This album doesn't sound much like a 1986 release, or German for that matter. It sounds most like a 1983 NWOBHM album, with a touch of Sinner thrown in for good measure. Not quite as overtly 80s-cheesy as Sinner, and chock full of power metal riffs, this album just sums up what HEAVY FUCKING METAL is all about. The closest comparison I can think of is actually the first Ossian (Hungary) LP, but this one is somewhat more NWOBHMish. But at some places the guitar tone is identical, and the vocals aren't that far off either.
Lots of shrieky soloes, a vocalist that really belts it out, a nice rhythm tone, and of course completely memorable songwriting... these guys totally borrowed a page from the Diamond Head songwriting book. Throwing in the occasional random melodic part (see the pre-chorus of "Heaven Can Wait") without sounding completely fucking silly, and the occasional upbeat borderline speed metal moment ("Champagne").
Highlights... surprisingly, the two bonus tracks are excellent. They are not quite as well-produced as the rest of the album, and I believe they are demos or something, given that slightly muffled sound. Still, both songs are excellent. "Hello America" is an epic number, and "Hot and Pretty" is just as silly as it sounds, but overall very well done. Imagine something from the second Crue album, as played by Running Wild listening to Sweet Savage.
The ultimate highlight, though... Warchild. Total NWOBHM chorus - I swear, the vocalist was imported from Britain, as he's got that style completely nailed. Midnight is also extremely well done. Just about everything here has a completely memorable chorus, including the balled "Frozen Heart", which explodes into speed metal about 3/4 of the way through, just after a very well done midpaced solo.
So is this album groundbreaking? Not especially. Does it come sucking in with the power of a thousand Opeths? Mercifully, no. This is just plain METAL, and don't expect to be anally perplexed by bizarro breakdowns or endless drum-oriented passages. Just turn it up so your neighbours can hear it too.
Sample:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PCBaqLz1yg&t=288s
