s just the first to feature tons of spirited guitar shred. Despite the title, ‘To Hell And Back’ recalls radio-friendly hard rock, minus any syrup.

A more modern, staccato riffing ‘Kill The Beast’ shuffles on a repetitive, headbanging-worthy beat. (Middle?) Eastern rhythms introduce the deliberate hammer on anvil paced ‘Hate Black’. ‘Children Of The Damned’ and ‘300 In Blood’ are solid, if unremarkable, giving way to the stellar end portion of “Killhammer”. ‘Angels Of Fire’ recalls the aforementioned beefed up, modern sound, without losing tonality. No easy feat to master. Historical epic ‘Warriors Of The Northern Seas’ changes tempo a couple of times and ‘Set The World On Fire’ bounces on short guitar riffs, until a blistering solo overrides. The closing cover of Ozzy’s ‘Crazy Train’ is a no-win proposition, especially when slowing down such a well known (beloved) scorcher. At least the original material is top notch!