5th album from the Swedish melodic hard rockers, reviving the harder rock sounds of the 80s with a contemporary feel. With arena ready hard hitting riffs, a driving bass and drums, complete with big vocals and hooks, Eclipse embrace all the qualities one enjoys from the likes of newer names like W.E.T. (which singer Erik Martensson is also a member on guitar, with Jeff Scot Soto) and Crazy Lixx, to late 80s -90s favorites Harem Scarem, Talisman, Thunder, and Gotthard.

I mean, if the powerful beat and the Whitesnakeish main riff to ‘I Don’t Wanna Say I’m Sorry’, the modern rhythmic chorus to ‘Stand On Your Feet’, or that punchy verse lead-ins to each chorus for the foot tapper ‘The Storm’ can’t satisfy and prove pure straight forward hard rock/metal doesn’t exist today?...well then there is no pleasing you, or you’re just trapped in the past. A little effects on the guitar brings ‘Blood Enemies’ also into the 2000s. Strong complimenting keyboards back the riffs for the spirited radio ready ‘Wide Open’. ‘Live Like I’m Dying’ slows it down and brings the focus to vocals out front. ‘Breakdown’ has groove to the opening acoustic and slide guitar, rhythm, and kicks in nicely, reminds me of a couple Trixter tunes. ‘Love Bites’ (not the Leppard ballad) has a little of the LA glam metal vibe to its attack and works nicely into Eclipse harder hitting melodic rock style. ‘Caught Up In The Rush’ is another meat and potato rocker, great leads, riffs and big melodic backing vocals makes this another keeper. Those retro 80s keyboards for the verses gives ‘One Life –My Life’ this interesting alternative/new wave feel. Good dynamics.

Great band that should be one of the leaders today of this style of hard rock. Curious if America will get a clue sooner than later, or is this country gonna sleep on another great group of artists from Europe?...like they did with the Power Metal bands from the 90s-2000s? Hello America????(yes, Def Leppard pun intended).