“Dark Hours” is Lions Share’s 6th studio album again featuring the vocal talents of Patrik Johansson (who you may know from the bands Astral Doors and Wuthering Heights). “Dark Hours” cracks down on the listener hard and starts well with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal fashioned ‘Judas Must Die’.

What sounds like a child’s crib mobile sets the tone for the ‘Phantom Rider’ and Patrik’s darker toned vocal. This more ominous vibe carries over to ‘Demon in Your Mind’ and others like the Dioesque ‘Heavy Cross to Bear’ that also includes some fitting strings. Simple yet well played riffs inject ‘Full Metal Jacket’ and its galloping rhythm and melody line. Given the riff and steady beat ‘Napalm Nights’ could almost be a Primal Fear song.

The album also features guest players; guitarist Michael Romeo (Symphony X) and drummer Conny Pettersson (Anata). “Dark Hours” is good stuff, old school without sounding at all dated and recommended to fans of classic Grim Reaper and the like style power packed heavy metal.