KROKUS, HELLRAISER CD REVIEW ON ROCK N ROLL UNIVERSE

Swiss metal veterans Krokus roar back with 'Hellraiser', which shows these hard rockers have plenty of life left in them even after 30 years. Their first album in nearly three decades to not feature guitarist Fernando Von Arb, who's been replaced by Mandy Meyer(Asia, House Of Lords), who previously played with the band back in the 80's, this is a rock solid effort which recalls the finest of the band's commercial heyday.

Containing 14 tracks, which range from AC/DC styled party rockers such as the rampaging opening title track or "Too Wired To Sleep," to more commercial fare such as the album's first single "Angel Of My Dreams," which would've been a hit back in the 80's, to darker material as on "Spirit Of The Night," this album has a lot to offer to afficionados of classy melodic metal. The band sounds rejuvenated, and vocalist Marc Storace is in particularly fine form throughout, proving that he hasn't lost a step during many years of screaming in the night, or day for that matter, whatever the case may be. Meyer rejoining seems to have given the band a kick in the ass, as this very well may be the best release the band has come up with since they were staples on MTV back in the glory days of this style of music. Which, considering that despite their wavering chart success in the intervening years their catalog is pretty solid, says a lot concerning the quality of this one. Not only for the band's fan base, 'Hellraiser' is an album that could very well see them picking up new fans while at the same time satisfying long time supporters as well. This one's sure to get a lot of play in my household, and chances are, after buying this it'll get a lot of play in yours as well. Definitely recommended. 8.5/10 www.krokusonline.com