The German hard rock/melodic metallers have been in the news lately, after causing a fuss as the opening act on the Primal Fear/Brainstorm co-headlining European tour. Cool guitar solo in ‘Blood Stained Lies’. ‘Tonight’ is a ballad disguised by the presence of a little guitar, more in keeping with the mellower days of yore for this long running Teutonic outfit. No such subterfuge with ‘One Life One Death’, straight power ballad territory. Think Extreme’s ‘More Than Words’ or Mr. Big’s ‘To Be With You’.

Speaking of others, ‘Rising’ initially recalls Queensryche, but overall Jaded Heart are that rare hybrid, the likes of which this continent has never successfully developed: an Americanized Pretty Maids, if you will. Reference ‘Freedom Call’. Also decent guitar noodling on ‘Hell Just Arrived’ and ‘Psycho Kiss’.