This album had me at the name of the band. I'm not sure how I missed the first album but I've caught up now. Half way through the first track Skyline Whispers was in my 'recent favourite albums' playlist.
It's an album with a split personality though. There's nothing wrong with a bit of variation of style to keep an album interesting. Some songs, including the fantastic opener Sail On, rock in a real Deep Purple / Rainbow way. In a very good way. Other tracks swing into 80s AOR which is good to listen to but doesn't get my happy dance going as much as the more stonky stuff.
As I've said a few times recently, what is it with these Scandinavians? Bjorn Strid has an amazing and versatile voice.
Can a rock album be a commercial success any more? I don't know but if it is possible, this sounds like one.
It's still in the recent favourite albums, and may get an honourable mention in the end of year dirty dozen.
