Nine originals and a closing cover of Kiss’ ‘Strange Ways’ comprise the eleventh studio album from mainstay guitarist Geoff Thorpe (the double LP features a pair of live bonus cuts; ‘Murderball’ and ‘Abandoned’). Former Anvil Chorus six-stringer Thaen Rasmussen has rejoined the band and Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis guests on a trio of tunes. Thorpe compares this album to “Word Of Mouth”, conceding that the previous outing (“Razorback Killers”) was heavy throughout (and thereby forgetting some of VR’s key components, like melody and sing-along choruses). ‘D Block’ approaches the shredding speed of that last record, but without the loss of harmonies.

The title track is a ploddingly heavy slow grinder, while the opening ‘I Am The Gun’, speedy ‘Black X List’ and the lengthy instrumental section within ‘Thirst For A Kill’ recall the days on Atlantic Records. Soft, ballad ‘Escape (From Hell)’ sees Brian Allen alter between normal, high pitched range and gruff vocalizations, until 3 ½ minutes in, when it takes a decidedly more frenzied pace, ultimately ending much as it began, a near acoustic, slightly psychedelic meander. ‘Together We Unite’ is another slice of AOR rock fodder. Punishment? No, more like guilty pleasure.