Fifth album from these German power metallers lead by guitarist Alex Beyrodt (Primal Fear, Sinner, Voodoo Circle). Being a fan of the band’s past work, this is better than the previous album “Walk On Earth” which I found a retread and bland. “Ashes” is more inspired like “Worlds Apart” as the opening title track kicks European metal butt (i.e; ‘Infatuator’) with Alex gracefully coloring the song with those quick Yngwie-like leads. Michael Bormann (Jaded Heart) replaces DC Cooper (Royal Hunt) on vocals, joined by Rage drummer Andre Hilgers, and the new blood seems to be a great shot of energy and creativity to Alex’s Force.

Some nice very 80s sounding keyboards compliment ‘There Ain’t No Justice’ and first video single ‘Circle of Trust’. ‘Living To Die’ keeps in the mid tempo melodic mode offering more bright leads and backing vocals. ‘Before You Run’ gets a little more in your face and kind of reminds me of a Firewind song, with a big 80s Scorpions riffage (‘Turn Me Loose’, which also has that nice Voodoo Circle sounding keys) and keyboards backing ‘You Gotta Kick It’… it boggles the mind how Silent Force and sooo many of their peers (Edguy, Blind Guardian, Hammerfall, Primal Fear, etc) from European countries have not been groomed to take over for the godfathers is beyond me??? American hard rock radio continues to be clueless (has been for years) and does nothing for traditional hard rock and Euro power/heavy metal. Thank God for the European festivals who get it! ‘Kiss Of Death’ could have been a (solid) Voodoo Circle left over.